On this day in 1960, the underdog U.S. Olympic hockey team defeats the Soviet Union in the semifinals at the Winter Games in Squaw Valley, California. The 47th Ward Office will be CLOSED on Monday, March 2nd in observance of Pulaski Day.
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Dear Neighbor,
On Tuesday, February 24, 2015, voters in the 47th Ward elected me to a second term as Alderman. With 9,740 votes and almost 83% of the total vote, our margin of victory was the largest in the City of Chicago. I am humbled and honored to have your support -- and we now have a mandate to complete a Neighborhood K-12 system around Lake View and Amundsen High Schools via #GrowCommunity.
Next week, I will list my goals and plans for the next four years -- but this week, I just want THANK YOU! Serving the 47th Ward has been one of the greatest honors of my life, and I am thrilled that you've hired me back for another four years.
I want to give a huge thank you to my (your) public service team -- Jim, Ernie, Brad, Dara, and Erick for their commitment to public service. I also want to thank our army of volunteers who sit on the many neighbor-led committees and help run the 47th Ward Office.
And finally, I want to thank Rory Fiedler for participating in the democratic process. It's not easy to run for public office -- and so I'd like to thank him for running and engaging on the issues impacting our community and city.
Have a great weekend!
Sincerely,
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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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2015 Block Party Applications
Did you know our community is home to approximately 200 block parties every year? 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.
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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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Area Residents Can Save Now by Making Common Sense Changes in Their Home
As you brave the winter cold, you may be worried about your energy bills. The average household spends more than $2000 annually on gas and electricity, but, there are opportunities to save. With new smart meters being installed in your community, you can now take control of your energy use and potentially save money. To uncover these savings, local non-profit Elevate Energy is helping homeowners in the area make smart choices about energy.
For example, many residents aren't aware of various pricing programs, which leverage new smart meters to allow you to pay based off of when you use your electricity. Shifting electricity usage to lower priced hours can lower your electric bills. Elevate Energy advisors have more information on how these programs works as well as other ways you can take advantage of your new advanced meter.
Even bigger savings can be achieved by making home energy efficiency improvements, which can cut energy bills by an average of $400 per year. Most homes (even newer ones) are too cold in the winter and too warm in the summer. Unfortunately, many assume this is normal. But with basic improvements, every home can be cozier and more comfortable year-round. Elevate Energy makes it easy. Advisors will connect you with utility rebates as well as a network of qualified contractors to help you make the best, most cost-effective improvements to your home.
Homes that make improvements and reduce their energy loss by 15% or more are eligible for an Illinois Home Performance with ENERGY STAR certificate. This certificate can help you sell your home faster or for more money.
To speak with someone who can help advise you on the next steps for your home, contact Elizabeth Corrado, at 773-671-0495 or Elizabeth.corrado@elevateenergy.org, or by calling toll-free 844.922.1222.
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47th Ward A&C*
*Arts & Culture
Alibi Fine Art, 4426 N. Ravenswood Ave.
All That is Solid, thru Mar. 21
In collaboration with Crusade for Art Chicago, this group show of photographs features Matthew Crowther, Barbara Diener, Garrett Baumer, Jonathan Lurie and Joseph Wilcox.
http://alibifineart.com
American Theater Company, 1909 W. Byron St.
The Royale, thru Mar. 29, Thursdays to Saturdays 8 PM, Saturdays & Sundays 2 PM
America. 1905. Combining innovative theatricality with a blistering story, Marco Ramirez explores the rise of Jack Johnson, the world's first black heavyweight champion, and the sacrifices he makes to take his place in history.
www.atcweb.org
Black Ensemble Theater, 4450 N. Clark St.
The Trial of Moses "Fleetwood" Walker, 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
Cornelia Arts Building, 1800 W. Cornelia Ave.
Open Studios-40 Artists, Mar. 20, Friday 6 to 10 PM
Find the perfect artwork for your home, or a great artisan made gift for your loved ones, imbibe our complimentary refreshments or just enjoy the beautiful artwork, artisan made crafts in actual working artist studios.
www.corneliaartsbuilding.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: Kingsman-The Secret Service, Fifty Shades of Grey, The Spongebob Movie, The Imitation Game
www.davistheater.com
High-Hat Club, 1920 W Irving Park Rd.
Serving up nightly live entertainment including comedy, jazz, rock, Creole-Italian style food and fine cocktails.
www.highhat.club/event
Martyrs', 3855 N. Lincoln Ave.
Small bar & live-music venue showcasing eclectic performers, with a menu of pizza & bar bites.
www.martyrslive.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, thru Feb. 23, Fridays, Saturdays & Mondays 7:30PM
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, 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
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School Tours & Promotions
Lake View High School
LVHS seniors are off to college! Learn about the successes of students at one of Chicago's great neighborhood high schools.
Amundsen High School
Covering All the Bases for Safety - Amundsen Baseball Fundraiser - THEY REACHED THEIR GOAL!! THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
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, 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.
Lane Technical High School
Audubon Elementary
Bell Elementary
Coonley Elementary
Ravenswood Elementary
McPherson Elementary
 Waters School Waters Student Advances to City Spelling Bee 7th Grader, Violet F., is one of 50 CPS students city-wide who has made it to the next level of competition. Fifty students were selected based on their score from the online spelling and vocabulary test to advance to the CPS Citywide Spelling Bee to be held on March 13 at Lindblom Academy. The champion will win a trip to Washington, D.C. to compete in the 2015 Scripps National Spelling Bee. Congratulations & Good Luck, Violet! 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 March 3, 2015 For More Information or to schedule a one-on-one tour call us at 773.477.4824 Or visit www.pilgrimchurchandschool.org "Academic Excellence with a Heart" 4300 N. Winchester Ave. Chicago, IL 60613
On March 7th, Pilgrim Lutheran School (Cullom & Winchester) will host it's annual fundraising gala at Mrs. Murphy's on Lincoln! The event, Those 70s Shows, is a great way to support a local school and join us for a fun night out to meet your neighbors! Buy tickets or get more info here. St. Benedict School 
North Park Elementary School
German International School Chicago
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Dara Reports
Early Voting will be offered: from March 23 - April 4 at Welles Park, Monday - Saturday from 9-5 & Sunday from 9-3; for the Run-off Election. Runoff Election Day will be April 7.
Last month a kind neighbor offered to shovel the sidewalk for any senior or person living with a disability in the community. Yesterday, Sy made good on that offer. An elderly couple was afraid they wouldn't receive a delivery of oxygen because of how much snow was on their stairs. Many thanks to Sy for being a great neighbor!
A reminder from Marilyn one of our long-time volunteers: if you see something, such as - a streetlight light out, a pot-hole, graffiti, or an abandoned car, please call the 47th Ward Office or 311. No one else may have seen or called it in yet; please let us know, so we can get the process started to solve the problem.
What month does your city sticker expire? All of them used to expire at the end of June; which is no longer the case. Your renewal form should come in the mail. Just in case: please put a reminder in your calendar. Let's all avoid getting a ticket and socked with a late fee.
Free Tax Assistance at Sulzer Library
Tuesday, March 3 - 5:30-8:30pm
Sunday, March 8 - 1:00-4:00pm
Sunday, March 29 - 1:00-4:00pm
Bill Green, an AARP & IRS tax preparer, will be available for 30 minute appointments to answer tough questions about 2014 tax forms. He can help you fill out Federal 1040 or 1040A tax forms, discuss the ramifications of the Affordable Care Act and assist with any Illinois tax questions, particularly regarding Illinois Department of Aging Circuit Breaker and RX program. The program is available to patrons whose total household income does not exceed $50,000. Patrons must file tax forms on their own and space is limited.
To reserve a time, please call 312-744-7616 ext. 2.
Here are some tips from neighbor Brian Lunt from Motiv Training Gym that will help us this winter.
Save the Date - Riverbank Fundraiser - Saturday, March 7 at 7pm
For everyone who enjoys birdwatching, feeding the ducks, watching an urban native prairie change through the seasons or just strolling along the path watching the river flow.
Riverbank Neighbors, led by Pete Leki, the Ecology Director at Waters School, have been stewards of the east side of the river from Montrose to Belle Plaine for over 20 yrs. They are the only neighborhood group to have this agreement with MWRD. MWRD has finished their "restoration" to keep the riverbank from deteriorating. Now the real work begins - to build more paths, erect fencing and signage and augment the plantings. Through a partnership with 501C3, non-profit, Friends of the River, funds donated are tax deductible.
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.
Read about the Cats at Work Project in our neighborhood!
We have six months of sponsorships for recycling buckets, thanks to generous neighbors. We only need six 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
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
- Neighborhood identifiers are currently being installed and the contractor will fill the sidewalk vault at 1752 by mid-February.
- The new traffic signal controller at Damen will be installed shortly and all traffic signals and pedestrian countdown clocks along the stretch will be re-timed to help improve traffic flow along the corridor.
- This spring, all remaining plantings will be performed, fencing will be installed at Claremont Plaza, and the remaining punch list items will be addressed.
As always, pay close attention to parking restrictions.
Water Main Replacement for Western from Roscoe to Addison
Crews from the Dept. of Water Managment have begun replacing the water main from 1912 under northbound Western from Roscoe to Addison. Parking restrictions and partial road closures will be necessary during working hours. Be aware of increased traffic in the area, and avoid travel there, if possible.
Water Main Replacement for Rockwell from Irving Park to Berteau
Contractors working with the Dept. of Water Management are replacing the water main from 1909 under Rockwell from Irving Park to Berteau. Staged parking restrictions and partial road closures will be necessary during working hours. Services have been installed from Irving Park to Belle Plaine. Next week crews will return to complete their service work from Belle Plaine to Berteau. Final connection will be done once the services are complete. The project will continue being staged in one-block segments. 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:
TBD
METRA Traffic Closures and Detours Around Ravenswood Avenue
- New Metra Station (west side): Union Pacific needs to finish up their track work before the new station on the west side (outbound) can open, which is projected to happen this spring.
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METRA Phase II: Design and engineering work is currently being performed for improvements to the east side of the tracks and will be put out to bid once complete. Construction of the bridges and new station is expected to start in the fall and will last approximately 18 months. Work on the east side will move faster than on the west side since the track is currently in place there and extensive retaining wall work is not necessary.
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.
February 27 Friday 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Fish Fry, Support your vets !
American Legion Tattler Post #973, 4355 N. Western Avenue
February 27 Friday 5:18 PM - 6:00 PM
Shabbat Dinner
Le Cafe, 4655 N. Lincoln Avenue
February 27 Friday 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Bet on Bell, school benefit
Ravenswood Event Center, 4011 N. Ravenswood Avenue
February 28 Saturday 12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
My Fair Chicago, St. Ben's fundraiser
Germania Place, 108 W. Germania Place
February 28 Saturday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
FREE Home Buying Seminar
Cambodian Association of Illinois, 2831 W. Lawrence Avenue
February 28 Saturday 6:30 PM - 11:00 PM
High School Prom, NPES fundraiser
Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted Street
March 4 Wednesday 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
WARD NIGHT with Alderman Pawar--Mar. 4
47th Ward Alderman's Office, 4243 N. Lincoln Avenue
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 7 Saturday 6:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Benefit for St. Andrew Parish, Wearin' the Green
March 7 Saturday 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Pilgrim Lutheran School Annual Fundraiser
Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro, 3905 N. Lincoln Avenue
March 11 Wednesday 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Keep Calm & Learn Technology, Smartphones to iPads
March 16 Monday 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
15th Annual Senior Health Fair at Broadway Armory
Broadway Armory, 5917 N. Broadway
March 17 Tuesday 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
CAPS Meeting - Beats 1911 & 1912
Kindred Hospital, 6th Floor, 2544 W. Montrose
March 18 Wednesday 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
CAPS Meeting - Beats 1921 & 1922
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 19 Thursday 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Internet Safety Talk--What Parents need to know
Senn High School, 5900 N. Glenwood Avenue
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 20 Friday 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Cornelia Arts Building March Open Studios
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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