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

December 12, 2014  
 
On this day in 1965, Bears' rookie running back Gale Sayers scores six touchdowns during a single game against the San Francisco 49ers at Wrigley Field, tying the NFL record for most touchdowns in a single game.
Dear Neighbor,

 

This week, I want to recognize all our chambers of commerce and their leadership for being such tremendous partners in promoting economic development in our community. When I took office in 2011 the economy was still sputtering and we had many empty storefronts. Over the last three and a half years, many of the storefronts on Damen, Wilson, Montrose and Lincoln are now filled with independently owned businesses. Just as exciting, we are starting to see new businesses seek out Lawrence, Western and Ashland. Attracting this many new businesses would not have been possible without our partnerships with:

  • Northcenter Chamber of Commerce & SSA #38 - Garrett Fitzgerald
  • Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce & SSA #21- Rudy Flores
  • Ravenswood Community Council & SSA #31- Megan Bunimovich
  • Lakeview Chamber of Commerce & SSA #27- Heather Way
  • Central Lakeview Merchant Commerce Association & SSA #17-Gus Isacson
  • Uptown Business Partners & SSA #34-Keith McCormick
  • Andersonville Chamber of Commerce, Andersonville Development Corporation & SSA #22 - Ellen Shepard 
  • Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce-Mary Markarian  
  • North Branch Works - Michael Holzer

These business organizations work closely with Ernie Constantino in my office to attract new businesses and help new businesses navigate the permit and licensing process. A big thanks you to all of our business partners. And remember, shop local this holiday season!

 

 

A Sampling of New 47th Ward Businesses

  • Viva Lima Peruvian Restaurant - 4020 N. Lincoln Avenue
  • Band of Bohemia - 4710 N. Ravenswood Avenue
  • Q Brothers - 4718 N. Lincoln Avenue - NOW OPEN
  • Lou Malnati's Pizzeria - 4344 N. Lincoln Avenue
  • Roots Pizza - 2200 W. Lawrence Avenue
  • Bare Burger - 3355-61 N. Lincoln Avenue
  • Fountainhead Market - 1966 W. Montrose Avenue
  • Jerry's Sandwiches - 2326 W. Giddings Street
  • Chicago Fire Soccer Center - 3626 N. Talman Avenue - NOW OPEN
  • Ampersand Wine Bar - 4845 N. Damen Avenue
  • Cantina de la Granja - 5025 N. Clark Street - NOW OPEN
  • Baker Miller - 4610 N. Western Avenue - NOW OPEN

Have a great weekend!


Sincerely,
Ameya  
This Week...
Unwrap Lincoln Square Ravenswood
City Warming Centers
Christmas Tree Recycling
Jefferson Township Now OPEN for Property Tax Appeals
City of Chicago News
47th Ward A&C
Arts Scene @ Queen of Angels
Get Covered Illinois
School Tours & Promotions
Cold & Flu Season Reminders
Dara Reports
Infrastructure Update
Free Meal @ Pilgrim Lutheran
CPC Art Exhibit
Living Nativity @ Bethany
Yoga
Susan Hoffman Holiday Concert
Blue Nativity @ Ravenswood Pres
KT's Kids Toy Drive
Chanukah in the Square
Trivia Night @ Pilgrim
Community Events
Final Thoughts

Upcoming
Ward Nights
Wednesdays
5:00pm to 7:00pm   

January 7

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On Chicago47.org
2014-2015 Residential Pick-up/Van Permits Available

If you are the owner of a pickup truck or van, you need a special permit to park on the residential streets in the 47th Ward.

 

The permits for the 2014-2015 season are now available.  Please bring your registration and city sticker information into our office along with your truck to receive your permit. 

2015 Shared Cost Sidewalk Program

Does the sidewalk adjacent to your property need some tender loving care?  You should consider enrolling in Chicago's Shared Cost Sidewalk Program.  The program allows you to split the cost of new sidewalk squares with the City.   

 

The application period is always very short because of limited funding.  This year the application period opens on Tuesday, January 13th at 12:01am.

 

To apply for the program please call 311 or use the city's website. If you have any questions about this program, please contact Brad Gregorka, in the 47th Ward Office at brad@chicago47.org. 
Jefferson Township Now OPEN for Property Tax Appeals

Now until December 15th 2014 - homeowners who live in Jefferson Township (west of Western Avenue in the 47th Ward) may appeal their property tax assessment to the Cook County Board of Review. Appealing your property tax assessment is an opportunity to ensure your property tax bills are fair and accurate. The most common reason to appeal is over-valuation. You may file your appeal online by clicking here.  

 

Have questions about the appeal process or need assistance to file an appeal? Contact Commissioner Bridget Gainer's Office at 312-603-4210/info@bridgetgainer.com, Commissioner John Fritchey's Office at 773-871-4000/office@fritchey.com or Board of Review Commissioner Michael Cabonargi's (2nd District) Office at 312-603-5560.

News from the City of Chicago


 
47th Ward A&C*

*Arts & Culture  

 

American Theater Company, 1909 W. Byron St.

The Humans, Nov. 14-Dec. 21

Take a fresh look at the American family.. as you've never seen it before!

www.atcweb.org 

 

Black Ensemble Theater, 4450 N. Clark St.

At Last: A Tribute to Etta James

A critically acclaimed celebration of the highs and lows of James' brilliant musical career.

Plays With A Purpose: BoBo The Bully, thru Dec. 17

A series of four interactive musical plays that teach school kids how to live life in a positive and meaningful way. Teachers are provided with workbooks and activities to reinforce the lessons taught in the plays.

www.blackensembletheater.org

 

Chemically Imbalanced Comedy, 1422 W. Irving Park Rd.
Free 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!

Process-The Holiday Production, 8PMDec. 12

Pimprov, 10:30PM Dec. 12

Saturday Night at CIC, 10:30PM Dec. 13

The Blender, 8PM Dec. 14

Gigantic, 8PM Dec. 17

www.cictheater.com 

 

Corn Productions Conservatory, 4210 N. Lincoln Ave.

DRINK! The Sketch Comedy Drinking Game - Best of Year One, Saturdays at 11pm Nov. 8-Jan. 10

BYOB to a series of 'mind-altering' comedy bits!

The Rain Dance with Rainstick, Tuesdays 8 PM, thru Nov. 18

Join in the fun with the Rainstock group as they perform sketch comedy, improv, musical numbers and maybe even some break-dancing!

www.cornservatory.org  

 

Davis Theater, 4614 N. Lincoln Ave.

Now Playing: Exodus: Gods & Kings, Birdman, Big Hero 6, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 

www.davistheater.com 

 

The Public House Theatre, 3914 N. Clark St.

Bye Bye Liver, Fridays & Saturdays 8 PM & 10 PM  

A series of outrageous and hilarious comedic sketches, all centered around one thing ... alcohol!

http://pubhousetheatre.com

 

Silvie's Lounge, 1902 W. Irving Park Rd.

Enjoy a wide variety of musical genres, local talent as well as touring acts in one of the most acoustically appealing venues in Chicago.

See calendar

The Arts Scene at Queen of Angels Church

The Arts Scene is a concert series at Queen of Angels church located in Lincoln Square. (2330 W. Sunnyside) It will feature quality artists from Chicago and beyond bringing a wide range of sacred and secular music. Concerts will include solo and vocal ensembles, instrumental concerts, organ recitals on the historic Möller organ and the Christmas Festival featuring the choirs of Queen of Angels performing The Messiah, and various collegiate choirs. There is no cost for the series but free will donations will be accepted at the door. For more information or to join our mailing list contact: music@queenofangelschicago.org

 

Sunday December 14th at 7:00
Queen of Angels Choirs will present Handel's Messiah and several other smaller works in their 2014 Christmas Concert. Featuring the Queen of Angels Choristers, Cherub Choir and the Adult Choir with soloists from the Schola Angelorum.

 

School Tours & Promotions    

 

Amundsen High School Tours

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). Tour dates for the remainder of 2014 are:

  •           Thursday, December 11 at 10 a.m.

School tours are also available by appointment by contacting Erik Olson at ejolson@cps.edu. Eighth grade shadow days can be arranged on the Amundsen High School website. 

 

New Brochure for Prospective Amundsen Students and Families

Amundsen High School offers a top-performing International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme, 25 varsity sports, more than 40 clubs and a thriving cultural environment where every student feels challenged and valued. Learn more about what our neighborhood high school has to offer in Amundsen's new brochure. 

 

Lake View High School

 

 

Ravenswood School

 

 

 

McPherson Elementary

   

 

 

 

Pilgrim Lutheran Church & School

 

Academic Excellence...

Pilgrim uses a "whole child" approach, focusing on academic, spiritual, emotional, social, and physical development. Pilgrim prides itself on a play-based preschool and kindergarten, high test scores and our graduates, 95% of whom attend competitive high school programs.

 

...With a Heart

Faith development is an integral part of the growth process and enables students to achieve success and a positive place for themselves in society.

 

Want to Learn More? Pilgrim's next Open House Date is January 20, 2015

For More Information or to schedule a one-on-one tour call us at 773.477.4824

Or visit www.pilgrimchurchandschool.org 

 

Pilgrim Lutheran Church and School                                

"Academic Excellence with a Heart"

4300 N. Winchester Ave.

Chicago, IL 60613

 

 

 

 

    

St. Benedict School

Explore Our Unique PK-12 Catholic, College Prep Campus!

St. Benedict Preparatory School, at Irving Park Rd and Leavitt Street, is the only PK-grade 12 Catholic, co-educational parish school in the Archdiocese of Chicago. We offer a unique college prep program in a welcoming, inclusive, diverse community. Tours of SBPS are conducted weekly or scheduled at your convenience.

 

Preschool tours take place on most Tuesday mornings at 9:00am. Kindergarten through grade 5 tours take place on most Wednesday mornings at 9:30am.  Secondary School tours (grades 6-12) are conducted by appointment.  Visit our website at www.stbenedict.com.

Dara Reports

 

A lovely time was had by all at Monday's 47th Ward Senior Holiday Luncheon. So many folks to thank! Take a look at the number of people, elected officials and neighborhood businesses who come together to kick off the holiday season for our neighborhood seniors.

 

North Center Chamber of Commerce partnered with Alderman Pawar to provide this festive day to our neighborhood seniors. It is truly a community effort! St. Benedict hosted, their students served the tasty lunch, which was provided by Andy Khalish of Ravenswood Event Center, while we were all entertained by the talented Amundsen High School Chorus led by Bill Spain. This would never happen without dozens of our neighborhood volunteers working tirelessly to create this a memorable event.

 

 

Chicago Snow Corps is a program that connects volunteers with residents in single family homes in need of snow removal - such as seniors and folks living with disabilities.

 

While winter can be hazardous for everyone here in the City of Chicago, it can be especially difficult for elderly and physically disabled residents, who may not have the ability or resources to remove snow from their sidewalks and walkways. Chicago Snow Corps aims to help minimize potential heavy-snow emergencies by pairing volunteers with blocks where elderly and disabled citizens have requested help.


To request a volunteer, or become a volunteer, to shovel your block in case of extreme snowfall, call 311 or call or email Dara in the 47th Ward Office at 773-868-4747. This is a volunteer-matching service. The City will do its best to match those who have requested assistance. Also, if you have a neighbor who can use a hand, please let your neighborhood group know or call the office.

We have a request from a senior on the 3600 block of Artesian. If you live near there and can lend a hand, please let me know.

 

Keep your home safe when you travel:

Give a friend a key. Ask them to shovel if it snows.

Stop your newspaper delivery.

Tell the post office to hold all of your mail.

Put a sign on your door for packages to be sent to an alternative address.

Don't blab about your trip on Facebook.

Put timers on lights and a radio.

Unplug television, computer, toaster, etc.

Remove your spare key from its hiding place.

 

Generous neighbors would like to donate a 6' tree on December 16, to someone who needs one.

Please email:  freexmastree@hotmail.com 

 

Don't have a use for your old cell phones? Drop them off at the alderman's office. We collect year round for Cell Phones for Soldiers. There couldn't be an easier way to help our soldiers stay in touch with family & friends.

 

Bring your used alkaline batteries to the alderman's office. Thanks to C3 and our C3 volunteer, neighbor Andres H, we are the grateful recipients of two collection buckets for batteries. Once the buckets are filled they will be sent via FedEx to a recycling center in California. Look at all of the excellent work they do: http://chicagoconservationcorps.org/ 

    

Ravenswood Elementary is collecting new and gently used ballet, tap and jazz dance shoes to support our new dance program and students' learning of various dance styles. To donate, please drop shoes off at Alderman 47th Ward's office or at one of our many neighborhood partners' facilities including Lill Street Arts Center, Old Town School of Folk Music or Ravenswood Community Services.  These shoes will benefit Ravenswood Elementary dancers for years to come as they embark on a journey to learn many styles and techniques of dance.

 

ComEd Residential Special Hardship Program

Effective December 1 until December 25 Customers of Record aged 60+ will not be required to provide proof of hardship. Seniors aged 60+ will also be eligible with any income. This temporary change will remain in effect until December 25 unless otherwise notified.  For full information on the program, please click here.  

 

Senior Council looking for members. Are you interested in issues facing our neighborhood seniors, finding solutions and enjoy planning events? Meet others who share your interests and are "doers". Please join our 47th Ward Senior Council - being a senior is not a prerequisite. We're quite efficient; we meet 9 times a year for an hour! Call Dara 773-868-4747   

 

Please bring your unwanted or outgrown coats, hats, scarves and gloves to our office.

We will distribute them to the clients of: Common Pantry, Heartland Human Care Service & Lincoln Square Friendship Center. These non-profits are in our neighborhood, caring for those who need our support 

 

Forward Chicago, a grass-roots, all volunteer, non-profit brings active, involved, engaged folks together. Whether you enjoy walking in the neighborhood, are looking for a Book Club, into handcrafts, ready to learn or already play bridge, relish going to new restaurants for lunch or dinner or have another idea you'd like to bring to life, join us. www.forwardchicago.org  

 

We are very fortunate to live in a safe neighborhood. It's safe because of many factors; there is still more we can do. Please create a phone tree for your block to use as an alert system. Participate in "positive loitering" with a neighbor and your dog. Another good reason to have a dog - a barking dog in your house or apartment is a deterrent to burglars.  See more tips on chicago47.org. 

 

CAPS Meetings! Why should you attend? Learn how to be proactive in preventing crime, have your concerns heard. http://chicago47.org/beat-meetings/  

 

You may attend any CAPS Meeting in your district (south of Lawrence is #19; north of Lawrence is #20).

 

Ongoing Collections:pet food for Friendship Pet Food Pantry,blankets and towels are always needed for clean bedding at area pet shelters. Used games for Sulzer Library's Game Night, unwanted CD's can become part of an art project. Artists and teachers need them. Bring these to the alderman's office.

47th Ward Infrastructure Update 

Check out the infrastructure map on our website. 

 

Lawrence Avenue Streetscape 

  • Street paving on Lawrence between Ravenswood and Clark has been completed and thermoplastic striping and stamped asphalt crosswalk markings have been installed along this stretch.  Sidewalks, ramps, curbs/gutters, and bus pads have also been completed, meaning the great majority of hardscape work has been finished along the project limits (Western to Clark).
  • New pedestrian refuge islands (including ADA compliant ramps) have been installed along the entire stretch between Western and Clark.  ADA ramps are being installed to line up with the street crossings at the pedestrian islands.  Damaged trees are under warranty and will be replaced in the spring.
  • Bike racks, chairs, trash receptacles, and benches were recently installed and new signage has also been erected along the entire corridor.
  • Sewer and electrical work continues. Most of the new street light poles have been installed and old poles have been removed.  As the remaining poles are removed, these areas will be filled in with brick pavers or concrete.  All traffic signals will also be re-timed to help improve traffic flow and pedestrian countdown clocks will be programmed as well.
  • Landscaping work for fall plantings in Claremont Plaza and elsewhere between Western and Damen has been finished up for the season and the remaining plantings will be done in the spring.  Fencing in Claremont Plaza is expected to be completed by the end of the winter.  Infiltration planters have been addressed in preparation for the winter.
  • Neighborhood identifiers are expected to be installed on street light poles in January and punch list items are currently being addressed.

As always, pay close attention to parking restrictions.

 

Water Main Replacement for Berteau from Damen to Bell

Contractors working with the Dept. of Water Management have replaced the water main from 1894 under Berteau Avenue between Damen and Bell. Parking restrictions and road closures are in effect, where posted, M-F from 7am  to 4pm.  Crews have poured concrete in the trench pending full asphalt restoration in the spring as soon as weather allows.  For more information on this project, please click here. 

 

Water Main Replacement for Rockwell from Lawrence to Montrose & Eastwood from Virginia to Western

Contractors working with the Dept. of Water Management have begun replacing the water mains from 1906 under Rockwell from Lawrence to Montrose and Eastwood from Virginia to Western.  Parking restrictions and road closures will be in effect, where posted, M-F from 7am to 4pm.  The main installation on Rockwell is complete north of the CTA tracks. Eastwood service transfers will continue through next week
are nearly complete. The entire project is expected to be completed by January 2015 and concrete will be poured in the trench to grade to make the road passable, with resurfacing and landscape restoration following in Spring 2015. For more information on this project, please click here.

 

Please note that if you live on a dead end street and crews are in your way, you are encouraged to talk with the workers and they will find a way to get you to your home. 

 

Water Main Replacement for Seeley from Montrose to Wilson

Contractors working with the Dept. of Water Management have begun replacing the water main from 1890 under Seeley from Montrose to Wilson. No parking will be necessary M-F from 7am to 4pm.  The project is expected to be complete by mid-December 2014 with street resurfacing to be completed in Spring 2015.  For more information on this project, please click here. 

 

Water Main Replacement for Leavitt from Grace to Irving Park

Contractors working with the Dept. of Water Management are replacing the water main from 1896 under Leavitt between Grace and Irving Park.  No parking will be necessary M-F from 7am to 4pm. The project is expected to be complete by early January with street resurfacing to follow in the Spring of 2015.  For more information on this project, please click here.   

 

Water Mains Coming Soon:

Western (Roscoe to Addison) - Scheduled to begin in late December/Early January.  Sign boards have gone up north of the project area to alert drivers to the extensive work that is beginning at Logan Blvd (Kennedy) and Western Ave.  Crews will work their way north.  They are currently not slated to arrive in the 47th Ward until January 2015.    

   

METRA Traffic Closures and Detours Around Ravenswood Avenue 
  • New Metra Station (west side):  Restoration work has been completed and the station is set to open as soon as track work is completed (weather permitting).
     

  • METRA Phase II: Design and engineering for improvements on the east side of the tracks will be starting soon and will be put out to bid once complete.  Construction is currently expected to start in Fall 2015 and will last 18 months.

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

 

      

 

       
      

Learn more about KT's Kids by clicking here.


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

 

December 12   Friday   3:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Winter Clothing Drive & Annual Living Nativity

Bethany United Church of Christ, 4250 N. Paulina Street

 

December 13   Saturday   1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Holiday Cheer: Songs to Celebrate the Season

Sulzer Library Auditorium, 4455 N Lincoln Avenue

 

December 13   Saturday   7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Blue Nativity by Quest Theatre

Ravenswood Presbyterian Church, 4300 N. Hermitage Avenue

 

December 14   Sunday   7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Queen of Angels Choirs will present Handel's Messiah

Queen of Angels, 2330 W. Sunnyside Avenue

 

December 16   Tuesday   11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Aging at Home, free seminar

Richard J. Daley Center, 50 W. Washington - Courtroom 2005 (20th Floor)

 

December 16   Tuesday   6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Winter Band Concert at LVHS

Lake View High School Auditorium, 4015 N. Ashland Avenue

 

December 16   Tuesday   7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

CAPS Meeting - Beats 1911 & 1912

Kindred Hospital, 2544 W. Montrose

 

December 17   Wednesday   10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Forward Chicago Craft Circle

Sulzer Library, 4455 N. Lincoln Avenue

 

December 17   Wednesday   7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

CAPS Meeting - Beats 1921 & 1922

Police Auditorium, 2452 W. Belmont

 

December 18   Thursday   5:30 PM - 6:00 PM

Chanukah in the Square, Grand Menorah Lighting

Giddings Plaza, 4731 N. Lincoln Avenue

 

December 19   Friday   10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Forward Chicago Bridge & Chess Club

Sulzer Library, 4455 N. Lincoln Avenue

 

December 19   Friday 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Pet Food Distribution

Lincoln Square Friendship Center, 2733 W. Lawrence Avenue

 

December 19   Friday   7:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Home for the Holidays concert--Friday

Nettelhorst School Auditorium, 3252 N. Broadway

 

December 20   Saturday   11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Forward Chicago Meet & Greet

St. Matthias Convent, 4927 N. Claremont

 

December 20   Saturday   7:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Home for the Holidays concert-Saturday

Nettelhorst School Auditorium, 3252 N. Broadway

 

January 7   Wednesday   5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

WARD NIGHT with Alderman Pawar--Jan. 7

47th Ward Alderman's Office, 4243 N. Lincoln Avenue

 

January 10   Saturday   6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Trivia Night Live, Pilgrim Lutheran School

Pilgrim Lutheran Church and School, 4300 N. Winchester Avenue

 

January 16   Friday   3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Pet Food Distribution

Lincoln Square Friendship Center, 2733 W. Lawrence 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.