On this day in 1981, Pope John Paul II is shot and wounded at St. Peter's Square in Rome, Italy.
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Dear Neighbor, On Wednesday, November 18, 2015, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) announced the return of the #11 Lincoln Bus and the 31st Street Bus under a new pilot program. And on Wednesday, May 11, 2016, the CTA Board voted to start the pilot program with bus service beginning on June 20, 2016.
Details for the pilot program are below.
Route: The pilot program will run on Lincoln Avenue from the Western Brown Line to Fullerton Avenue. This is the portion of the #11 route the CTA eliminated in 2012.
Hours of operation: The pilot route will run from Monday through Friday from 10am to 7pm.
Frequency: The pilot bus will run every 16 to 22 minutes.
Stops: Most of the old stops will be restored. In some instances, stops have been moved due to loading zones, safety issues, etc.
Duration of pilot: 6 months
Ridership needed to keep route: Avg. 1500 riders per day
I know there is disappointment and some frustration over the hours of operation for the pilot bus. People have asked why the bus does not run during rush hour periods or on the weekends. I share everyone's concern and I believe the decision to start the pilot means my work/our work is only half complete. Together, we must ride the bus during the hours of the pilot and continue our advocacy for full route restoration. I will not stop fighting until the full route is restored and the easiest way to ensure full restoration is for our community to do everything we can to ride the bus during the pilot program. To this end, I will be putting together a local task force of aldermen, businesses, chambers of commerce, local community leaders, and senior centers to drive ridership, promote the bus, and put all-hands on deck during the next six months to ensure the pilot program is a success.
We have a lot of work to do but today, let's celebrate! We did this together and together we proved that grassroots community organizing can work. Most importantly, we worked with our neighbors from the southside to restore two bus lines! Thank you!
There are so many people to thank. So here goes: I want to thank all the elected officials who made the pilot possible. They include: Senate President John Cullerton, Sen. Heather Steans, Rep. Ann Williams, Rep. Greg Harris, Com. Bridget Gainer, Com. John Fritchey, Ald. Michele Smith, Ald. Tom Tunney, Ald. Scott Waguespack, Ald. Patrick O'Connor, and Ald. Patrick D. Thompson.
I want to thank all of our Bridgeport partners. They include: Bridgeport Alliance, IIRON, C.W. Chan, Coalition for A Better Chinese American Community, Ruby Pinto, Rev. Tom Gaulke, Rene Paquin, Toby Chow, Quade Gallagher, Benjamin Huey, and many more.  I want to thank all of our community partners. They include: Liza Martin, Christopher Bakker, Pierce Bakker, Rick Kallao, Sandra Adams, Jeff DeLong, Lindsay Eanet, Helene Wineberg, Karen Kolb Flude, Jean Rogers, Adam Walsh, Sandra Shifrin, Janise Humphrey, Brian Martin, Marilyn Bade, Winnie Thivel, Perry Raniere, Agnes Mamic, Paz Endriga, Marge Long, May Ogawa, Jean Fletcher, LaVerne Hickey, Lilly Young, John Mikols, Samantha Stenzel, Frank Sherman, Jerry Perkins, Marvin Childress, Laurine Clark, Deborah Stewart, Leonora Llanes, Alan Kohen, Northcenter Chamber of Commerce, Lakeview Chamber of Commerce, Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce, Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce, Center for Neighborhood Technology, Northcenter Neighborhood Association, and the countless individuals who attended meetings, signed petitions, sent emails and helped push for the bus to return.
Finally, I want to thank CTA President Dorval Carter, CTA Board Chairman Terry Peterson, the entire CTA Board, and CTA Intergovernmental Affairs Director Jeff Wilson. The leadership at the CTA have committed themselves to partnering with our community to help drive ridership, promote the pilot program, and partner for its eventual success. I thank them for their commitment and for hearing our community.
Read more about the Crosstown Bus Coalition here. Click here to read CST editorial on #11 bus restoration.
Thank you and have a great weekend.
Sincerely,  |
The subject of this alert was arrested. More information can be found here.
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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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19th District Cop on Top Event
Officers from the 19th District will be supporting Special Olympics fundraising efforts by participating in the COP ON TOP EVENT on Friday May 20, 2016. Officers will be on the roof of the Dunkin Donuts located at Wellington and Ashland from 5am until 1pm. Please stop by to donate to the Special Olympics.
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No More Grace Period on City of Chicago Vehicle Stickers, Beginning July 1
Chicago City Clerk Susana A. Mendoza is urging Chicago motorists to be aware of a change in grace period rules regarding deadlines for purchasing and displaying their Chicago City Vehicle Sticker. Beginning July 1, 2016, changes to the Chicago Municipal Code regarding the grace period will make motorists eligible to be ticketed immediately following their vehicle sticker's expiration. For example, if your vehicle sticker expires on June 30, you are eligible to be ticketed on July 1. The $200.00 ticket can be issued daily. The grace period for late fees will be extended from 15 to 30 days effective July 1. A motorist with a vehicle sticker expiring June 30 will have until July 30 to purchase a sticker without paying an additional $60.00 late fee. The Office of the City Clerk wants motorists to avoid tickets and additional fees at all costs. Please purchase and display your vehicle stickers in a timely manner. Also remember that our Office has over 350 community partner vendors, including currency exchanges, which are open to serve you on weekends and holidays. It is the goal of our Office to ensure every customer has a positive experience when buying their vehicle sticker. Please visit ChiCityClerk.com to conveniently purchase your Chicago City Vehicle Sticker online via EZ>BUY or to find the nearest location to buy in person.
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Welcome New Business: Synergy HomeCare of Northern Chicago
 Questions & Uncertainty We understand that questions and uncertainty surround the process of finding care at home for you or a loved one. Will everyone be comfortable? Is the provider competent? What services can they provide? Can I count on them? What will this cost? Is this the right choice for me or my loved one?
At SYNERGY HomeCare of Northern Chicago, we answer all of your questions and help to remove the uncertainty. The goals of our highly trained staff are to: - Completely understand your unique needs
- Ensure you know about all available resources
- Educate you on your options
- Provide a higher standard of caregiving
- Improve you or your loved one's quality of life
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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!
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.
Bughouse Theater, 1910 W. Irving Park Rd.
Pigpen, sing-a-long story time for kids aged 6 months to preschool, FREE.
Hogwash: An Improvised Tall Tale, improvised children's show on Saturdays 10:30 AM, kids $10, adults FREE.
CIS showcase, hosted by Chicago Improv Studio, Thursdays 8 PM, $5.
Skull Mountain, improv variety show hosted by The Comet and Fun Fun Boys, Fridays 8 PM, $10.
Improv TONIGHT, long form improv, Saturdays 8 PM, $10.
BugHOUSE Party, improv because our parents are out of town, Saturdays 10 PM, $10.
Writer's Block Party, a writer's room, workshop, meet up and forum, Sundays 4 PM to 6 PM FREE.
Upcoming:
Tablula Rasa, 24hr Short Play Festival, May 22, 7 PM, $10.
The Crowd Works, improvised talk show Chaos, not for the easily offended, May 20, 10 PM, $10.
Minimum Rage and Guests, improvised from stories of people and their jobs, dates TBA, 7 PM, $10.
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
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
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Chicago Public Library Events
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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.
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)
 St. Andrew School
St. Matthias School
St. Benedict School
North Park Elementary School
Pilgrim Lutheran Church & School 
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Dara Reports How to safely cross a street in a crosswalk in Chicago: make eye contact with the drivers and wave "thank-you". I know it sounds crazy, but that's the way I do it every day and I swear, it works. Each time a driver stops for you it is much more likely that they'll stop for someone else. But first, they must see you! Kudos to the 3700 Block of Marshfield! They are holding a Block Party this summer for the first time in 30 years! A community meeting was held on Saturday April 30th at Welles Park to solicit input from the community regarding a plan for a natural area with a nature play component. The area vacated by the moving of the south end playground is the proposed site. Chicago Park District representative, Kathleen Soler facilitated the conversation about the space and encouraged participants to share their memories of playing outdoors as children. She was joined by Angela Tillges of the CPD Culture, Arts and Nature Department and Becky Kliber, Welles Park Supervisor. Those in attendance were then asked to provide input regarding the overall plan for the area and the types of components they would like to have in the play area. Children in attendance were also given an opportunity to share their ideas. This meeting is the first of at least two community meetings planned to engage the community in this new concept. Caring neighbors wanted! Join us when we serve hundreds of senior lunch at Maifest on Friday, June 3rd from 11am-1pm. Not only do I guarantee you'll have fun, but you'll also enjoy a delicious lunch. Call or email Dara@chicago47.org Recycling Reminder! Shredded paper goes in the Black Cart and everything that goes into the Blue Cart must be loose - not in a bag. If you find that neighbors are using your Blue Cart incorrectly, we have signs for you to affix to your cart which is a reminder of what goes where. Montrose Metra Community Garden Volunteer Days - benefit our community and enjoy the garden. The garden is hosting reoccurring community volunteer days on the 15th of every month. 11am-1pm on the weekend and 5-7pm during the week. Sunday, May 15; Wednesday, June 15; Friday, July 15; Monday, August 15; Thursday, September 15; Saturday, October 15; Tuesday, November 15. We will tend the vegetable plots that benefit our neighborhood food pantries, care for our pollinator garden and fruit bushes and trees. Bring your children. Caring neighbors took towels and blankets to Found last week and Animal Care & Control this week.
The calendar says it's time to garden in Chicago! We continue to encourage you to create gardens in the public way; parkways and corners. Not only are these gardens lovely they also provide many benefits. They help keep water out of the street and basements, are necessary for pollinators like bees and butterflies and they help build a strong sense of community. Grass is a close second to concrete in contributing to the increase of flooding.
For anyone who is planning to plant in the public way; we have resources for these beautiful additions to our community. Also, if you want to plant a corner garden, but don't live on the corner, we have forms for you. If you see an area that could use a "gardening lift", call us - we'll help you get started.
However, there are a couple of caveats for those of us who garden in the public way: city departments , utilities or private contractors may need access to this area, without warning. This means they can remove your plants and are under no obligation to replace them. Personally, I don't plant perennials that I really love and can't stand to lose. Also, anything that is a permanent structure such as a bench or fence requires a permit ; which is on our website. Please take a look at the Infrastructure Update in our newsletter for scheduled work.
There is no better way to insure you live in a safe, cohesive, friendly neighborhood than to be a member of a Block Club or Neighborhood Group. If there is one in your area, please join and get involved. It isn't hard to start one; I promise. We have a simple way to reach out to folks and to make it fun for everyone. Below are some offerings for you.
- Organize a Block Party; everyone who has one really enjoys a day with neighbors; not to mention a day of no traffic on their street.
- Montrose Metra Community Gardens has created an informative gardening series at Sulzer Library.
- Our annual Plant Exchange is coming up on May 21st. Clean out your garage, separate perennials, pick up some new plants or just stop by to visit. Rain or Shine
- Rain Barrels are available (up to 4!) for free. Want less water in the street? Rain barrels are one piece of the puzzle.
- We have signs to remind dog owners of their obligations & to tell others that We Call Police. Stop in for these.
- Our office is looking for a college intern and a high school volunteer for the summer. Know anyone who fits the bill?
Please share this with your neighbors. If you have any ideas about other ways we can help build a strong community, please let me know
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
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 spring. 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.
Construction on Western Avenue requires sewer work to occur in the middle of the Belmont intersection. Unfortunately, based on the depth and the location of the new connection the work will affect Belmont traffic for approximately one week.
The current schedule for this work is:
On Monday 5/16 and Tuesday 5/17, traffic on Belmont will be reduced to a single lane in each direction through the Western intersection. Left turns will be restricted during this time.
On Wednesday 5/18, westbound Belmont & Clybourn traffic will be prevented from crossing through the Western Avenue intersection. Traffic will be detoured north on Western to Roscoe and south on Campbell back to Belmont. See the attached detour for clarification. We anticipate the detour being in place for 3 - 5 days. Eastbound Belmont traffic will be allowed to pass through the intersection, however, left turns will be restricted.
This work will affect the CTA bus stop at the northwest corner of Belmont. The CTA is aware of this work and will be posting the appropriate route modifications.
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, Newport 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 complete. 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 10:00 AM - 5:00 PMChicago ScienceFestMerchandise Mart, 12th Floor, 222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza
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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