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.

Not to worry when you see the windows covered at Jimmy John's on Lawrence. They'll be back! The owner, Lars, stopped in to tell us they'll be closed for a facelift for a couple of weeks. He lives a few blocks from the store - he's one of the lucky folks who can walk to work! Lars wants to thank the neighborhood for being so supportive over the 12 yrs. he's been there.    

Chicago Magazine has a Lincoln Square Restaurant on their Top 10 Hot List

#5: Miku Sushi 4514 N. Lincoln

Please Save The Date: Saturday, April 25th for our 47th Ward Spring Clean-up and Recycle Day - 5333 N. Western 10am-1pm. Plan to bring your old electronics - anything with a plug! We'll recycle paper and support Working Bikes & Open Books. Meet with your neighbors to, share ideas, plan a project, have a potluck and enjoy the spring.

Winnemac-Foster/Broadway-Clark Block Club is already planning for their clean up event on Saturday, April 25th. If you are a senior or living with a disability, please call and we can arrange for a pick up that morning.

If you plan a project or need industrial black bags, call.

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

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.

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.