On this day in 1620, the British ship Mayflower docked at modern-day Plymouth, Massachusetts.
The 47th Ward Office will be CLOSED from Wednesday, December 23rd through Friday, December 25th.
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Dear Neighbor, Starting the week of January 4, 2016, contractors working with the Department of Water Management will mobilize to replace the water mains under Lincoln Avenue from Belmont to Addison and from Montrose to Lawrence. We pushed to have these projects completed in the New Year to ease the disruption to the businesses along the Lincoln Avenue commercial corridor during the holiday season. That said, there is never a good time to replace a water or sewer main. Traffic flow will not be disrupted, but 'no parking' signs will be posted Monday - Friday from 7am to 4pm. We will do our best to ensure that 'No parking' signs are staged to where work is taking place. And as always, we will keep you updated via the newsletter as both of these projects get underway. Holiday Garbage and Recycling Schedule Over the next two weeks, the Department of Streets and Sanitation will be picking up garbage and recycling on a 4-day schedule for the next two weeks. Please leave your carts in the alley or on the curb every day so crews can pick them up. They will resume the normal schedule the week of January 4, 2016. 2016 Shared Cost Sidewalk ProgramThe Shared Cost Sidewalk Program is an extremely popular voluntary program through which property owners share the cost of sidewalk repair with the City. Thousands of Chicagoans have participated in this program, taking advantage of the low cost, exceptional value, and ease of participation. The Shared Cost Sidewalk Program cost per square foot charged to property owners is well below what a private contractor would charge. Senior citizens and persons with disabilities may qualify for a further discounted rate.
Applications will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 12am on January 12, 2016. The number of participants is based on availability of funds. The program typically reaches capacity within hours, so you are encouraged to apply right at 12am. Please note that if you applied for the program in previous years, you must apply again in 2016 if you wish to be considered for the 2016 program. Applications will only be accepted through the City's 311 system by calling 311 or through the City's service request website (click Get Started Online). Due to high call volume, the city's website is the best way to input your request. For more information, click on the links below.
Condominium Refuse Rebates This will be the final year that condominium associations are eligible to apply for the condominium refuse rebates. Only associations that filed rebate applications each year since 2011 are eligible for consideration. You can find all the forms you need to complete on the Committee on Finance's website. Please be sure to turn in all your documentation to my office by 5pm on Friday, January 8th. If you have any questions about applying for this program, please call or email my office. Have a great weekend!  |
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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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Chicago Goes Bagless with Recycling
The Chicago Blue Cart Recycling Program is going bagless. Come January 1, the City of Chicago is requiring all recyclables be placed in your blue cart loose without a bag.
We know that everyone wants to do their part to protect the environment, but when you put the wrong items in a blue cart you contaminate not only your cart but a whole stream of otherwise useful materials.
Plastic bags damage equipment at sorting facilities and also keep workers from seeing whether other non-recyclables - like greasy pizza boxes or Styrofoam - have been placed in the cart. Going bagless not only helps our environment, but also reduces unnecessary costs incurred by the City as a result of contaminated blue carts.
So lose the bag, and keep the recycling!
Recycling in your blue cart is easy. Some simple tips for going bagless include:
- Throwing recyclables directly into the blue cart throughout the week;
- Using a garbage can, bin or container to collect recyclables in your house. Then bring the full container out and toss the items directly into your blue cart;
- Using a bag to collect and carry recyclables out to your blue cart. Then toss the items out of the bag and directly into your blue cart. You can even reuse the bag.
The important thing to remember is to toss your recyclables loose into your blue cart. Recyclables contained in bags of any kind will no longer be accepted.
Recycling is an important step we can all take to protect the environment. I encourage residents to incorporate recycling into their daily household routines.
To help take away any confusion on what can and can't be recycled, the Department of Streets & Sanitation has launched a new website - Recycle by City Chicago - that will clear up misconceptions and provide a better visual representation of how to recycle correctly.
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Day Porter Needed at Concordia Place
Concordia Place is seeking to fill the position of a 'Day Porter' whose primary focus is to ensure that all of Concordia's facilities are an outward expression of their 'Place of Excellence" guiding principle. General responsibilities include custodial, janitorial and light maintenance tasks. Position requires own vehicle to fulfill job functions; (travel between sites, pickup parts, meet vendors). Valid driver's license and current automobile insurance are required.
Concordia offers excellent salaries, medical and dental benefits, 403(b) retirement savings, life insurance, Long-term Disability Insurance, and paid time off. Founded 35 years ago, Concordia Place is vibrant nonprofit with proactive solutions to key social needs. Their focus is growth and opportunity through economically inclusive early childhood, teen leadership and senior wellness programs.
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47th Ward A&C*
*Arts & Culture
Special Events
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.
Dynamite Divas: A Tribute to Women of Soul, previews begin December 12.
The Story of Chaz and Roger Ebert.
Bughouse Theater, 1910 W. Irving Park Rd. Hogwash: An Improvised Tall Tale, improvised children's show on Saturdays 10:30 AM, adults free, kids $10.
CIS showcase, hosted by Chicago Improv Studio on Thursdays 8 PM, $5. www.bughousetheater.com
The Public House Theatre, 3914 N. Clark St. 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! http://pubhousetheatre.com
Music
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
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
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.
St. Andrew School
St. Benedict School
Pilgrim Lutheran Church & School _____________________________________________________________________________________________
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Dara Reports
Good Books Wanted! It feels so satisfying to give books you or your children have already read or outgrown, to others who enjoy reading. Or perhaps the book you give away becomes that special one that propels someone to love reading? We always need good books for our Little Free Library. We're here 9-5 Monday-Friday.
With winter comes SNOW! Please be a Snow Angel for an elderly neighbor or a neighbor living with a disability in a single family home. All that is required is when the snow is over 2", shovel the front walk and stairs. The reward comes from the great feeling you get from helping a neighbor.
Know a student? They can earn community service hours by volunteering. Our first request is for a Snow Angel on the 3400 block of Marshfield. Please call or email dara@chicago47.org 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.
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).
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: 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
Water Main Replacement Damen & Lincoln from Addison to Irving Park
Contractors working with the Department of Water Management have replaced the water mains from 1890 under Damen & Lincoln from Addison to Irving Park. Contractors have capped their trench with concrete on Lincoln. Full restoration will come when the weather warms in the Spring. 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 at all times due to the sandy nature of the soil and instability of the trench. Traffic diversion is in place at Lawrence & Wolcott, and the left turn is restricted on Wolcott from WB Lawrence Crews are working to get the temporary concrete surface down on the 4800 block. We expect to have this concrete down before Christmas. Once it is down, parking will be restored on the 4800 block. Work will continue in the intersection at Lawrence Avenue while the 4800 block is restored. Once the work in the intersection at Lawrence is complete, the crew will mobilize to do the same at the intersection of Winnemac and Wolcott. Upon completion of the work in the intersection at Winnemac, crews will return to Wolcott to continue installing the new sewer main under the street between Ainslie and Winnemac. This is currently projected to happen in March 2016. Final asphalt, concrete, and landscaping restoration is expected to be completed in May of 2016. 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.
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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