On this day in 1776, a 2,000-pound copper-and-tin bell now known as the "Liberty Bell" rings out from the tower of the Pennsylvania State House (now Independence Hall) in Philadelphia, summoning citizens to the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence.
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Dear Neighbor, In June, the 47th Ward Office collected supplies for Operation Help A Hero. This city-wide initiative, spearheaded by Ald. Matt O'Shea, Military Outreach USA, Chicago Office of Veterans Affairs, and Chicago Park District, aimed to collect much-needed supplies for veterans experiencing homelessness who are transitioning into permanent housing. Today, we dropped off all the items we collected so they can be distributed to our veterans. Thank you to everyone who donated. These supplies will help make our veterans comfortable in their new homes. Thank you.  Square Roots Festival  The annual Square Roots Festival, hosted by the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce and the Old Town School of Folk Music kicks off tonight at 5pm. Please note that Lincoln Avenue is closed between Montrose and Wilson. The festival runs tonight from 5pm to 10pm, Saturday from 12pm to 10pm, and Sunday from 12pm to 9pm. I hope you'll have a chance to check out all the great music, craft beer, food, and much more this weekend. Roscoe Village Burger Fest Also this weekend, our friends in Roscoe Village host their annual Burger Fest on Clybourn between Diversey and Wellington. Please note the new location for this year. The festival is open on Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 10pm. Check out the burgers, music, and kid's zone at this year's festival.  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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Chicago Reader: Best of Chicago 2016 - 47th Ward Winners
Congrats to our neighbors who won 'Best of Chicago' in the Chicago Reader's Annual poll of its readers. You can see the full city-wide list by clicking here.
Winners in the 47th Ward are...
- Best Food Festival: Ribfest
- Best Korean Food: Cho Sun Ok (4200 N. Lincoln)
- Best Pizza: Lou Malnati's (4340 N. Lincoln)
- Best Soul Food: Luella's Southern Kitchen (4609 N. Lincoln)
- Best Thai Food: Opart Thai (4658 N. Western)
- Best Brewery: Half Acre (4257 N. Lincoln)
- Best Bookstore: Book Cellar (4736 N. Lincoln)
- Best Musical Instruments: Chicago Music Exchange (3316 N. Lincoln)
- Best Alderman: Ameya Pawar (thank you)
We even have 3 who won more than one "BEST Of":
- Hazel (1926 W. Montrose): Best Women's Boutique & Jewelry Store
- Urban Pooch (4501 N. Ravenswood): Best Pet Store & Doggy Day Care
Most Remarkable of all: Band of Bohemia (4710 N. Ravenswood) won BEST in FIVE Categories:
- Best New Chef, Matt Dubois
- Best Brew Pub
- Best wait staff
- Best looking waist staff
- Best Pub Grub.
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Introducing Our 47th Ward Summer Intern
Hi! My name is Emily Porter and I am the City of Chicago's Aldermanic Intern for the 47th Ward. I am a rising third-year at Grinnell College, majoring in Political Science and Policy Studies. As a resident of the ward, I'm excited to see the behind-the-scenes work of our great alderman and his staff! In the three weeks that I've been here, I've sat in on community meetings, filed many 311 requests, and worked on various projects pertaining to small businesses in the ward. I'm currently working on creating a ward-specific small business guide for prospective and new small business owners. I'll be providing updates in the newsletter on how the internship is progressing, so stay tuned!
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No More Grace Period on City of Chicago Vehicle Stickers
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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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! Summer Edition, Saturday 11 PM thru August 6. 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.
The Marvin Gaye Story, thru July 10 Wednesdays & Thursdays 7 PM, Fridays 8 PM, Saturdays 3 PM & 8 PM, Sundays 3 PM.
Marvin Pentz Gay, Jr, otherwise known as Marvin Gaye, was known for his deeply soulful music and his phenomenal success in the music industry. The Marvin Gaye Story brings back the spirit of the "Prince of Soul" with songs like "Mercy, Mercy, Me" and "What's Goin' On." This production serves as a musical journey of the legendary man behind the music.
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.
Ways to Win Back Your Lover, a new comedic play by Ryan Phillips, Fridays 8 PM, $15/$10 previews.
Taming of the Shrew, By William Shakespeare, Saturdays 8pm and Sundays 2pm, July 9-24, $20/$5 student/senior.
BugHOUSE Party, improv because our parents are out of town, Saturdays 10 PM, $10.
Gump: with Your Pal Charlie Davis, one man reenacts Forest Gump, Thursdays and Fridays 10 PM, $10
Corey's Coffee Shop, Live Comedy Podcast Recording, Sundays 6 PM, July 10-31, FREE.
Improv TONIGHT, long form improv, July 30 Saturday 8 PM, $10.
Simmer Brown, Stand Up Comedy Showcase, July 30 Saturday 8PM, $15
The Public House Theatre, 3914 N. Clark St. Bye Bye Liver: The Chicago Drinking Play, Fridays & Saturdays 8 PM & 10 PM, $15-$20.
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
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Chicago Public Library Events
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Taylor E. Ross Piano Studio
When someone learns music, they are learning a sensitivity to the beauty of art, a sensitivity to their surroundings and a sensitivity to people. Music creates neurological pathways and connections that we don't normally create in other forms of learning and education.
I taught traditional Suzuki Method using Suzuki repertory for over ten years both privately and at The Suzuki Orff School Of Music and The Chicago Center For Music Education. I have taught students as young as 3 years old. When a child can take direction, they are ready to learn music.
I am located in the Andersonville area. Public parking is easily accessible all around my studio.
I am currently looking to expand my studio. Please feel free to contact me to discuss music lessons for your child.
To learn more, please visit their website and Facebook Page:
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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. Matthias School
St. Benedict School
St. Andrew School
North Park Elementary School
Pilgrim Lutheran Church & School
Ravenswood Baptist
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Dara Reports
"For Love Of The #11" Lincoln Avenue Beer, Bar & Bus Tour Monday, July 11. Meet at Jerry's Lincoln Square at 5pm. You don't have to love beer to enjoy this outing with neighbors as we stop at 3 neighborhood bars all on the #11 Bus Route. There is no fee for the tour. Pay for the bus and your drinks; the fun is FREE. The next stop is The Green Lady and the last stop is Burnt City Brewing. Please RSVP Rabies Vaccine Clinic Tuesday, July 12; Jewel Parking Lot, 4243 N. Lincoln; 10:00am-2:45pm Dogs & Cats; One year = $7; Three year=$21 Ferrets=$9 Cash or Check Pets must be on a leash or carrying case. Photo I.D. required A neighbor's suggestion: Want to help stop flooding? Don't run your dishwasher or wash cloths while it's raining.
Neighbors want to share ideas & reminders. Please send us yours. - Please trim trees and bushes from your front yard or parkway that hang over the sidewalks. They're hazardous to pedestrians, as well as children on bikes and scooters.
- Please keep pets on a leash when off of your property. It's safer for the pet, It makes good sense and it's also the law.
- FYI: Emissions testing requirements: http://epa.illinois.gov/topics/air-quality/mobile-sources/vehicle-emissions-testing/index
- Keep the top of sewers cleared to avoid water in the gutters. It's easy to do with a snow shovel.
Take a walk to the MMCG Orchard, taste the ripe Juneberries, Gooseberries and Currants. The bounty of fruit from these native plants, are yours for the taking; just leave some for the birdies. Last Call for Rain Barrels before the program ends. Order up to 4 now and spread the word to neighbors. The more houses that disconnect their downspouts, the less our streets will flood. Before you go on Vacation: Set up timers on a lamp or two and leave a talk-radio station on Let a neighbor know you're going away Ask a neighborhood teen to water your plants Hold your mail (you can do this online) Don't leave your spare key outside Unplug everything to avoid power surges Reoccurring Community Volunteer Days at MMCG
On the 15th of each month, join neighbors in caring for our community garden plots whose bounty goes to local pantries.
During the week the hours are 5-7pm; on the weekends the hours are 11am-1pm.
If you're interested, feel free to add the MMCG shared calendar to your personal calendar for real-time insight into upcoming volunteer days. The calendar ID is: pbm2fa0tjq4jrntdvl4elmf15o@group.calendar.google.com Make a date for Shakespeare in the Park at Welles Park! The whole family will enjoy Twelfth Night. There will be two FREE presentations on August 6 & 7th. Want to learn how to use and enjoy your computer or mobile device to the fullest? From malware, suites, files, folders, Windows, create and edit documents and much more. Join others at Chicagoland Methodist Senior Services
Reminder from our 19th District CAPS Sargent: Do not leave any type of keys in your car and remember to lock your car doors. Keep your house doors and windows locked at night and when you aren't home.
A neighbor on Newport's locked back-porch windows thwarted would-be robbers last week. From that same neighbor: For your garage: secure the emergency red pull cord to the bar. This prevents thieves from using a hangar or something to stick through the top of your garage and reaching the pull to unlock your main garage door.
Non-commercial pick-up trucks must have a city sticker to park on residential or business streets.
Non-commercial pick-up trucks owned by non-Chicago residents may only park on business streets.
Commercial trucks may not park on any street in Chicago, unless they have a sign in the window indicating where they are currently working.
Look at your State of IL License Plate Sticker. What month does it expire? The state will not send you a reminder via the mail. Register online at: www.cyberdriveillinois.com for an email notification and to renew your license sticker online.
Join neighborhood dog lovers for a fundraiser benefitting the future Horner Dog Park. If you've never been to Lagunitas this is a perfect opportunity; a win-win.
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.
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
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.
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).
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
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 Please be sure to report any drain that does not clear within 24 hours of rainfall to the 47th Ward Office or 311.
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, and cell phones. 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.
Roscoe:
The week of June 6th, new storm sewer is scheduled to be installed across the Roscoe and Western intersection. This work is anticipated to take 7 - 10 days to complete. During this time traffic on Roscoe will be restricted from making left turns onto Western Avenue. Advanced signing was placed on Roscoe this week warning the public of this upcoming work.
South of the Western Ave Chicago River Bridge:
Traffic Control between N. Jones Street and the Western Avenue River Bridge was set up on the eastside of Western Ave. this week. The contractor has begun some advanced removal work in preparation of the improvements. Starting the week of June 13th the contractor will begin curb and sidewalk removals for new sewer and electrical installations. An information flyer was distributed to the homeowners and business owners along Western Avenue who will be directly impacted by this stage of work. The flyer included contact information so the property owners can contact me or the Contractor at any time if they have any questions. Coordination will take place with all property owners to maintain access to their properties at all times. This work is anticipated to last through the end of August.
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 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. Damen resurfacing will take place later this summer or fall. We expect Lincoln to be resurfaced (full width) next year. For more information on this project, please click here.
Water Mains Coming Soon:
Ravenswood (east side) from Waveland Avenue to Irving Park Road. (Summer 2016)
Dakin from Western Avenue to Campbell Avenue (Summer 2016)
Winchester from Lawrence to Wilson & Leland from Damen to Wolcott (Summer 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.
July 23 Saturday 11:00 AM - 2:00 PMFamily Safety FairAmundsen High School, 5110 N. Damen Avenue
July 26 Tuesday 7:00 PM - 8:00 PMCAPS Meeting: Beat 2031Swedish Covenant Hospital, Anderson Pavilion, 2751 W. Winona Avenue
July 27 Wednesday 7:00 PM - 8:00 PMCAPS Meeting: Beat 2032Ravenswood Evangelical Covenant Church, 4900 N. Damen Avenue
Want to put your community event in our newsletter? Check the guidelines on our website.
CAPS Meetings. If you would like 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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