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Dear Neighbor, Last week, I authored an op-ed piece in the Chicago Sun-Times which calls for the development of a city-wide plan around neighborhood high schools. The op-ed is based on the work of #GROWCommunity and our community's collective efforts to organize around Lake View and Amundsen High Schools. Here are some proposals I present in the op-ed: - Investing in neighborhood high schools must be the top priority for the City of Chicago and CPS.
- The City of Chicago and CPS should develop a coordinated citywide vision to create regional K-12 systems. Neighborhood schools should be the starting point for everything we do.
- CPS should create neighborhood seats in existing selective enrollment schools.
- CPS should create programming in neighborhood schools where children can take regular, advanced, and AP classes and flow freely among tracks to explore interests.
- CPS should stop opening selective enrollment schools and refocus attention and resources on neighborhood high schools. Every child in every neighborhood deserves access to a great high school.
If you're wondering what you can do to propel #GROWCommunity efforts, there are a few things you can do today: 1) Join the Lake View Partners or the Friends of Amundsen, 2) Take a tour of our neighborhood high schools, or 3) Organize a coffee/block party to discuss neighborhood high schools. If you would like additional information on setting up a coffee/block party, please email: info@chicago47.org. Get involved today! Lawrence Avenue Streetscape- Concrete Replacement Work  I want to make you aware of some upcoming work along the Lawrence Avenue Streetscape. After performing project walk-throughs with the streetscape team, we noticed that a number of concrete sections were flaking and spalling. As a result, CDOT and I are requiring these sections of sidewalk and curbs/gutters be removed and replaced along the streetscape project corridor (from Western to Clark) in order to provide a quality product that will hold up long into the future. Please note the contractor will be paying for this repair work along the streetscape.
The work will be completed in two phases. The first portion of spalled sections will be removed and replaced over the next week. The procedure at each location will take only a few days and crews will work efficiently to sawcut, remove, frame, and pour sections of sidewalks and curbs/gutters to minimize disruption to residents and businesses along Lawrence Avenue. The affected portions near McPherson School are included in Phase 1, and Phase 1 work should be completed by August 27th (weather permitting) so there is no disruption for the start of the school year. The schedule for Phase 1 can be found below, and we will update you on the schedule for Phase 2 once it is finalized by the contractor.
Clark to Winchester (north side): Was recently completed. Winchester to Western (north side): Scheduled to be poured by the end of the day (Friday, 8/21). Western to Damen (south side): Will be removed and replaced starting on Monday, 8/24. Damen to Clark (south side): Will be removed and replaced starting on Tuesday, 8/25. We will continue to update you as crews makes progressWrigley Field Concerts - LV2 in Effect Next week, Wrigley Field will host two concerts. Billy Joel will play on Thursday, August 27th with the Foo Fighters coming into town on Saturday, August 29th. Please note that neighborhood protections, like LV2, are in effect for all concerts at Wrigley Field. Please make sure to display the proper passes in the LV2 parking zone. Have a great weekend. Sincerely, |
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LV2 Parking Pass Information
Cubs season is in full swing. The map of the LV2 parking area can be found on our website.
You can come into our office any time during normal business hours to pick up your passes. Bring proof of residence along with your license plate & city sticker numbers.Complete information on LV2 and what you'll need to bring with you is available on our website.
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Street Sweeping
The new ward map takes full effect on May 18th. The rest of the season's street sweeping schedule is available on chicago47.org. The arterial sweeping schedule can be found here and will be updated soon.
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Coming again to the 47th Ward the weekend of October 17-18
VOLUNTEER at the 5th Annual Open House Chicago (OHC), the largest architecture and urban exploration festival offering FREE behind-the-scenes access to 200 great places and spaces around Chicago. Help the 47th Ward introduce visitors to the coolest buildings in the Ravenswood-Lincoln Square area! Benefits include an OHC T-shirt, discount to the Chicago Architecture Foundation store and a Priority Access Pass which allows you to skip long lines during the event! For more information and to sign up visit: www.openhousechicago.org/volunteer. For more info on the event see factsheet.
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Popular Low-Line Market to Expand on August 27th
From the Lakeview Chamber of Commerce
 Located at the auxiliary exit of the Southport Brown Line CTA StationThursday evenings, June 4 - Sept. 3: 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.; Sept. 10 - Oct. 8: 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Due to its rapid growth throughout 2015, the popular Low-Line Market in Lakeview will expand with additional vendors beginning August 27, encompassing a larger footprint beneath the Southport Brown Line CTA Station. Now in its third year, the Low-Line Market is a conveniently located prepared food and farmers market operated by the Lakeview Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Whole Foods Market and L3 Capital LLC. Featuring locally sourced produce, flowers and artisanal foods, the Low-Line Market has garnered a reputation for unique and quality products. As part of its expansion, the market will also welcome upcoming performances from local musicians. For additional information, visit www.lowlinemarket.com.
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47th Ward A&C*
*Arts & Culture
Access Contemporary Music, 1758 W. Wilson Ave.
Showcasing exciting developments in contemporary classical music. www.acmusic.org/attend/concerts Black Ensemble Theater, 4450 N. Clark St.
Men of Soul with a tribute to Bill Withers, thru August 31
A fascinating journey featuring the music made famous by some of the greatest soul singers of all time including, Peabo Bryson, Joe Cocker, Billy Ocean, Billy Joel, Luther Vandross, Tom Jones and the incomparable Bill Withers - just to name a few. This uplifting and powerful celebration helps us to understand the struggles of these men and the strength that it took for each one to find their - soul! www.blackensembletheater.org Bughouse Theater, 1910 W. Irving Park Rd. Hogwarsh: An Improvised Tall Tale, weekly show where kids create and sing with Bughouse improvisers, Saturdays at 10:30AM
Simmer Brown, stand up showcase, August 29, select Saturdays 8PM. $10
Thursday Night Improv, hosted by Chicago Improv Studio, Thursdays 8PM. $10, discounts and 2-for-1's available
Peaches and HotSauce, live podcast, Thursdays 10PM. $10, discounts and 2-for-1's available www.bughousetheater.com 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 Chicago Mosaic School, 1806 W. Cuyler Ave. Please visit the website below to learn more about classes and workshops the Chicago Mosaic School offers throughout the summer. www.chicagomosaicschool.com CHIRP Radio With studios near Irving and Rockwell, this independent radio station for and by Chicago's true music fans is celebrating its fifth birthday this year and later this summer you'll be able to hear it over the air as well at 107.1FM! CHIRP also hosts an array of music, arts and culture focused events throughout the year. http://chirpradio.org Corn Productions Cornservatory, 4210 N. Lincoln Ave. Drink! The Sketch Comedy Drinking Game: Video Game Edition, thru October 3rd, Saturdays from 11:00PM to Midnight. www.cornservatory.org DANK HAUS, 4740 N Western Ave. The German American Cultural Center for Chicago: check out the many diverse events that they sponsor. http://dankhaus.com/events Davis Theater, 4614 N. Lincoln Ave. Now Playing: Hitman: Agent 47, The Man from U.N.C.L.E., Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation, Trainwreck. 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 Lincoln Square Art Walk, 4th Annual , Byrn Mawr-Ashland-Irving Park-Kedzie October 16-18. Friday to Sunday, 8AM to 8PM.
Juried Showcase. Individual Artists' Exhibitions at Multi-Venues, Gala Artist's Reception and Group Show/Best of Show with Prize Awards. www.lsartguild.org/event/october-art-walk Martyrs', 3855 N. Lincoln Ave. Small bar & live-music venue showcasing eclectic performers, with a menu of pizza & bar bites. www.martyrslive.com Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln Ave. Chicago's premier institution dedicated to the preservation and performance of folk and other music. www.oldtownschool.org/concerts Open House Chicago, 5th Annual including the 47th Ward
October 17-18, Saturday & Sunday, 9AM to 5PM.
Eight architecturally or historically significant locations in the Lincoln Square-Ravenswood area. www.openhousechicago.org/sites/443/ 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 Ravenswood ArtWalk, 14th Annual, Ravenswood Ave from Grace to Lawrence
September 19-20, Saturday & Sunday 11AM to 6PM. Featuring open studios, artist market at Ravenswood & Berteau, craft beer garden, live music, food trucks & family fun. www.ravenswoodartwalk.org 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. www.silvieslounge.comSee calendar
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School Tours & Promotions
Lake View High School
On Tuesday, August 25th Cubs Associates will volunteer at LVHS painting the school's new Wildcat Social Room. We invite you to join us and turn this into a community wide service project.
If you have volunteers who are willing to help out for a few hours on Tuesday, please have them contact Jennifer Dedes Nowak at jdedes@cubs.com. Complete shift details and contact info are below.
Help Lake View High School provide a welcoming environment for students in their new Wildcat Social Room!
Tuesday, August 25
Lake View High School
4015 North Ashland Avenue
Shift 1: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Shift 2: 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Amundsen High School
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.
McPherson Elementary
St. Andrew School
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 hosts school tours every Tuesday at 10am. For More Information or to register for one of our open houses or to schedule a one-on-one tour call us at 773.477.4824
"Academic Excellence with a Heart"
4300 N. Winchester Ave.
Chicago, IL 60613
St. Benedict School
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Dara Reports
Big Shout Out to the Forestry Department for the 24 hour a day work they do during our huge storms. They came out in the middle of the night for a tree down in the street this past week.
Montrose Metra Community Gardens are in full swing! Volunteers are needed to help with the plots that are harvested for our neighborhood food pantries. The butterfly and bee native perennial flyway is filling in and needs a volunteer to take it on. Want to get your hands in the earth, be among like-minded neighbors on beautiful days and be a part of this new community space? It's easy. Dara@chicaog47.org
We can still accept School Supplies until Monday. Thanks to our 6th grade volunteer, James - they will be ready to distribute starting Tuesday.
Mark Your Calendars for two highly anticipated events:
September 26, 10am-2pm; 47th Ward Health & Wellness Event * Free Flu Shots & much more at Sulzer
October 17, 10am-1pm; Electronic, Paper, Book & Bike Recycling * Ward Yard, 5333 N. Western
St. Vincent DePaul 4040 N. Oakley, has opened their wait list. While it may be a 2 yr. wait, it is well worth getting your name on the list. 2yrs. goes by in no time... More info here.
Safe Cycling Classes
Are you interested in the fun and convenience of bicycling but feel nervous about getting out on 2-wheels? Consider taking the Save Cycling Class, a 3-hour introduction to the basics of riding a bike safely in traffic, offered by the Active Transportation Alliance. Covering the rules of the road for cyclists, handling intersections, commuting tips/tricks, as well as picking out the right bike and basic maintenance, you will spend 1/5 hour in the classroom & 1.5 hours in a practice area before practicing on low-traffic streets. Classes will be held the 2nd Saturday of every month: September 12, October 10, November 14 & December 12. Click here to see the full course description.
Want to play or learn how to play Mah Jong? Join other like-minded women for a couple hours of bam, crack, east, dot...1pm; 2nd & 4th Friday of the month at Northcenter Senior Center.
The newest Forward Chicago Newsletter is now available. You may find it in various neighborhood locations including our office and Sulzer Library, among many others. Pick up some and bring them to your neighbors or a favorite local store. Forward Chicago is an all-volunteer, grass-roots non-profit that connects neighbors, businesses and local organizations to build a stronger community. Together we're creating a neighborhood where people of all ages are active, engaged and influential.
Back to School Shoes for Cornerstone Shelter Kids
Help us help some wonderful kids get new shoes for the upcoming school year whose families live at
Cornerstone Community Outreach Shelter. The Santa Program is starting a shoe fundraising drive for the children of Cornerstone Community Outreach so they can go and pick out a new pair of shoes for their first day of class! The more money that is raised means more kids with new shoes for the school year. How amazing will it be for a needy child to start the school year with a new pair of shoes! Click this link to make a donation today. http://santaprogram.org/shoes.html.
 We are so very fortunate to have JARC right here in our ward! A non-profit organization that offers free job training! Over two million skilled manufacturing jobs will go unfilled in the next decade. Gain the skills, and get the job!
Wondering how you can get one of these high-paying jobs? Jane Addams Resource Corporation (JARC) offers FREE training in the manufacturing field for low-income or under/unemployed men and women, focusing on in-demand skills such as Computer Numerical Control (CNC), welding, and press brake machine operation. JARC places over 93% of its graduates in jobs starting at $12 - $15 an hour (with ample opportunities for overtime and growth)!
Want to learn more about a career in manufacturing? Come to JARC's application sessions every Wednesday at 9 a.m. (4432 N. Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, 2nd floor).
Have questions? Email crystalh@jane-addams.org or call 773-751-7106. Thanks to all of you who donated blankets/towels for the shelters. A car load was taken to Treehouse. Please keep them coming. Thursday, August 27 - Chase Park - Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure Movies start at dusk; check out the website for the entire schedule and cancellations due to weather. If you or a neighbor is a shut-in, a Hot Meal is available every Saturday afternoon from the kind volunteers at Pilgrim Lutheran Church; call Janet Taylor 773-777-4052 or Jackie Mokszycki 773-961-8740
Do you garden on a corner or parkway? Please take a look at the list of upcoming water main projects in the 'infrastructure update' section of the newsletter. You may have to move your plants so they won't be destroyed or disappear. This is the perfect time to sweep or rake you curb gutters and sewers. Clean up all of the debris that the rain washed down. Keep those drains clear. Please be sure to report any drain that does not clear within 4 hours of rainfall to the 47th Ward Office or 311. Please bring in your old batteries for recycling. Keep them out of the landfill. 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.
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
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
Lawrence Avenue Streetscape
CONCRETE UPDATE: There have been some issues with sidewalks and curbs/gutters spalling and the contractor will be removing and replacing a number of sections along the corridor. The entire process to remove, frame, and pour each section will take a few days and they will work along the corridor with multiple crews so the areas that require replacement can be framed and poured immediately after removal. The contractor will do their best to get in and out as fast as possible to reduce the impact on residents, businesses, and others. Concrete replacement for Phase I will be completed by Thursday, 8/27 (see schedule in letter above)... and we will provide scheduling details for Phase II once these are provided by the contractor.
LANDSCAPING UPDATE: Plants were recently installed in the bio-swales along the project corridor from Western to Clark. All of the planter areas were cleaned out and replaced with new topsoil prior to planting and new sod was also installed. Landscaping continues as the dead and damaged trees, which are under warranty, are being replaced along the corridor. Supplemental waterings will also be provided. A few remaining trees and plants will be planted shortly.
PUNCH LIST ITEMS UPDATE: The stamped asphalt project to connect Claremont Plaza to Giddings Plaza will be completed by 8/27. The majority of the stamped asphalt work has been installed, but a short stretch remains near Giddings Plaza at the southern end of the project; the last piece of the project was delayed due to some issues with the template. Work on a new fence to shield the dumpsters in Claremont Plaza is expected to start in mid-August and be erected by the end of August. New traffic signals at Damen were recently installed. Gateway identifier poles and bike arcs have been installed and neighborhood identifier poles and banner arms are in place. New benches and trash cans were also installed along the corridor. New bike symbols were completed on 7/22 and the remaining punch list items will be addressed by the end of August.
As always, pay close attention to parking restrictions.
Ravenswood Metra Station
- The new station opened in early May (west side, for outbound trains)!
- 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 11 new bridges and new station (east side, for inbound trains) is expected to start in spring 2016 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. The middle track will also be removed as part of this project.
Water Main Replacement Damen from Irving Park to Montrose, Cullom from Lincoln to Damen and Pensacola from Lincoln to Damen
Contractors working with the Department of Water Management are replacing the water mains from 1891 under Damen from Irving Park to Montrose, Cullom from Lincoln to Damen and Pensacola from Lincoln to Damen. Contractors are currently working on Pensacola and Cullom and will move back to Damen next week. Where needed, Parking will be restricted M-F 7am to 4pm and restrictions will be staged to the greatest extent possible. For more information on this project, please click here.
Water Main Replacement Paulina from Lawrence to Montrose and Sunnyside from Paulina to Ashland
Crews from the Department of Water Management are replacing the water main from 1899 under Paulina from Lawrence to Montrose and Sunnyside from Paulina to Ashland soon. No parking will be necessary from 7am to 4pm. Work on the project is completed and restoration is expected to start in the next week or so. For more information on this project, please click here. Water Main Replacement Oakley from Addison to Cornelia, Claremont from Addison to School, and Roscoe from Western to Leavitt Crews from the Department of Water Management will be replacing the water main from 1889 under Oakley from Addison to Cornelia, Claremont from Addison to School and Roscoe from Western to Leavitt starting NEXT WEEK. No parking will be necessary from 7am to 4pm. After the project is sawcut and milled, no parking will be staged to the greatest extent possible. For more information on this project, please click here.
Water Main Replacement for: Leavitt (Sunnyside to Lawrence), Giddings (Lincoln to Leavitt), Leland (Lincoln to Leavitt), Eastwood (Lincoln to Leavitt), and Wilson (Lincoln to Hamilton)
Contractors working with the Dept. of Water Management are replacing the water mains from 1890 under the streets listed above. Concrete has been poured in the trenches on every street and restoration is underway. No parking is in effect, where needed, from 7am to 4pm M-F. For more information on this project please click here.
Sewer Main Replacement for Paulina from Montrose to Cullom & Cullom from Paulina to Ravenswood
Crews from the Dept. of Water Management have replaced the sewers from 1889 under Paulina from Montrose to Cullom & Cullom from Paulina to Ravenswood. Restoration is underway and will be fully completed by Labor Day. For complete information on this project, please click here.
Water Mains Coming 2015-2016 Season:
Damen - Irving Park to Addison
Lincoln - Addison to Irving Park (Winter 2016)
Lincoln - Lawrence to Montrose (Winter 2016)
Lincoln - Addison to Belmont (Winter 2016)
Marshfield - Roscoe to School
Newport - Ravenswood to Lincoln
School - Around intersection with Marshfield
Sewer Mains Coming 2015-2016 Season
Wolcott - Lawrence to Winnemac
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.
September 16 Wednesday 7:00 PM - 8:00 PMCAPS Meeting - Beats 1921 & 1922 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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