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Dear Neighbor,
I am pleased to announce the allocation of $100,000 in aldermanic menu funds for a new outdoor campus at Hamilton Elementary School! The menu allocation will help the Hamilton Elementary School community cross the finish line (and secure needed funding) on long-needed improvements to their outdoor space. I want to thank the Hamilton Action Team, the Hamilton LSC, Principal James Gray, and the entire Hamilton community for their advocacy on this project. More on the project soon!
In just under four years, I've worked with GROW47 to advance a major capital project at EVERY neighborhood school in our community. Read more about #GROW47 and our successes here. Senator Durbin  This afternoon, I had lunch with Senator Dick Durbin at Café Selmarie to discuss my vision for the next few years. The Senator and I discussed #GROW47 and community-led efforts to build a local neighborhood K-12 system. I mentioned the tremendous work of the Lake View Partners, the Friends of Amundsen, the Lake View/Amundsen LSCs, and Principal Scott Grens and Anna Pavichevich. Senator Durbin was pleased to hear that we're making progress in our efforts to build a K-12 pipeline from neighborhood feeder schools to our neighborhood high schools. I invited Senator Durbin to visit again and tour our amazing neighborhood high schools. I will keep you posted!
2015 Block Parties (in case you missed last week)
Did you know our community is home to approximately 200 block parties every year? Our neighborhoods have a strong tradition of coming together and building community through annual block parties. During the summer, there are weekends when over two dozen block parties can take place simultaneously. Dates fill up fast so get your applications in ASAP! While summer may feel like a far off dream right now, I encourage you to fill out the 2015 Block Party Application. The Jumping Jack form for 2015 will be available later this spring. We will add the forms to the application packet and give notice of that in our newsletter when the form becomes available.
If your block hasn't held a block party before, 2015 is your year! To hold a block party for the first time all you need to do is circulate a petition amongst your neighbors acknowledging their support for the event; then submit the petition along with your application packet. The petition process ensures that a majority of residents support the event, and will help you plan the block party. Block parties are a great way to get to know your neighbors. And knowing your neighbors fosters a safer and more connected community. Have a great weekend! Sincerely, |
Update from Cook County Commissioners Bridget Gainer & John Fritchey: Property Tax Exemption Applications Now Available
The Cook County Assessor's Office has released property tax exemption applications for tax year 2014 (for tax bills payable for 2015). This month - the Assessor's Office has made available the homeowner, senior and senior freeze exemption applications. The Long-Time Occupant Exemption Application is to be released in February 2015 by the Assessor's Office. Friendly reminder: senior citizen homeowners must complete their senior exemptions (senior citizen & senior freeze) every year. Exemption applications are available on www.BridgetGainer.com. Have questions or need assistance? Contact
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Sidewalk Snow Removal
Shoveling your sidewalks is not only the neighborly thing to do - it's the law. Not removing the snow from the sidewalks makes it more difficult for people to travel and creates hazards on the public way. For full information on the regulations on sidewalk snow removal, please click here.
If you know a location that is not shoveled, please contact the 47th Ward Office.
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47th Ward A&C*
*Arts & Culture
American Theater Company, 1909 W. Byron St. The Humans, Must close Feb. 1 High recommended world premiere on the hilarity, heart and horrors of the modern American family. www.atcweb.org Black Ensemble Theater, 4450 N. Clark St. The Trial of Moses "Fleetwood" Walker, Previews Feb. 7, 8, 13, 14; Opens Feb. 15 thru Mar. 15 Experience Black History That's Color Blind. 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. See website for improv and comedy sketches on other nights of the week. www.cictheater.com Corn Productions Conservatory, 4210 N. Lincoln Ave. DRINK! The Sketch Comedy Drinking Game - Best of Year One, Saturdays at 11pm thru Mar. 7 BYOB to a series of 'mind-altering' comedy bits! www.cornservatory.org Davis Theater, 4614 N. Lincoln Ave. Now Playing: The Imitation Game, The Theory of Everything, American Sniper, Whiplash 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 (re)discover theatre, 1638 W. Belmont Ave. (The Pony) Fifty Shades of Shakespeare, Feb. 7 thru 23, Fridays, Saturdays & Mondays 7:30PM; Feb. 14 at 9:30PM Join us for an orgy of hilarious, powerful, and revealing explorations of gender roles, sexuality, kink and relationships all told through the bard's sexiest scenes: stripped down to 4 actors, 11 scenes and 25 roles. http://rediscovertheatre.com/discover/ Signal Ensemble Theatre, 1802 W. Berenice Ave. Red Bud, Jan.22 thru Feb. 28 A group of forty-somethings' annual reunion engenders frustration, weirdness and old baggage. www.signalensemble.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 |
School Tours & Promotions
*CPS announced that January 30th and June 17th will become student attendance days following class cancellations earlier this month.
Lake View High School
LVHS student accepted to study astrophysics at Princeton University. Learn more about this wonderful example of the great things happening at LVHS by clicking here.
Amundsen High School
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). Winter tour dates are:
- Friday, February 6 at 10 a.m.
- Thursday, February 12 at 10 a.m.
- Friday, March 6 at 10 a.m.
- Thursday, March 12 at 10 a.m.
- School tours are also available by appointment by contacting Erik Olson at ejolson@cps.edu.
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.
Ravenswood Elementary
Video Highlights Art Integration at Ravenswood Elementary School
Arts integration is a key component of learning at Ravenswood Elementary. Through it, the fine arts are incorporated into each classroom's general curriculum. Have you ever wondered what arts integration looks like? This new video shows how Ravenswood's teachers and students benefit from it.
Thank you to Mr. Guidry, Mr. Jacobi and all of Room 208. A special thanks to Free Spirit Media for producing this piece; to Warner Brothers for their on-going support and funding of this project; and to GROW47 and Alderman Pawar for connecting Ravenswood Elementary with Warner Brothers.
McPherson Elementary
 Waters School Chess Award Goes to Waters School Student Congratulations to Waters Chess team member Adam Chapparo. Adam was the recipient in the 7th/8th grade novice YCFC Outstanding Achievement Award tournament held at Marshall High School. Waters teacher Mr. Prado is the coach for this awesome Waters Chess Team. St. Matthias School  You can help pave the way to outdoor learning at the school by purchasing an engraved paver brick for the new walkway
St. Matthias School's Garden Committee is pleased to announce that a new brick walkway has been installed on the Ainslie side of the building. Approximately 800 4" x 8" clay pavers comprise a safer, better-looking walkway that will serve as the centerpiece of the Sprouts Garden project.
Any resident or business owner in the ward can make a valuable and enduring contribution to the Sprouts Garden by purchasing an engraved paver during this season of giving. Your contribution is entirely tax-deductible. Pavers are available for $100 (4" x 8 ") or $225 (8" x 8"). A limited number of $500 legacy pavers (8" x 16") are available, as well. The online purchase process is simple: - Open www.stmatthiasschool.org
- Click 'Parent Center'
- Click 'Sprouts Garden Brick Pavers' and select your preferred paver size.
The available characters for an engraved message varies by paver size: up to 39 characters (4" x 8 "), up to 78 characters (8" x 8") and up to 156 characters (8" x 16"). We invite you to order before year-end to help us pave the way to a new outdoor, experiential learning space for our students beginning in spring 2015!
The Sprouts Garden is a self-funded project collaboration between parent volunteers and teachers who aspire to build and cultivate an engaging outdoor learning & exploration space for the students of St. Matthias School. If you have an idea to share, a garden resource to donate or you wish to purchase an engraved paver for the new walkway, then please let us know: SMSsproutsgarden@gmail.com. Thank you! 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 
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Dara Reports
SAVE THE DATE: Friday, February 13 For the Love of Pets; a fundraiser for Friendship Pet Food Pantry being held at Ross & Lori's Dolce Casa Café 4947 N. Damen. Drop in for a nosh and a drink with neighbors, take part in the drawings and auction. Our mission is to help keep pets from being abandoned or surrendered to already crowded shelters. All proceeds will purchase pet food to help folks keep their beloved pets during hard times.
Be sure you get your mail - please shovel your front walk and steps. If your carrier cannot access your property, they will not deliver the mail. 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. We are looking for volunteers for neighbors on the 3600 block of Artesian and the 3500 block of Marshfield.
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. 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.
5 easy ways to keep animals healthy this winter
When they are indoors you know they are safe and warm. Even an unattended car can be too cold.
If they are outdoors for an extended amount of time provide a small shelter, out of the wind.
Are there feral or outdoor cats on your block? Give them food, water & shelter.
Contact: Tree House Humane Society 773-784-5488 ext. 234 to get them the help they need.
Bang on your car hood before you start your car; in case a squirrel or cat has taken refuge there.
Every time your pet comes inside wipe their paws to keep them from licking off salt and anti-freeze.
Read about the Cats at Work Project in our neighborhood!
Flu Season is in full swing. What can you do to avoid getting it.
Get the vaccine. It's not too late, it covers about 50% of this season's viruses and the inoculation will reduce symptoms if you do get the flu. Wash your hands frequently and use hand sanitizer if you're not near soap & water. Try not to touch your mouth, eyes or your nose with your hands. Wipe down germy areas of your home. Stay hydrated. Exercise; it boosts your immune system. Get plenty of rest & sleep.
We have five months of sponsorships for recycling buckets, thanks to generous neighbors. We only need seven more to have a whole year of battery recycling available. If you, a group of neighbors or local business would like to sponsor a month for $70, please contact Andres, a neighbor who is a C3 volunteer. Email Andres at: vivaelfrente@netzero.net
Do you or someone you know need assistance with People's Gas energy bill? There is a formula for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Call CEDA at 800-571-2332 or visit www.cedaorg.net. You can help provide assistance by donating (Its tax deductible!) via Share the Warmth.
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
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.
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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 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 starting to be installed on street light poles and punch list items are currently being addressed.
As always, pay close attention to parking restrictions.
Water Main Replacement for Rockwell from Irving Park to Berteau
Contractors working with the Dept. of Water Management will being replacing the water main from 1909 under Rockwell from Irving Park to Berteau soon. Staged parking restrictions and partial road closures will be necessary during working hours. Crews will be staging their work area on Monday and grinding the west side of the roadway beginning on Tuesday. The project will then be staged in one-block segments and begin in earnest on Wednesday. For more information on this project, please click here.
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 should no longer be needed. 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 replaced the water mains from 1906 under Rockwell from Lawrence to Montrose and Eastwood from Virginia to Western. Work is now complete with resurfacing and landscape restoration following in Spring 2015. For more information on this project, please click here.
Water Main Replacement for Seeley from Montrose to Wilson
Contractors working with the Dept. of Water Management have replaced the water main from 1890 under Seeley from Montrose to Wilson. The trenches are backfilled with concrete. 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. Final connections are complete and the trench is capped. 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) - Expected to begin mid-February. 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 are working their way north.
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 Spring 2015.
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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.
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Community Events
For details on the events listed below, please see the events section of our website.
January 30 Friday 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
American Legion Tattler Post #973, 4355 N. Western Avenue
January 31 Saturday 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Jahn Elementary School, 3149 N. Wolcott Avenue
January 31 Saturday 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Ravenswood Fellowship United Methodist Church, 4511 N. Hermitage Avenue January 31 Saturday 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM Chase Park, 4701 N. Ashland Avenue February 3 Tuesday 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Loyola University-Damen Student Center, 6511 N. Sheridan Road, 2nd Floor February 4 Wednesday 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Bezazian Library, 1226 W. Ainslie Street February 5 Thursday 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Small Business & Affordable Care Act Info Session
Flirty Cupcakes Dessert Garage, 4631 N Lincoln Avenue February 7 Saturday 10:30 PM - 12:00 PM Gethsemane Garden Center, 5739 N. Clark Street February 8 Sunday 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Revolution Brewing, 2323 N. Milwaukee AvenueFebruary 10 Tuesday 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Richard J. Daley Center, 50 W. Washington - Courtroom 2005 (20th Floor) February 13 Friday 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM Dolce Casa Cafe, 4947 N. Damen Avenue February 13 Friday 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM German Apple Pancake Cooking Class
DANK Haus German American Cultural Center, 4740 N. Western Avenue February 17 Tuesday 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM CAPS Meeting - Beats 1911 & 1912
Kindred Hospital, 6th Floor, 2544 W. Montrose February 20 Friday 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Lincoln Square Friendship Center, 2733 W. Lawrence Avenue February 22 Sunday 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Lincoln Square Chili Cook Off
The Red Lion, 4749 N. Rockwell Street February 22 Sunday 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Sarah's Circle's 23rd Annual Winter Walk
St. Augustine College, 1345 W. Argyle Street February 24 Tuesday 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Seminar on Mental Health Commitment Hearings
Richard J. Daley Center, 50 W. Washington - Courtroom 2005 (20th Floor) February 28 Saturday 12:00 AM - 12:00 AM My Fair Chicago, St. Ben's fundraiser
Germania Place, 108 W. Germania Place March 5 Thursday 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Caring for Grandchildren: Guardianship & Visitation
Richard J. Daley Center, 50 W. Washington - Courtroom 2005 (20th Floor) March 7 Saturday 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Keeping It Real, Burglars Panel Talk
20th District Police Station, 5400 N. Lincoln Avenue March 17 Tuesday 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Kindred Hospital, 6th Floor, 2544 W. Montrose March 19 Thursday 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Financial Literacy, Senior Enrichment Seminar
Richard J. Daley Center, 50 West Washington Street, Concourse Level, Room CL-115 March 20 Friday 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Pet Food Distribution at Friendship Pet Food Pantry
Lincoln Square Friendship Center, 2733 W. Lawrence Avenue March 25 Wednesday 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM CAPS Meeting - Beat 2032
Ravenswood Evangelical Church, 4900 N. Damen March 31 Tuesday 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Anderson Pavilion, 2751 W. Winona April 1 Wednesday 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Bezazian Library, 1226 W. Ainslie Street 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.
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