On this day in 1989, East German officials opened the Berlin Wall, allowing travel from East to West Berlin.
The 47th Ward Office will be CLOSED on Wednesday, November 11th in observance of Veteran's Day.
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Dear Neighbor, Last Friday, we experienced some technical difficulties with our server, and had to delay the weekly newsletter until today. Thank you for understanding.
In February of 2015, I joined forces with Ald. Pat O'Connor (40) and Ald. Tom Tunney (44) to expand GROW47 beyond our ward and launch GROWCommunity -- a three ward effort to build a cohesive neighborhood K-12 system around Lake View and Amundsen High Schools. After the announcement, GROWCommunity secured a partnership with the University of Chicago's Urban Education Institute (UCHICAGO Impact) to catalyze school improvement efforts at Lake View and Amundsen High Schools and 16 feeder elementary schools. After securing the partnership, we started to assemble a task force comprised of UCHICAGO Impact leadership, school principals, teachers, parents, community leaders, and elected officials. The task force met for the first time in April where GROWCommunity efforts were divided into three working committees: 1) elected leaders, 2) development and marketing, and 3) UCHICAGO Impact. For the last six months, each committee has been working diligently with feeder schools and high schools to coordinate school improvement efforts, create a new narrative around neighborhood high schools, and secure additional resources for our neighborhood high schools. And today, I am pleased to report that we've made significant progress!
See below for an update from each committee.
Elected Leaders Committee: In the summer of 2015, Ald. Patrick O'Connor secured over $2 million in TIF funding for renovations to Amundsen High School. The renovation work included a new gym and cafeteria upgrades. And two weeks ago, Ald. Tunney and I worked with Chicago Public Schools and Mayor Emanuel to secure a new honors program at Lake View High School. In addition to the honors program, Lake View High School will receive a multi-million dollar capital investment.
Development and Marketing Committee: The development and marketing committee is led by Sarah Makela, Cornelia Grumman, Wendy Vasquez, and community members. This committee has been applying for grant funding and working to promote our great neighborhood high schools. And today, I am pleased to announce that Sarah, Cornelia, Wendy, and the entire committee secured two grants totaling $65k! The first grant ($50k) was awarded by Generation All. The second grant ($15k) was awarded by the Brinson Foundation. The grants will be used to fund UCHICAGO Impact and GROWCommunity activities -- with the goal of ensuring alignment and collaboration among GROWCommunity schools, "Friends of" groups, Local School Councils, existing university and corporate partners, community volunteers, and elected officials. All the credit for securing the grants goes to Sarah, Cornelia, Wendy, and the entire committee! More on their efforts soon.
UCHICAGO Impact: Since April, leaders from UCHICAGO Impact and GROWCommunity have been holding professional development seminars with feeder schools and high schools. More specifically, UCHICAGO Impact has been supporting Lake View and Amundsen high schools around their 5Essentials tool. More on this incredible partnership in the coming weeks and months.
None of these accomplishments would have been possible without the tireless work of Principal Scott Grens, Principal Anna Pavichevich, Ald. Patrick O'Connor, Ald. Tom Tunney, Mayor Emanuel, Sarah Makela, Cornelia Grumman, Wendy Vasquez, UCHICAGO Impact CEO John Gasko, parents, feeder school principals, teachers, and community leaders who volunteered countless hours to help propel GROWCommunity from a ward-based initiative to a regional effort! We have more in store and I will keep you posted on our efforts.
Click here to read the University of Chicago press release. Click here to read DNAinfo article on GROWCommunity launch. Click here to read CST article on GROWCommunity launch. Click here to read DNAinfo article on UCHICAGO/GROWCommunity partnership. Click here to read my CST op-ed on neighborhood high schools and selective enrollment. Bring Back the #11 & Other CTA Updates  Since attending the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Board Meeting last month, I've continued advocacy efforts around restoring the #11 Lincoln Bus. Now make sure to add your voice before the CTA votes on the 2016 budget on November 18, 2015. Please send an email to the CTA and help bring back the #11 Lincoln Bus! In the 2016 budget, the CTA is proposing to restore Western Avenue and Ashland Avenue express bus service. As part of the plan, the CTA is considering the elimination of some existing bus stops along the Western and Ashland routes to shorten transit times. Please take a moment to review their proposed changes, and provide feedback to the CTA via ashlandwesternbus@transitchicago.com. Have a great week!  |
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City of Chicago Debt Relief Program
As part of the 2016 Budget passed by City Council on October 28, 2015 the City of Chicago will be offering a Debt Relief Program to individuals and businesses that owe eligible debt to the City. The Debt Relief Program will provide individuals and businesses the opportunity to resolve outstanding debt and avoid further costs and collection activity (e.g. driver's license suspension, vehicle immobilization, business license revocation, and wage garnishment). The program will be open from November 15th until December 31st. For complete information, please click here. |
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Street Sweeping
Arterial street sweeping ended on October 31st. The rest of the season's street sweeping schedule is available on chicago47.org. Be sure to place close attention for posted signs, and move your car so the sweeper can get as many leaves off of the street as possible.
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47th Ward A&C*
*Arts & Culture
Special Events Rizal Center, 1332 W. Irving Park Rd.
Chicago Fil-Am Craft Beer & Food Fest, November 14, Saturday, 1 PM to 4 PM and 5 PM to 8 PM. Sponsored by the Filipino American Council of Greater Chicago, chow down on Chicago Food Truck treats, sample tasty craft local beers from a variety of breweries and jam to house lounge & 90s music from local Pinoy DJs! https://www.facebook.com/events/891198424304991 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 Comedy Corn Productions Cornservatory, 4210 N. Lincoln Ave. Drink! The Sketch Comedy Drinking Game, thru January 23. www.cornservatory.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 Laugh Out Loud- Coming Soon to Lincoln Avenue!
Comedy created on the spot from audience suggestions like Whose Line is it Anyway?
www.laughoutloudtheater.com Theater Black Ensemble Theater, 4450 N. Clark St.
The Black White Love Play, thru November 15.
The Story of Chaz and Roger Ebert. Bughouse Theater, 1910 W. Irving Park Rd. Improv TONIGHT, limited-see web for dates, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM, $10.
Hogwash: An Improvised Tall Tale, improvised children's show on Saturdays 10:30 AM, adults free, kids $10.
Skull Mountain, variety show, Fridays 8 PM.
Fowler Family Radio Hour, November Sundays 6 PM.
SaG Night: a night of laughter and variety, third Saturdays 10 PM.
Friday Night Hose Down, improv on first Fridays 10 PM, $10.
CIS showcase, hosted by Chicago Improv Studio on Thursdays 8 PM, $5.
Peaches and HotSauce, live podcast on Thursdays 10 PM, $5.
Monday Open Mic, sign up at 9:30 PM, show starts at 10 PM, donation only. www.bughousetheater.com
The Public House Theatre, 3914 N. Clark St. Act Accordingly
, Thursdays at 8 PM through November 19
Stormtrooper Stories, Fridays & Saturdays 8 PM through November 28, $15
Bye Bye Liver: The Chicago Drinking Play, Fridays & Saturdays 8 PM & 10 PM, $18-$22
A series of outrageous and hilarious comedic sketches, all centered around one thing ... alcohol!
BattleMasters Unlimited!, Thursdays 9:30 PM, $5
http://pubhousetheatre.com
Music
Queen of Angels Parish, 2330 W Sunnyside Ave. Suit and Tie Acapella Concert by Chicago-based female vocal trio Artemisia., November 14, Saturday 7:00 PM, Free.
From Georgian horseback songs to Irish sea chanties to boy bands, this program investigates the rich tradition of male ensemble singing, freshly presented by a female one. This staged, immersive performance is not your typical "sit and clap" concert. Instead, Artemisia joyfully brings audiences into an active world of work, play, worship, performance, and romance, across time and borders. Come asking, "Why women?" Leave asking, "Why not?"
www.artemisiatrio.comOld 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 Martyrs', 3855 N. Lincoln Ave.
Small bar & live-music venue showcasing eclectic performers, with a menu of pizza & bar bites.
www.martyrslive.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 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 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 Visual Arts Alibi Fine Art, 4426 N. Ravenswood Ave. Origins, opening reception November 14, 5:30 to 8:30 PM, runs thru December 24.
Photographs by Rachel Jump depicting the fragile entanglements of family by tracing the tensile bonds that have been created, broken, and mended through cycles of love and loss, harmony and discord, growing up and growing apart. www.alibifineart.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
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School Tours & Promotions
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.
Pilgrim Lutheran Church & School St. Benedict School _____________________________________________________________________________________________
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Dara Reports
Thanks to City Clerk Mendoza, our aldermen and Mayor Emanuel, who passed the ordinance which prevents retailers from selling dogs, cats and rabbits and then fought the law-suit that was filed in the Federal Court to stop the ordinance - Chicago is now the largest city east of the Mississippi to have such a law. This will put another nail in the coffin of puppy mill industry. Our autumn has been dry and our trees need your attention before winter. Put a hose on a slow drip overnight to get a good soaking to the roots. Prune only after you tree has entered dormancy; after the risk of new growth. Apply a fertilizer that promotes root growth over leaf growth Mulch around the base of the tree to moderate heat loss and will also keep in moisture. Leave space between the tree and mulch which will discourage mice. We've had several coyote sightings in the neighborhood this fall. If you're interested in our wild neighbors, please take a look at our website. They're so important they have their own page. Join neighbors to Support Matty K's Hardware! Sunday November 29th 2-5pm at Candlelite Chicago Sports Bar & Pizza Restaurant. $30 suggested donation for adults includes cash raffle, music, all-you-can-eat pizza & salad buffet dinner, soft drinks and a prize drawing. Bring the whole family, $7 suggested donation for kids. Or donate at: www.gofundme.com/mattyks
Friendship Pet Food Pantry (FP2) FP2's priority wish list includes dry cat food and Friskies canned cat food. Drop off cat (and dog) food at Alderman Pawar's 47th Ward Service Office Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or at the Friendship Center (2733 W. Lawrence Ave.) on Thursdays from 2 to 5 p.m. In 2016, pet food distribution will shift to the third Saturday of every month, from 9 to 11 a.m. Any one high-school age or older is welcome to volunteer, though a brief training is required. Other volunteer opportunities exist for all ages. Visit FP2's website, www.friendshippetpantry.org to learn more. Thank you! 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).
Add them to your compost. Or put them in large garbage bags, keep adding crushed leaves every time you rake, let the air out of the bag and use them next spring for mulch. FREE, yes FREE, Rain Barrels are available to everyone who wants to disconnect their downspouts. Thanks to the 47th Ward partnership with Metropolitan Water Reclamation District & Chicago Historic Bungalow Association. You may request up to 4 rain barrels! The next helpful step you can take is to plant a rain garden for your overflow; instead of having water in your basement, alley or the street. There is less open land in our neighborhood, with that comes more water with nowhere to go. Our streets are designed to hold water, then to slowly drain - but with these larger rain events there is more water than our combined system can handle. Does your alley flood? Does storm-water runoff from your garage go into the alley; does it seem that there is more water on your property than ever before? Talk to your neighbors. Help one another to disconnect gutters. The more houses on your block that use rain barrels the less flooding you'll have. Please contact Dara@chicago47.org
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: 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.
Thanks to all of you who donated blankets/towels for the shelters. A car load was taken to PAWS. Please keep them coming.
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.
Please be sure to report any drain that does not clear within 24 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
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, eyeglasses, 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
FINAL STAGE: The streetscape project is currently wrapping up, as the contractor only has a few small items to address. If additional concrete removal and replacement is required by the City due to some of the spalling issues, this work will require additional time. A few remaining trees that were damaged will be replaced and a few missing plants will be installed in the infiltration planters. Also, the last section of fence at Claremont Plaza will be installed. Once the project has been approved by the City, the SSAs will assume maintenance and a number of items will remain under warranty.
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 & Lincoln from Addison to Irving Park
Contractors working with the Department of Water Management are replacing the water mains from 1890 under Damen & Lincoln from Addison to Irving Park. The water main installation is complete on Damen, and service transfers will begin this week. Lincoln main installation has begun and started at Addison and will be moving northward. 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.
Sewer Main Replacement for Wolcott from Lawrence to Winnemac
Contractors woking with the Dept. of Water Management will begin replacing the sewers from 1905 under Wolcott from Winnemac to Lawrence soon. No parking restrictions will be necessary M-F from 7am to 4pm. Traffic diversion is in place at Lawrence & Wolcott, and the left turn is restricted on Wolcott from WB Lawrence. Crews will begin installing the tumble basin in the intersection this week. Water will be shut off for portions of Lawrence Avenue from Ravenswood to Damen starting at 11pm on Tuesday. Water will be restored by 4am Wednesday. For complete information on this project, please click here.
Water Mains Coming 2015-2016 Season:
Lincoln - Lawrence to Montrose (Winter 2016)
Lincoln - Addison to Belmont (Winter 2016)
Marshfield - Roscoe to School (Winter 2016)
Newport - Ravenswood to Lincoln (Winter 2016)
School - Around intersection with Marshfield (Winter 2016)
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.
November 9 Monday 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Ehdrigohr: Native American Role Playing Game
Bezazian Library, 1226 W. Ainslie Street
November 9 Monday 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Introduction to Meditation class each month at Sulzer Regional Library
Sulzer Regional Library, 4455 N. Lincoln Avenue
November 11 Wednesday 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Veteran's Day Celebration & Luncheon
North Center Satellite Senior Center, 4040 N. Oakley Avenue
November 11 Wednesday 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Elected School Board Forum with State Rep. Ann Williams
Athenaeum Theater, 2936 N. Southport Avenue
November 12 Thursday 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Venture Workshop Series: Venture Finance
Bezazian Library, 1226 W. Ainslie Street
November 12 Thursday 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
47th Ward Residents Can Save on Winter Energy Bills
Belmont Lincoln Library, 1659 W. Melrose Street
November 12 Thursday 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Elected School Board Town Hall Meeting
Institute for Cultural Affairs-5th City Room, 4750 N. Sheridan Road
November 13 Friday 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
The Chicago Mosaic School Hammered!--New Date
The Chicago Mosaic School, 1806 W. Cuyler Avenue, 2nd Floor
November 13 Friday 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Taste of Ravenswood
Ravenswood Event Center, 4025 N. Ravenswood Avenue
November 13 Friday 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Tattler Tales Stand-Up Showcase
American Legion Tattler Post #973, 4355 N. Western Avenue
November 14 Saturday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Human Library
Bezazian Library, 1226 W. Ainslie Street
November 14 Saturday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
JASC Holiday Delight, Children's Festival & Craft Bazaar
Japanese American Service Committee, 4427 N. Clark Street
November 14 Saturday 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Chicago Fil-Am Craft Beer & Food Fest, 1st Annual!
Rizal Center, 1332 W. Irving Park Road
November 14 Saturday 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Origins, a solo show of photographs by Rachel Jump Opening Reception
Alibi Fine Art, 4426 N Ravenswood Avenue
November 14 Saturday 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Suit and Tie, acapella vocal concert-Free!
Queen of Angels Parish, lower church, 2330 W. Sunnyside Avenue
November 18 Wednesday 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Acce$$ to Community Capital panel discussion for businesses
Cantina 1910, 5025 N Clark Street
November 18 Wednesday 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
CAPS Meeting - Beats 1921 & 1922
Belmont & Western
November 19 Thursday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Venture Workshop Series: Venture Launch
Bezazian Library, 1226 W. Ainslie Street
November 19 Thursday 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
CAPS Meeting - Beat 2032
4900 N. Damen November 20 Friday 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM Cornelia Arts Building Open Studios--Friday Cornelia Arts Building, 1800 W. Cornelia Avenue, entrance on Ravenswood November 21 Saturday 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Ravenswood Fellowship UMC Pancake Breakfast Ravenswood Fellowship United Methodist Church, 4511 N. Hermitage Avenue November 21 Saturday 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Collection of Baby Items for Share Our Spare North Park Elementary School, 2017 W Montrose Avenue November 21 Saturday 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM Cornelia Arts Building Open Studios--Saturday Cornelia Arts Building, 1800 W. Cornelia Avenue, entrance on Ravenswood November 24 Tuesday 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM CAPS Meeting - Beat 2031 Anderson Pavilion, 2751 W. Winona November 28 Saturday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Made Conscious: An Ethical Holiday Pop Up Shop Rebecca Marie Designs, 5254 N Damen Avenue
December 2 Wednesday 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Ward Night
47th Ward Office
December 2 Wednesday 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM CAPS Meeting - Beat 2033 Bezazian Library, 1226 W. Ainslie Street December 12 Saturday 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Veterans Resource Fair Welles Park, 2333 W. Sunnyside Avenue December 14 Monday 7:45 PM - 9:00 PM Prophets & Bodhisattvas: Dan Berrigan & Thich Nhat Hanh Ancient Dragon Zen Gate, 1922 W. Irving Park Road
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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