Bike and Save in Lakeview

Lakeview businesses are now offering deals for customers arriving by bike who show their helmet! The Lakeview and Lakeview East Chambers of Commerce have partnered with the local business community to promote their bike-friendly neighborhood with the Bike-Friendly Business discount program. Look for the Bike-Friendly Business window decals in storefronts around the neighborhood. The discounts are part of Lakeview's Bike-Friendly Business District program, which promotes shopping local and markets neighborhood businesses to a growing and vibrant customer group: people who ride bikes. Join the conversation about biking in Lakeview on social media by using the tag #BikeLakeview. Learn more about bike-friendly discounts and biking in Lakeview at www.bikefriendlylakeview.com.

The Low-Line Market Is Back at Southport CTA Station on Thursdays

Now in its second year of operation, the Low-Line Market is a prepared food and farmers market, with the goal of creating an experience where neighbors can meet and gather while enjoying greater access to a collection of high quality produce, prepared foods and handcrafted goods from local farms and vendors. By increasing availability of local food sources within convenient walking distance of a high-traffic residential area, the Low-Line Market aims to increase sustainability within our community. Find it Thursday evenings at the auxiliary exit of the Southport Brown Line CTA Station. June 5 - September 4: 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.; September 11 - October 16: 3:00 p.m. - Sunset. Learn more at www.lowlinemarket.com.

EMAIL SCAMMERS POSING AS ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE TO COLLECT PHONY DEBT

Attorney General Lisa Madigan alerted Illinois residents about an email scam that uses her office's name and falsely threatens prosecution to collect on supposed debts.

Madigan's office is investigating the scam after Illinois residents reported receiving emails from accounts that fraudulently appear to be sent by a representative of the Attorney General's office. The emails include an attached "final warning" letter stamped with an official-looking seal that alleges the recipient owes money on an outstanding loan and must pay off the balance or face prosecution by the office.

"This email is an outright scam," Madigan said. "Do not respond to anyone claiming to represent my office with demands for money or threatening prosecution. Instead, call our Consumer Fraud Bureau immediately at 1-800-243-0618."

Madigan's office said people who have applied for loans online may be at particular risk for the scam because they have provided their personal and financial information to companies that in turn sell the information to either lenders or, in some cases, illegal fraudsters seeking to use the personal information for profit.

by Office Intern Luis Lopez Reichling, Senior at St. Benedict Preparatory School 

My recent internship at the 47th Ward Alderman's Office served as an invaluable field study into the relationship between local arts organizations and their communities. Studies in urban planning and sociology show that artists play a vital role in the social and economic health of their neighborhoods. They improve the aesthetics of streets and buildings, create events that foster social interaction, and attract economic activity such as new businesses, restaurants and tourism. However, as property values and rents increase, artists and arts organizations are often driven out of the communities they have helped create. With this in mind, the larger question is how local residents and government can support community artists during a time when federal funding for the arts and arts education has been drastically reduced. Local patronage is certainly key, and I hope that my weekly columns have helped raise awareness of the incredibly diverse cultural scene happening in and around the 47th Ward's sections of North Center, Lincoln Square, Ravenswood, Uptown and Lake View.

The 47th Ward houses one of Chicago's most vibrant artistic communities. I have observed that far from being commercial enterprises disengaged from their local neighborhood, the arts organizations and artistic activities happening here are truly reflective of its residents. Organizations I have visited and interviewed -- including the DANK Haus, The New Colony Theatre, Ravenswood Community Orchestra, Brazil in Chicago, Lillstreet Art Center, Chicago Printmakers Collaborative, Perceptual Motion, The Public House Theater, ARTango, Flamenco Arts Center and Child's Play Touring Theater -- represent a wide range of programs, missions and disciplines. In addition, each organization has a unique operating model; some operate as traditional non-profits while others are hybrids that merge artistic production with other revenue-generating activities such as food service and language classes. What has emerged is a thriving creative community that is both entrepreneurial and cosmopolitan. Our arts represent a large part of the spirit of the 47th Ward.

Creative activity, whether a performance, art class, exhibit or cultural event, is part of the glue that bonds a community. What I have learnt during my internship in Alderman Pawar's office is that art and politics are not mutually exclusive because art is an integral part of civic life. The opportunity to explore and understand this relationship, and to learn more about the local art scene along the way, has been a great privilege and pleasure during my tenure at the 47th Ward Office.

Amundsen Outdoor Art & Music Festival, 5110 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60625, 773-534-2320

Thursday, June 12th at 6:30PM to 10:00PM 

An outdoor art and musical festival at Amundsen High School for the whole family to enjoy. 

JHP Community Center's Annual Youth Showcase, Northside College, 5501 N. Kedzie Avenue, 

Friday, June 13th doors open at 6:30PM. Show starts at 7:00PM and goes until 8:30PM 

Kids ages 6-13 showcase their talents in Modified Karate, in which they've worked to develop good character discipline, leadership, and proper attitude. 

"Louder than a Mom" at Martyrs', 3855 N. Lincoln

June 16, Monday 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM A monthly storytelling event with 10 stories based on a theme, inspired by a mom and open to all: storytellers, writers, artists, parents. Everyone has a miserable, hilarious, depressing, ridiculous family story!

Ghostbusters: Movie at Chase Park, Chase Park, 4701 N. Ashland Avenue

June 20, Friday 9:00 PM - 11:00 PMA group of unemployed parapsychologists set themselves up as "Ghostbusters" to help New Yorkers rid their homes and their city of paranormal invaders. Bring a blanket and a snack, and come enjoy this free outdoor movie at Chase Park!

The Two Gentlemen of Verona: Shakespeare in the (Chase) Parks, Chase Park, 4701 N. Ashland Avenue

Saturday & Sunday, June 21st & 22nd at 5:00 p.m.Grab a blanket and come enjoy an outdoor Shakespearean play! This fun, family-friendly show is FREE! Spectralia Theatre's Bard in the Parks program returns to Chase Park in June with The Two Gentlemen of Verona.Set during the Yukon Gold Rush, this family-friendly, 90-minute version of The Two Gentlemen of Verona is a great introduction to Shakespeare as well as a new take on a classic comedy. Patrons are encouraged to bring picnics, blankets and/or chairs to this outdoor production.

Family Fun Fest at Chase,  Chase Park, 4701 N. Ashland Avenue

June 25th, 6:00PM-8:00PM Back by popular demand, our Family Fun Fest will provide an evening of family-friendly free entertainment to community members. Join us before our FAMILY FUN FILM screening of "The Wizard of Oz" for a jazzy sing-a-long of the soundtrack performed by the Go2Girls.

Square Roots Festival, Lincoln Ave. between Montrose and Wilson
Friday, July 11th, 5:00PM - 10:00 PM, Saturday, July 12th, 12:00PM - 10:00 PM, Sunday, July 13th, 12:00PM - 9:00 PM

We're back this year with two outdoor stages, two indoor stages, and over 60 acts! We've got unique vendors, delicious local food, and we're pouring over 30 craft beers!

The New Colony, 4740 N. Western Avenue
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

Hair, American Theater Company, 1909 W. Byron Street

Thru June 29th 
A group of hippies explore the idea of love and civil rights in 1968 in this classic rock musical.
www.atcweb.org

Bye Bye Liver,The Public House Theater, 3914 N Clark St.

 every Friday & Saturday 8:00PM & 10:00PM
A series of outrageous and hilarious comedic sketches, all centered around one thing...alcohol!

Pitbull & I, The Public House Theater, 3914 N Clark St

every Thursday 8:00PM
A comedic sketch with Brian McGovern "and" pop star Pitbull, where you will certainly be invited dance and laugh.
www.pubhousetheatre.com

Pimprov, The Black Ensemble Theater, 4450 N. Clark St.

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!
 www.blackensembletheater.org

Deathprov, Cornservatory, 4210 N. Lincoln Avenue

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.

Bat Hamlet, Cornservatory, 4210 N. Lincoln Avenue

June 20th to July 19th, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00PM
A hilarious mash-up of Hamlet and Batman storylines, this maddening play is unforgettable.
www.cornservatory.com   

Night Out in the Park: Tales from Around the World at Chase, Chase Park, 4701 N. Ashland Avenue
July 15th, 10:00AM-12:00PM

Chicago DanzTheatre Ensemble performs an interactive theatre and dance performance featuring global folk tales from various cultures.  

Chemically Imbalanced Comedy, 1422 W. Irving Park Road
Open Mic, every Wednesday at 9:00PM
All art forms from music and acting sketches to comedic stand up will be presented to the public from local artists. All are welcome!

Ben Fest, Leavitt and Irving Park
July 18-20, 2014, Friday 4:00PM-11:00PM, Saturday 1:00PM-11:00PM, Sunday 1:00PM-7:00PM

The annual BenFest is one of the North side's longest-running family festivals and unique to other community events. Cost: $5 donation

Bell School

Congratulations to Sam, Zoe, Kate and Matthew who are 6th Grade Future Problem Solvers at Bell School.  They advanced to the International Future Problem Solvers Conference at Iowa State University after placing 1st in Illinois back in April.   

Bell alumna Maddie, who is now at Jones College Prep, also advanced.  She placed first in the senior division individual competition.    

Lake View High School

LVHS is collecting donations for equipment they need to defend their City Championship in soccer.  Click here to make a donation. 

Waters School

5th/6th GRADE GIRLS SOCCER TEAM PLACES 3RD IN THE CITY! 
The Waters' 5th/6th-grade girl's soccer team placed first in our Ravenswood Network, and have now finished 3rd in the entire City of Chicago!

WATERS GARDEN DOES GOOD
Did you know that vegetables from Waters' fabulous community garden help feed the homeless? Mr. Leki takes harvests from our garden to help feed the homeless through First Slice Café. Here, 8th-graders Lily and Jasmina proudly display a large harvest of kale, chard, dill, lettuce, and endive from the Waters garden. Yet another great effort between our school and its community!

North Park Elementary School

North Park Elementary School is accepting applications for the 2014-2015 school year. As a private, non-sectarian, coed school located at 2017 W. Montrose for children in Pre-K-8th grade, NPES has a proven record of academic excellence.  With one class per grade and an average of 20 students per class, every student is well-known, and receives individual attention from classroom teachers.  To learn more, email  npesadmissions@npeschool.org or visit www.npeschool.org 

Upcoming dates are: June 20, July 18 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.  

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.   

Check out the infrastructure map on our webpage!

3900 N Hamilton Street Resurfacing

• Grinding scheduled for mid-June (tentatively scheduled for June 18)
• Paving and striping scheduled for late June (tentatively scheduled for June 26)

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, driveway, curb and gutter, and ramp work continues along various stretches of the corridor. 

• Sewer and electrical work has started and new street light poles will go up starting in mid to late June.

• Plantings between Western and Damen are expected to be performed in late June or early July.  New trees have recently been installed in the pedestrian refuge islands and some of the planters. The remaining landscaping work between Damen and Clark will be finished up next spring.   

• Work on the south side of the street near McPherson will be completed over the summer once school is not in session.
• Street resurfacing and final striping will be completed in the fall.  

Brown Line Construction

Work on the Brown Line tracks near the Rockwell Station will continue through 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. 

Water Main Replacement for Hoyne between Irving Park and Grace

Contractors working with the Dept. of Water Management have replaced the water main from 1895 under Hoyne between Irving Park and Grace. Concrete restoration is underway.  Street resurfacing will occur soon.  For full information, please click here.  

Water Main Replacement for Byron between Damen and Ravenswood

Contractors working with the Dept. of Water Management have replaced the water main from 1891 under Byron from Damen to Ravenswood.  Restoration will begin soon. For full information, please  click here.

Water Main Replacement for Warner between Leavitt and Damen

Contractors working with the Dept. of Water Management will begin replacing the water main from 1891 under Warner from Leavitt to Damen.  For more information, please click here.   

Water Main Replacement on the 3500 of Leavitt and Hamilton

Contractors working with the Department of Water Management have begun working to replace the 1891 mains under Leavitt from Addison to Belmont, Hamilton from Addison to School.  For full information on this project, please click here.    

Water Mains Coming Soon:

Berteau (Bell to Damen): Start in June

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 installed. Excavation of topsoil, stripping, fill disposal and topsoil placement is underway.   Excavation to install Limestone/Flagstone is underway. Root Wads will also be installed along the river bank in the coming weeks.

• 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 Lawrence and Grace landscaping projects are underway 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.

For more information, visit the infrastructure section of our website or contact Jim Poole at jim@chicago47.org or 773-549-4462.