On this day in 2004, the last Oldsmobile comes off the assembly line at the Lansing Car Assembly plant in Michigan, signaling the end of the 106-year-old automotive brand, America's oldest.
All Chicago Public Libraries will be CLOSED on Wednesday, May 4 for staff development. They will reopen on Thursday, May 5.
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Dear Neighbor, Huge news! Today, we learned that GROWCommunity secured a $125k grant from A Better Chicago to support the effort to develop a neighborhood K-12 system around Lake View and Amundsen High Schools. This latest grant builds on the $50k awarded to GROWCommunity by Generation All, $15k by the Brinson Family Foundation, and $10k seed funds from my PAC, Friends of Ameya Pawar. To learn more about the evolution of GROW47 to GROWCommunity, click here. GROWCommunity was recently recognized in an editorial by the Chicago Sun Times supporting Generation All's neighborhood high school plan as an example of how neighborhood high schools benefit when communities rally around them. Today's grant announcement is another confirmation of our community's support. Click here to read the editorial. All the credit for this grant goes to GROWCommunity Executive Director Sarah Makela and her amazing team. Thank you, Sarah! I also want to thank UChicago Impact, the Urban Education Institute, Principal Scott Grens, Principal Anna Pavichevich, and everyone who has helped GROWCommunity get where it is today. I have no doubt that we will complete a neighborhood K-12 system around Lake View and Amundsen High Schools.
To learn more about the grant and to sign up for the GROWCommunity newsletter, click here. Next week, staff from the offices of Commissioner Bridget Gainer and Commissioner John Fritchey will be in the 47th Ward Office to assist residents in Lake View Township (all areas of the 47th Ward east of Western Avenue) in appealing your property tax assessments, and answer any other questions you may have about your property taxes. Full information can be found on the flyer, below.  47th Ward Summer InternshipEach summer, the 47th Ward Office hosts one paid college intern through the City of Chicago internship program. This year, the internship will run from June 6 to August 12 (ten weeks). The selected intern must have completed at least one semester or quarter of college during spring of the current year in an accredited program and must be able to show proof of Chicago residency at the time of hire. The pay per hour is $9.50 for undergrads and $10.50 for grad/law students. Internship projects could cover a range of issues such as public safety, schools, transportation, zoning, housing, public art and business development. We do our best to align projects with the interests of our interns.
Applicants should send a resume and cover letter highlighting relevant experience & skills and explaining specific interests to Ernie Constantino. We will be accepting applications through May 9.
Have a great weekend!
Sincerely,
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LV2 Cubs Night Game Parking
LV2 Passes can be picked up in our office. Bring your proof of residence, license plate number, and city sticker number. For further information, please click here. |
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2016 Block Parties
This year's block party application packet can be found by clicking here, or simply come into the 47th Ward Office to pick one up. The Jumping Jack applications are now completed online.
For complete information on block parties, please click here.
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Carmen Playlot Renovation
The Carmen Playlot at 1224 W. Carment will be renovated this year as part of the "Chicago Plays! Playground Program." The Winona-Foster-Carmen-Winnemac (WFCW) Block Club and all playlot users are being asked for input to select the new playground equipment.
At this meeting, five playground renovations will be presented. A vote to select among the proposals will be taken.
The playlot will be "out of commission" for 8 weeks during the build process. The schedule for the renovation will also be discussed at the meeting.
Block Club Meeting
May 3rd, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Methodist Senior Service
1415 W. Foster (Enter on Glenwood)
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Lakeview Chamber Updates
20th Annual Lead Off Luncheon, June 1
Come celebrate the fantastic start to the Cubs season and the impact that Wrigley Field has on Lakeview's neighborhood economy. Join the Lakeview Chamber for an afternoon of exciting conversation and networking with the Chicago Cubs. Featuring guest speaker, Tom Ricketts, Chairman of the Chicago Cubs. For more information or to register, click here.
#BikeLakeview and Win This May!
Spring is a great time to #BikeLakeview, and throughout National Bike Month in May, bike-friendly businesses are offering prizes every week to lucky winners. Visit www.bikefriendlylakeview.com to see a list of special offers and participating businesses. Then, shop at one or more of those businesses by bike and share your experience on Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #BikeLakeview for a chance to win gift cards and other great prizes. Good luck, and ride safely!
Celebrate Mother's Day with the Southport Corridor
Southport Corridor shops want to help you celebrate the moms in your life! You'll find deals at some of your favorite restaurants and boutiques, along with everything from pampering to mommy and me events.
The Southport Corridor is the perfect girls' day out shopping experience. Discover more than 20 clothing and accessory shops, including unique independent boutiques as well as your favorite national brands. Then take a break at a local restaurant or café, or pamper yourself at a salon or spa!
Shop Local with the Lakeview Gift Card
Celebrating something? Give the gift of Lakeview!
Accepted at more than 80 local businesses, the Lakeview Gift Card will help you gear up for spring while supporting local stores, restaurants and institutions. You can purchase the Lakeview Gift Card online or by visiting the Lakeview Chamber of Commerce, 1409 W. Addison St., during regular office hours. Gift cards are available in any denomination from $5-$500 per card.
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Graceland West Community Association Garage Sale, May 21 from 9am to 4pm
GWCA will be hosting their annual Garage Sale on May 21 from 9am to 4pm (rain day on May 22). Please email Mark at mnehring4@yahoo.com and register by May 15. 23 days remain to clean out your closets, "junk" drawer and storage areas. Whether you live in an apartment, condo, townhome, row house or house, this is an opportunity to make some $ repurposing items useful to others. Sell items on your parkway, parking pad or in your garage. Mark will do group advertising and pull required permits at the Alderman's office. You should still add a sign or two. Free to GWCA Members. $15.00 to non-members. Join GWCA and the garage sale is free. You can download a membership form from our website. Here's a link to GWCA's new Calendar Page on theirnew website.
P.S. if you're 65 or older and not yet a GWCA Member, if you register for the Garage Sale by May 15, we will give you a 1 year GWCA membership and the garage sale free. Just contact Mark at the address above.
Neighborhood and Garage Sale boundaries are Montrose, Clark, Irving Park & Ashland.
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Chicago River Day 2016
Chicago River Day is coming up on Saturday, May 14, 2016. This annual metro-wide volunteer day spans the river's 156-mile system. Volunteers will work along the river banks and help to remove tons of litter and sort out recyclables, but can also support construction of river trails, remove invasive vegetation, and plant native plants. With over 60 locations to choose from, we are excited to see you out along the river this spring for Chicago River Day!
Registration is now open! Click here to Register.
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Book Signing at Savory Spice Shop in Lincoln Square, May 22
Local author Colleen Taylor Sen will sign copies of her books Feasts and Fasts: A History of Food in India and Curry: A Global History at the Savory Spice Shop, 4753 North Lincoln from 12.00 noon to 2.00 pm on Sunday May 22. She is the author of six books, including Street Food around the World: An Encyclopedia of Food and Culture; A Guide to Indian Restaurant Menus; and Turmeric: The Wonder Spice. Her articles have appeared in Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun Times, Travel and Leisure, Food Arts and other publications.
Some reviews of Feasts and Fasts:
"An irresistible edition to your kitchen shelf, the history inside is richer than any Indian dish you've ever tasted." (Vogue)
' . . .a comprehensive addition to any library. Not only does the book examine India's history and culinary developments from the prehistoric through present day eras, it also interweaves snippets of literary works and recipes that are now enjoyed worldwide." (Saveur
Savory Spice is a full-service spice shop in Lincoln Square (4753 N. Lincoln) that features over 400 spices, including 175+ hand-crafted blends, dozens of extracts, cocoas, and gifts. Our spices are ground and blended about weekly to ensure the utmost freshness. Patrons are not only encouraged to sample most of the spices and blends before they buy, but are then able to purchase in quantities as small as one-half ounce. We love to talk about all things spices so please ask us questions!
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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.
Spider Man: The Musical: The Musical, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday 8 PM thru May 28.
We Are Handsome: The Good Ole' College try, Friday 11 PM thru May 27.
www.cornservatory.org
Chemically Imbalanced Comedy, 1422 W. Irving Park Rd.
Free Open Mic every Wednesday at 9 PM
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 LoudChicago, 3851 N. Lincoln Ave. Comedy created on the spot from audience suggestions like Whose Line is it Anyway? www.laughoutloudtheater.com
American Legion Tattler Post 973, 4355 N. Western Ave. Tattler Tales Stand-Up Showcase every third Friday of the month, doors open at 7 PM, show at 8 PM (18+ recommended).
Theater
Black Ensemble Theater, 4450 N. Clark St.
Dionne, Thursdays 7 PM, Fridays 8 PM, Saturdays 3 PM & 8 PM, Sundays 3 PM, thru May 15.
Don't Make Me Over (In Tribute to Dionne Warwick) is a historical journey that explores Ms. Warwick's accomplishments over the decades and details her musical contribution, including 23 of Ms. Warwick's biggest hits including "Walk On By," "Message To Michael," "Alfie" and "I Say A Little Prayer," just to name a few.
www.blackensembletheater.org
Bughouse Theater, 1910 W. Irving Park Rd.
Pigpen, sing-a-long, story time for kids aged 6mos. to Preschool, FREE
Hogwash: An Improvised Tall Tale, improvised children's show, Saturdays 10:30 AM, kids $10, Adults FREE
CIS showcase, hosted by Chicago Improv Studio on Thursdays 8 PM, $5.
Skull Mountain, Improv Variety show hosted by The Comet and Fun Fun Boys on Fridays 8PM, $10
Improv TONIGHT, Long Form Improv on Saturday 8PM, $10
BugHOUSE Party, Improv because our parents are out of town on Saturdays 10PM, $10
Hornet's Nest, Stand-up open mic on Mondays sign up at 10pm, FREE
Writer's Block Party, a writer's room, workshop, meet up, and forum on Sundays 4PM to 6PM FREE
Upcoming:
Chicago Improv Festival, May 6-8, 8PM and 10PM, $10
Tablula Rasa, 24hr Short Play Festival, May 22, 7PM, $10
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
Belmont Theater District, Ravenswood-Irving Park-Diversey-Lake Michigan
Free & Discounted (under $15) Theater Tickets. The Belmont Theater District is Chicago's largest theater district with over 30 theaters located within a 1 mile radius. Visit www.BTDChicago.com to find the perfect show, enjoy exclusive discounts & packages from neighborhood businesses within walking distance of your theater and join their mailing list for first crack at ticket offers, exciting BTD events like the recent sold-out BTD Open House Tour - and insider theater info!
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
Access Contemporary Music, 1758 W. Wilson Ave.
Showcasing exciting developments in contemporary classical musicwww.acmusic.org/attend/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 OpenWall Chicago, 4243 N. Lincoln Ave. Self Scape, featuring women artists. https://www.facebook.com/OpenWallCurator/
 
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Chicago Public Library Events
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School Tours & Promotions
Lane Tech High School
Friends of Lane will be hosting its 4th annual Green & Gold Gala, "A Night at the Tropicana" on Friday, April 29 from 7:00pm - 11:00pm at the Ravenswood Event Center (4043 N. Ravenswood). The event will feature a silent and live auction, supper club dining, "Grape Grab" and entertainment from Kitty Devine & the Big Whoop and Lane Tech's International Dance Clubs & Jazz Band. Tickets can be purchased at www.friendsoflane.org. Contact gala.committee@friendsoflane.org for more information.
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.
Lake View High School
Lake View Spring Numbers for how students are planning for their futures.
* 265 (92% of seniors) students have applied to 3 or more colleges/universities
* 47 juniors applied to the DePaul College Connect enrichment program
* 31 juniors advanced to the next round for Chicago Scholars
* 12 freshmen advanced to interview for the Northwestern Academy
* 79 students admitted to attend DePaul University
* 32 students admitted to attend UIUC (Go Illini!)
* 5 students earned full-tuition scholarships to IIT (9 students admitted to IIT)
* 2 students interviewing for the Chicago Cubs Scholars Program
* 1 Chick Evans Caddie Scholarship Recipient (full tuition and housing to UIUC)
* 1 Gates Millennium Scholarship Finalist (full tuition from undergrad to doctorate)
Waters Elementary April 25 - April 29 Do you have an incoming kindergarten student for the 2016/17 school year? Know of neighbors and friends within the Waters boundaries who are planning to send their children to Waters next school year? Get the word out and encourage any family with new students to officially register for Waters during the last week of April. Early registration is vital in helping the administration plan for classroom and staff assignments. You will need to bring proof of your child's age and two documents proving your current address. Immunization records are also required prior to the start of school. Learn more about required documentation and health requirements by clicking here.
McPherson Elementary
 St. Andrew School
St. Matthias School
St. Benedict School
North Park Elementary School
Pilgrim Lutheran Church & School _____________________________________________________________________________________________
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Dara Reports
 We want to give a shout out and say thanks to neighbors who cleaned up along the Ravenswood tracks from 4700-4800 and 3200-3400 last Saturday. Do you see areas that need some cleaning up around the neighborhood? If you lead, there are others who'd like to help. Give us a week or two notice and we'll put the call out.
We can't say enough about Andres H., Head of the IT Department and Faculty Advisor to the Ecology Club at Von Steuben, C3 Leader and neighbor extraordinaire. He and his Ecology Club students ran the Ward Recycling Event on Saturday. They greeted, handed out information, lifted, sorted and weighed every item that you brought in to recycle. We give many, many thanks to this hardworking group. Here are the numbers from Saturday: 389 items were collected that weighed 6,935 pounds! That is over 3 tons of stuff that won't be in the garbage. Thanks to the 137 people who made the effort and was one of the most a successful recycling events we've ever held.
REMINDER: Chip your dog! If you have adopted/acquired a dog that is already chipped; change the contact information. Thanks to kind neighbor on Cullom, John K., the nice folks at Jewel Animal Hospital and the good people at Animal Care & Control, the current owner and his daughter's lost dog, were reunited on Friday. It takes a village; but if the dog had an updated chip, this long ordeal would have taken minutes. Stop in for the Spring 2016 Life Enrichment Programs for Chicagoans 60 years and Better Schedule. It lists the wide array of programming available in our two excellent local Senior Centers; Levy Regional and North Center Satellite Center. Whether you need a refresher in Rules of the Road, want to try your luck at Bingo, love old radio performances or are ready to discuss end of life decisions - these are the places for you. Have an old television you want to donate? There's a resale store that accepts televisions (not just flat screens!): Unique. www.savers.com/unique Youth Resource Fair April 30, 1-4pm at the Broadway Armory; Thorndale and Broadway. Lots of information will be available on summer jobs, internships and summer camps. Volunteers will be on hand to offer a hand to offer one-on-one support for teens interested in creating applications and resumes.
If your City Sticker renewal for June - your sticker is 6/16 - please come to Sulzer Library on Saturday, May 21, 9am-1pm. Cash will not be accepted
Residential Pickup Truck (or Van) Permits are no longer needed for personal (non-commercial) pickup trucks, effective 5/18/16.
- If your pickup truck weighs less than 8,000 pounds, is a non-commercial vehicle, and has a valid City of Chicago Sticker, it can be parked on either a Residential or Business Street and will no longer require a permit sticker from the alderman's office.
- Out of town visitors without a Chicago City Sticker on their pickup truck may park it on a Business Street, but are not allowed to park on a Residential Street.
- Commercial/Business/Junk trucks are prohibited from parking on Residential and Business streets.
Jewel-Osco recognized that the tree grates needed to be replaced and a new tree needed to be plantedin front of their store at 4250 N. Lincoln Avenue. In March they paid $7,000 to have this work done; which will enhance the landscaping, protect the tree and beautify our neighborhood for years to come. We want to thank them for being good neighbors.
Do you know a business that "goes the extra mile" to make our ward one of the best places to live in Chicago? Let us know. We want to tell folks about them!
Has your alley/backyard been baited; yet you still see rats? Cats at Work has worked in 100% of the areas where cats have been relocated. 100% - no rat sightings! Feed them, give them a warm place to sleep in the winter and they work for you 24x7.
Did you know that volunteers' plant and care for four plots at Montrose Metra Community Gardens? The harvests from these plots benefit three of our local food pantries. Join them at their next work-day. Montrose Metra Community Gardens had their 1st work-day of the growing season on Sunday. They have a short wish-list if you have extras of any of these items to donate or if you could purchase one of these next time you're shopping they would greatly appreciate your help.
Wish List: 2 gallon watering cans, hand forks/cultivators, hand pruners, work gloves. Please bring your donations to Alderman's Office.
Spring Weekend Volunteer Days: April 30 & May 1 starting at 10am.
Jumping Jack Online Application for your Block Party is now on our website.
Adult Coloring Group
Grab a coloring book and your tools of choice. Take time to relax, unwind and fill a blank page. Wine and treats are available for purchase.
First Thursdays 4:00-5:30pm
Dates: May 5, June 2, July 7
Location: The Book Cellar, 4736 N Lincoln Ave Sponsored by Forward Chicago
Have any colored pencils or crayons you're no longer using? They would be greatly appreciated by the group.
Know anyone who wants their business to be located in Northcenter?
Learn about prospective properties in the neighborhood; connect with property managers and entrepreneurs. Find your perfect jumping off point to start, grow or expand a business.
Retail Northcenter Meeting, Monday, May 2nd 4054 N. Lincoln Ave. 5pm
Mark your Calendar: Saturday, April 23 10am-1pm, a Recycling Event at the 47th Ward Yard 5333 N. Western in partnership with C3. The accepted items are: computers, laptops, hard drives, LCD Monitors, Printers, Scanners, Computer Peripherals, Fax Machines, Copiers, TV's, VCR's, DVD Players, MP3 Players, Video Game Consoles, Video Equipment, for donation to PCRR, home of Computers to Schools Programs.
We will also collect cell phones, books, bicycles, crutches, and sewing machines for donation to Cell Phones for Soldiers, Open Books and Working Bikes. We won't be collecting or shredding paper. Gather your neighbors for a Clean & Green on your block. Every little bit makes a difference. We have large black garbage bags for you. Car parked for more than 7 days in the same spot on your block? Please call 911! Get the make/model/color of car and address, license plate number, city sticker (if they have one). The police must have a digital record of a complaint about the vehicle before they can ticket the car and get their process started. Most of the cars reported belong to neighbors.
Looking for a family owned thrift store that benefits local non-profits? Look no further:
Family Tree Resale/Thrift Store, 5055 N. Lincoln, 312-918-9260
One of their Voucher Partners is Lincoln Square Friendship Center.
Check out this informative and easy to use You Tube video about installing a Rain Garden. It's good for your plants, keeps rain out of the gutters, streets, basements and the river. Love the environment and wish you could learn how to be part of the solution to the problems? This is an exciting opportunity. www.naturemuseum.org/c3
C3 leaders learn from community and environmental leaders about urban sustainability
Challenges and opportunities for change, then lead a sustainability service project in your community with support and resources from the Nature Museum.
Do you have a rat problem?
With our short, warm winter rat sightings will be on the rise. The Tree House Working Cats Project is 100% successful in getting rid of rats. This is a "green" program that relocates sterilized and vaccinated feral cats that would otherwise be euthanized to places that have problems with rats and mice. The rodents are repelled by the odor of predators and they leave. Compared to the methods that are most commonly used to control rats, which are not only short-term solutions; they are also ineffective because if one rat is eliminated by poisoning, another will take its place. Poison is dangerous to pets and the environment, while Working Cats is 100% effective, humane and environmentally friendly.
It's win-win-win situation. The only losers are the rats!
Did you know conserving water at home can help improve the Chicago River system? Friends of the Chicago River's Overflow Action Days provides tips for saving water at home and resources to learn more about water quality and treatment throughout Chicago.
Interested in learning/playing Bridge? Drop in from 10am-1pm the 1st & 3rd Fridays every month at Sulzer library. Join ace teacher Tana along with 3 tables of bridge players; whose expertise range from beginner to expert. Forward Chicago - all volunteer and grass roots; by us, for us. Create the community you want to live in.
Have extra plastic bags in your house? Take these items to the local Jewel: plastic grocery bags from any retailer, dry cleaning bags, produce bags, trash can liners bread bags. These recyclables are used to make durable fencing and decking. Another win-win-win: keeping these out of the garbage, getting them out of your house and creating items that are good for the environment.
When does your State of Illinois license plate tag expire? You will not receive a renewal notification. Please mark it on your calendar; there is no grace period. The new tag must be displayed by the end of the expiration month.
The EPA no longer recommends recycling single use batteries, 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 use batteries during our twice yearly, spring and fall recycling events only. They will be sent to a recycler in Michigan.
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.
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
Thanks to all of you who donated blankets/towels for the shelters. A car load was taken to Treehouse. 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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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.
Work on Stage 1 will continue through August 2016. There will be one lane of traffic open in each direction of Western Avenue for the duration of this work.
The contractor continues their sewer work between Addison and Roscoe. The sewer work extends down the center of the roadway. This will limit the ability for Western Ave motorists to make left turns for approximately 2 more weeks. The contractor will be patching the roadway and constructing the new raised medians behind the sewer work. During this time, the Lane Tech parking lot will only be able to be accessed from southbound Western Ave. Signs will be installed indicating that left turns are prohibited across the work zone. Left turns will still be able to be made at Addison and Roscoe. Stage 1, currently underway, includes: removal of the viaduct (complete), 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 5 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 this article 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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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 are replacing the water mains from 1890 under the streets detailed above. The contractor has capped the trench and restoration is mobilizing. No Parking will be posted M-F from 7am to 4pm where needed for curb and sidewalk work. 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 are replacing the water mains from 1892 under the streets detailed above. No Parking will be necessary M-F from 7am to 4pm, and will be staged to the greatest extent possible. The new water main on Lincoln is complete and services have been transferred. The trench has been capped and restoration will continue. 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. Crews have resumed installation of sewer main on Wolcott from Ainslie to Winnemac. The 1800 block of Argyle can be accessed via the N/S alley just east of Wolcott. Sewer installation is expected to be complete in mid or late April 2016. At that point, the contractor will mobilize to begin restoration. 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. (Spring 2016)
Dakin from Western Avenue to Campbell Avenue (Spring 2016)
Winchester from Lawrence to Wilson & Leland from Damen to Wolcott (Spring 2016)
Metra Project- Phase II Metra and Union Pacific expect to start construction on the second and final phase of their project along Ravenswood in late 2016 or early 2017. The project is expected to last approximately 3 years and this work is funded by the Federal Transit Administration. Phase II work on the east side will mirror much of the Phase I work on the west side, which was completed in 2015. Phase II includes the construction of a new inbound Ravenswood station on the east side of the tracks between Leland and Lawrence, and the replacement of 11 bridges on the east side of the tracks from Grace up to Balmoral. Design and engineering work is being completed and the project will go out to bid this spring/summer. A community meeting will be scheduled for this summer to notify residents and businesses of the work that is planned. For more information, please click here.
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.
May 14 Saturday 6:00 PM - 10:00 PMGlobalFestSt. Matthias School, 4910 N. Claremont Avenue
May 22 Sunday 2:00 PM - 3:30 PMDuo Yumeno ConcertRavenswood Fellowship United Methodist Church, 4511 N. Hermitage Avenue
May 25 Wednesday 7:00 PM - 8:00 PMCAPS Meeting: Beat 2032Ravenswood Evangelical Covenant Church, 4900 N. Damen Avenue
May 31 Tuesday 7:00 PM - 8:00 PMCAPS Meeting: Beat 2031Swedish Covenant Hospital, Anderson Pavilion, 2751 W. Winona Avenue
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 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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