On this day in 1994, white supremacist Byron De La Beckwith is convicted in the murder of African-American civil rights leader Medgar Evers, over 30 years after the crime occurred.
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Dear Neighbor,
Every year, each ward is allocated $1.32 million in aldermanic menu funding for public infrastructure projects. The next step in determining how our menu dollars will be spent is for all of you to vote on which projects you would like to see completed. The first step in this process was completed last Fall when individuals and neighborhood groups submitted block audits. For this menu season we received 228 block audits from all around the 47th Ward. This is an all-time high -- up 30% from last year. I want to thank everyone who took the time to complete a block audit. To see the report on last year's aldermanic menu program, please click here.  In addition to the data provided by the block audits, the 47th Ward Team has been sorting through service request data from the city's 311 system and other requests made to our office to determine which projects to consider this year. They also excluded projects which have already been budgeted in a previous year or that were recently completed.
Voting for the 2015 aldermanic menu begins TODAY, and you can vote on projects by clicking here. To take a look at the projects before logging on to vote, please click here. Voting will be open until 11:59pm on Sunday, February 21st. While you and your neighbors are considering which projects to support, the 47th Ward Team will be traveling throughout the ward to survey all of our alleys, streets, sidewalks, street lights and other public infrastructure. I will use all of this data to finalize the list of projects that will be submitted to the City for this year's menu.
Please know that our submission is not the end of the process. The Chicago Department of Transportation carefully surveys each project. They also coordinate with the Department of Water Management and other utilities to ensure that our work is not done ahead of other major capital work like a water main replacement. This process saves valuable tax dollars, but can create changes in our initial submission. As always, we will report back to you on the projects selected for 2016.
Your input is vitally important as we determine which projects to fund with our limited budget. I hope that you will take the time to vote and please urge your neighbors to do so as well. If you have any questions, please contact my office.
Lincoln Avenue Water Main - Belmont to Addison (Includes: Marshfield [Roscoe to School], Newport [Ravenswood to Lincoln] & School [Marshfield to 130' east])
After a small delay, the contractor working with the Dept. of Water Management is ready to begin replacing the water mains under Lincoln Avenue and some adjoining side streets that were originally installed in 1890. Updated packets are being distributed to residents and businesses in the work area. Work will begin on Monday, February 8th. No Parking will be posted M-F from 7am to 4pm. The contractor will post the entire stretch for the first few days to allow for saw-cutting, milling and other preparation work. Once that is completed, the no parking zones will be staged to the greatest extent possible to preserve as much parking as we can.
I requested that DWM perform this work during the winter to mitigate the impact on our small businesses during their busy season. Please remember to support our local businesses as the City completes this needed infrastructure work. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact my office.
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March 15th Primary Election
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Sidewalk Snow Removal
Everyone needs to use the sidewalks to get where they are going. Please remember to clear a path at least 5 feet wide on all of the sidewalks adjacent to your property, including any crosswalk ramps. Do not shovel the snow into the right-of-way, which includes: transit stops and bus pads, parking spaces, bike lanes, bike racks, Divvy stations, and any other space where snow impedes traffic of any kind. You can get full information on the snow removal requirement on the City's website. To report violations, please contact the 47th Ward Office. |
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Chicago Dept. of Public Health Issues FAQ on the Zika Virus
The Zika (ZEE-ka) virus is impacting individuals in parts of Mexico, Central America, South America and the Caribbean. In most cases, symptoms are mild; but there are risks for pregnant women. If you are planning to travel to any of these regions, learn the facts. And if you are pregnant, reconsider your travel plans. You can get more information by clicking here.
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Western Avenue Viaduct Removal Project
The half-century old viaduct over Belmont on Western Avenue has been deteriorating for some time, and is reaching the end of its useful life. CDOT hosted an open house to discuss their plans to remove this viaduct.
This project will not only remove the viaduct, but will also rehabilitate the Western Avenue Bridge over the Chicago River, reconstruct/resurface the roadway on Western from Jones to Waveland, provide 13'-wide sidewalks, add a third travel lane in each direction during peak hours, provide over 80 new on-street parking spaces, and make pedestrian-minded intersection improvements like the addition of countdown timers and pedestrian refuge islands at unsignalized crossings. To review the design and other project details, please click here.
This project is expected to take 18-24 months to complete, and traffic lanes on Western Avenue will be reduced/shifted during the various phases of the project to allow for this work.
Advance construction activities will be beginning on Western Avenue the week of February 8th. This work will include installing temp traffic signals at the intersections and storm sewer televising. Message Boards were placed south of the river bridge, near Addison, and on Belmont warning traffic of these activities beginning.
Stage 1, expected to begin in March of 2016 will include: removal of the viaduct, deck replacement on the River Bridge, and roadway construction. The work zone during this phase will extend from the south approach of the Chicago River Bridge north to Roscoe. During this time, there will be only one lane in each direction along Western Avenue. This is the most severe restriction in place during the project, and will last approximately 6 months. Once stage 1 is completed, there will be two lanes of traffic in each direction for the remainder of the project (approx. 18 months). To review the stages of construction and traffic control plan, please click here.
This project will have a profound impact to the travel times along Western Avenue. We will keep you updated as information becomes available on start dates and other important notices once the project gets underway. If you have any questions, please contact the 47th Ward Office.
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Police Accountability Task Force - Upcoming Public Meeting, February 25th
The Task Force on Police Accountability, created by Mayor Emanuel, will recommend reforms to the current system to improve independent oversight of police misconduct, ensure offices with repeated complaints are identified and evaluated appropriately, and establish best practice for the release of videos in police- involved shootings.
The task force is hosting a public hearing on Thursday, February 25th (registration begins at 5:30pm, meeting starts at 6pm) at Sullivan High School located at 6631 N. Bosworth.
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Chicago Goes Bagless with Recycling
The Chicago Blue Cart Recycling Program is going bagless. Now, 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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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! Grives you (Holly)Wood, thru April 16. 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- Opening Soon at 3851 N. Lincoln Avenue! Comedy created on the spot from audience suggestions like Whose Line is it Anyway? www.laughoutloudtheater.com
Theater
Davis Theater, 4614 N. Lincoln Ave. Closed for Renovation-look for a Summer Re-opening www.davistheater.com
Black Ensemble Theater, 4450 N. Clark St.
Doo Wop Shoo Bop, Fridays 8PM, Saturdays & Sundays 3 PM February 14 thru January 24.
This melodic look at the Doo Wop era celebrates such iconic groups as The Platters, The Drifters and the Chantels.
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
Alibi Fine Art, 4426 N. Ravenswood Ave. Downstate: Photographs of Southern Illinois Circa 1975, a solo show of gelatin photographs by David Gremp, opening reception January 23 Saturday 5:30 - 8:30 PM, runs thru March 29. www.alibifineart.com
OpenWall Chicago, 4243 N. Lincoln Ave. My City, Our City: An Art Mashup, featuring artists from the Chicago Creative Coalition, thru January 29. www.chicagocreative.org/cam-15
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
SHOP LOCAL doesn't end at Christmas. Valentine's Day is just around the corner. With all of the exceptional stores in our neighborhoods there's something for everyone!
Please look at your rear license plate and note the expiration month. You will not be receiving a reminder from the state when it's time to renew; but you will receive a ticket if you're late in affixing your new state sticker. Sign-up to receive your notifications from the state via email. Save the Date - Start planning for our annual Spring Cleaning on Saturday, April 16. Talk to your neighbors, get together to clear your storm drains, pick up trash, weed the alley, lend a hand to an elderly neighbor and have a pot luck! Box up your unwanted books, get that unused bike out of the garage and gather your electronics, televisions, batteries; anything with a plug will be accepted at our Spring Recycling Event. This is a perfect opportunity for high school students to earn Community Service hours. Let us know where you'll be working and we'll drop off treats & large black garbage bags. Have a home shredder? You may recycle your shredded paper in your Blue Cart (unless you have other uses for it). Place the shredded paper in a paper bag, staple or tape the bag shut and write Shredded Paper on the bag. Voila, just as easy as that. If a parkway tree has been removed from in front of your house or residence and you would like another one planted, please let us know and we will enter your request. Voting is one of the most important acts we do as Americans. More Election Judges are needed. You'll be paid for your training and for your work on Election Day. You'll be assigned to a precinct right here in our neighborhood. Please contact one of our local committeemen to sign-up. , as they don't contain heavy metals. They can be tossed into your regular black cart garbage.
Please bring your rechargeable batteries to our office anytime. We will be collecting single usebatteries during our twice yearly, spring and fall recycling events only. They will be sent to a recycler in Michigan.
A lovely way to reduce flooding - the bees and butterflies will thank you. Rain Gardens: Design & Plant Your Own Tuesday, March 30; 6:30-8:00pm; Sulzer Regional Library, 4455 N. Lincoln Ave.
We will continue to collect winter coats, scarves, hats & gloves through the winter. The need is there and so are our unwanted items. Thanks.
How often can eating a pancake breakfast and running a 5k along with like-minded neighbors, make a difference in someone's life? Please join in the Ravenswood Run, April 24th. The proceeds benefit the Ravenswood Community Services Food Pantry at All Saints Episcopal Church and the student Health Centers at Lake View & Amundsen High Schools.
Winter Safety Tips for Dogs & Cats can be found on our website.
If you know a senior or someone living with a disability living in a single family home, please let us know if they need help with snow removal.
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. Check out the newest Little Free Library on the east end of the 2400 block of Cullom; just steps west of Western.
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) would like to thank all of you who have supported our neighbors and their pets in 2015. FP2's mission is to offer pet food to folks so they can feed their pets during hard times. This also will keep pets with their families versus being brought to a shelter. Our pets are family members. No one should have to choose who is fed and who goes to bed hungry.
In 2015 Friendship Pet Food Pantry helped 372 family's feed 542 dogs and 785 cats. We have also made a commitment to supply litter for clients who have cats.
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
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. 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 Lincoln Avenue from Belmont to Addison, Marshfield from Roscoe to School, Newborth from Ravenswood to Lincoln & School from Marshfield to 130' east of Marshfield
Contractors working with the Department of Water Management will be replacing the water mains from 1890 under the streets detailed above starting Monday, February 8th. No Parking will be posted M-F from 7am to 4pm. The first few days will require posting no parking on every street for prep work. Once completed, no parking will be staged to the greatest extent possible. For more information, please click here. Water Main Replacement for Lincoln Avenue from Lawrence to Montrose and Wilson from Lincoln to Leavitt Contractors working with the Department of Water Management will be replacing the water mains from 1892 under the streets detailed above. They plan to mobilize here in March. We will update you once firm dates are set. For more information, please click here.
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 are replacing the sewers from 1905 under Wolcott from Winnemac to Lawrence. Temporary concrete is in place and parking is restored on the 4800 block. Intersection work at Lawrence has wrapped up, the crew has mobilized to do the same at the intersection of Winnemac and Wolcott. This closure will be in place until the beginning of March. The 1800 block of Argyle can be accessed via the N/S alley just east of 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 Soon:
Ravenswood (east side) from Waveland Avenue to Irving Park Road. (Winter 2016)
Dakin from Western Avenue to Campbell Avenue (Winter 2016)
For more information, visit the infrastructure section of our website or contact Jim Poole at jim@chicago47.org or 773-868-4747. |
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Community Events
For details on the events listed below, please see the events section of our website.
February 28 Sunday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PMChicago Volunteer ExpoPeggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Drive
March 29 Tuesday 7:00 PM - 8:00 PMCAPS Meeting: Beat 2031Swedish Covenant Hospital, Anderson Pavilion, 2751 W. Winona Avenue
March 30 Wednesday 7:00 PM - 8:00 PMCAPS Meeting: Beat 2032Ravenswood Evangelical Covenant Church, 4900 N. Damen AvenueWant 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 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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