On this day in 1812, the U.S. Navy frigate Constitution defeats the British frigate Guerrière in a furious engagement off the coast of Nova Scotia. Witnesses claimed that the British shot merely bounced off the Constitution's sides, as if the ship were made of iron rather than wood.
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Dear Neighbor,
I want to thank everyone who has already donated to the annual 47th Ward School Supply Drive. Our intrepid volunteers, Sam and James, have been hard at work organizing the supplies that have come in so far.  We will continue accepting items through the end of the day, Monday, August 22. Supplies will be distributed to the Common Pantry, Ravenswood Community Services, and Lincoln Square Friendship Center to support the families they serve. More information can be found on the flyer directly below this letter. Dakin Street Water Main ReplacementContractors working with the Department of Water Management will begin mobilizing late next week to replace the water main under Dakin Street from Western to Campbell. No Parking will be posted M-F from 7am to 4pm to allow for this work. Notice to residents will be distributed shortly. If you have any questions about this work, please contact my office. TIF Surplus In case you missed last week's newsletter, I outlined my efforts to advance TIF reform in our community and across the city. These efforts include freezing TIF projects and retiring the Western Avenue South and Ravenswood Cooridor TIFs to maximize the amount of surplus available for Chicago Public Schools and other taxing bodies. Click here to read more. Have a great weekend!
S incerely, |
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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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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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Northcenter Neighborhood Association Wants Your Opinion
The NNA has put together a survey about the Saturday Morning Farmers' Market in Town Square. Click here to give your feedback. |
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The 47th Ward's Newborn Parade of Color & Rhythm
The Chicago Sculpture Exhibit Comes to Our Community
By: Joseph Stauffer, 47th Ward Intern
As you and your friends are out and about in the summer heat, you may notice something unusual and striking about your surroundings. From a metallic figure diving off of a beam to a colorful interaction of geometric forms, the new 3D additions to the neighborhood cannot and will not go unnoticed. The annual Chicago Sculpture Exhibit is back, and this time it has marched north into the 47th Ward!
Included in this year's exhibit are seven new sculptures scattered around the neighborhood. These works strongly reflect the area's people and environment in a substantial variety of creative styles from the palpable celebration of Chicago music in Shencheng Xu's Wonderful Tonight to a more abstract suggestion of falling leaves or birds' wings in flight in Michael Young's Fire Birds.
In its previous years, the Chicago Sculpture Exhibit has had smaller boundaries limiting the spectacle to the Lincoln Park and Lakeview neighborhoods, but it has since expanded to Ravenswood thanks to 47th Ward resident Belinda Shastal. Last year Shastal noticed the array of sculptures in the Lincoln Park and Lakeview areas, and bothered by not having them in her own neighborhood, she reached out to Alderman Pawar's Office and to the Chicago Sculpture Exhibit and helped them to bring the exhibit to Ravenswood. With the help of local sponsors who provided $3,500 each, seven sculptures selected for our community. "We're hoping more businesses and residents will sponsor sculptures for future Chicago Sculpture Exhibits," Shastal implores, "new artists are also necessary for the future of the exhibit."
This summer you can now enjoy eating Chicago's Pizza (on 1919 W. Montrose Avenue) while looking up at a vibrant portrayal of two personified corkscrews dancing on a pedestal in Richard Kiebdaj's Two Too Many or admire the organic forms that make up the tall Pipe Trapped Apparitions-Cut Us Loose by Charles Yost while you wait at a bus stop. See this map
for the locations of sculptures within the 47th Ward and listen to the embedded audio files for real statements by the sculptors themselves!
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Artisans - Crafters - Volunteers Wanted
North Center Satellite Senior Center is looking for artisans and crafters to rent tables for upcoming annual ArtsFest, SENIOR KULTURA on Sunday September 25 from 12noon- 4pm promoting the multi-cultural and diverse talent of senior artists and artisans There will be a large array of items for sale including original art, ceramics, textiles, crafts, jewelry, bake sale and Raffles! Register at front desk to rent small table ($10) or large table ($20.00). Plus donation of one item for raffle day of Fest. We are also looking for volunteers for that day and to bake for sale. We are located at 4040 N. Oakley - questions contact Liza Martin at 312-744-4029 or lmartin@catholiccharities.net.
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47th Ward A&C*
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
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
American Theater Company, 1909 W Byron St
This Beautiful City, July 31, August 1 and 2.
A documentary musical by The Civilians focused on the religious, political, and social climate of Colorado Springs, CO a decade ago and its role as the Evangelical capital of the world, each Youth Ensemble member portrays multiple different characters and perspectives, weaving together the story of a strongly divided community. In preparation for the production, last week the students traveled Colorado Springs, CO and met with members of New Life Church, Focus on the Family, LGBT activists, and some of the real people portrayed in This Beautiful City.
Black Ensemble Theater, 4450 N. Clark St.
The Jackie Wilson Story, thru Sep 4 Wednesdays & Thursdays 7 PM, Fridays 8 PM, Saturdays 3 PM & 8 PM, Sundays 3 PM.
This high energy, yet touching, story follows the career of one of the greatest entertainers who ever lived.
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, thru July 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, thru July 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
The NEW American Writers Museum traveling exhibit: "From Our Neighborhoods"
@ the Chicago Public Library-Lincoln Belmont Branch, August 1-27, 2016 The new American Museum is opening, Spring, 2017 in downtown Chicago! The writers featured in the American Writers Museum's traveling exhibit, From Our Neighborhoods- Four Chicago Writers Who Changed America, inspired social change in America by telling stories about the people they lived and worked with in Chicago - their hopes and dreams as well as the barriers they encountered and fought.
These four authors lived where you live. They walked the same streets, attended local schools, and used the same libraries that we use today. They made everyday city life the subject of their writing. This exhibit is your invitation to read these authors and see your neighborhood and city in new ways. Gwendolyn Brooks broke the color barrier for the Pulitzer Prize in Poetry, and mentored many younger writers and poets.
Lorraine Hansberry's play, A Raisin in the Sun, helped spur a national fair housing policy. Louis "Studs" Terkel changed how history is written by seeking out and recording the lives of "uncelebrated" people. Richard Wright's novels and memoirs spotlighted American race relations and contributed to the Civil Rights Movement.    
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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)
Bell School
McPherson Elementary
St. Matthias School
Friends Weekend: St. Matthias Parish and School
Buy a Friends Weekend Pass for both events (Friday, September 30 and Sunday, October 2) for only $80.
Featuring: Included in the price of admission: Wine, beer, food from around Lincoln Square, music, and fun
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Dara Reports
Every summer we are heartened by our neighborhood students. We want to thank all of our bright, hard-working neighborhood interns for everything they've done for our constituents and our office all summer. Emily, Sam & Joe are sophomores attending: Grinnell, University of Chicago & DePaul. Charles and Michael are entering their freshman year at Beloit and Brown. Our two high school interns, Jonathan and Theo attend North Side and Jones. They were always eager to learn, flexible, creative, helpful and most important never lost their sense of humor.
James, who first volunteered with us when he was in 9 yrs. old, is now a 7th grade student at Coonley. Once again he used his organizational skills on the school supplies you so generously donated (see picture in alderman's letter). The supplies will go to the children of clients at Common Pantry, Lincoln Square Friendship Center and Ravenswood Community Services. These students wouldn't have what they need to start school without you. Thanks so very much.
We're still in mosquito season here in Chicago. Some tips from the National Wildlife Federation to keep their numbers down: eliminate standing water; replace water in bird baths every couple of days, Nurture native predators: plant native plants. Use insect repellant, fix window screens, wear long-pants and long sleeved shirts. Remind your neighbors about these preventions. Please be vigilant. We are reminded this summer that sharing the roads takes vigilance from everyone.
Whether you ride a bike, drive a car or are a pedestrian, this safety information is important:
A great tip from neighbor Kim K.: Deeply water your trees in this hot dry weather. Set out a hose slowly dripping for an hour; then move the hose to the other side of the tree.
Please care for the new tree planted on the parkway. They require a slow trickle from a hose for 30 minutes once a week. During hot spells they'll need this more often. The tree will thank you for years to come by giving you cleaner air, shade and by absorbing more water during storms.
Another good idea from a neighbor:
Please keep a porch light on in the evening.
Reminder: dogs must be on a leash when off of your property, unless they are in a dog park and you must pick up after your dog (unless you can teach the dog to do it his/her self).
From our Police Commander in the 19th District: please call 911 if you see or hear any suspicious activity; anything that makes you think, hmmm.
Gardeners Alert! Want to save water and cut down on weeds? The answer is: Mulch!
Please remember to put all toys, strollers, and other equipment inside your home or garage. You can limit crimes of opportunity.
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.
Want to help stop flooding? Don't run your dishwasher or wash cloths while it's raining.
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 in December 2016. 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
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.
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 viaduct is gone and construction has moved into Stage 2. Construction will continue through Fall of 2017.
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.
The Western Avenue over the Chicago River Bridge to Roscoe Street: Construction has switched to the east side of Western Avenue. At this time traffic will shift to the west side of Western Avenue and an additional lane northbound and southbound will be opened north of the river bridge. The additional lanes will improve traffic follow through the corridor. However, please be advised left turns will continue to be restricted from Western Avenue onto Belmont and Clybourn Avenue and on the side streets. Roscoe Street to Addison: Work has started north of Roscoe Street for improvements on the west side of Western Avenue. The contractor has begun removals for the new curb, sidewalk and electrical installations. The crews are hoping to get as much work done as possible in this area over the next month before Lane Tech High School is back in secession. Stage 2, currently underway, includes: Pavement reconstruction within viaduct footprint, pavement
widening and resurfacing N/S of viaduct footprint, sidewalk reconstructions, traffic signal improvements, and roadway lighting. Work zone extends from Jones north to Waveland. To review the stages of construction and traffic control plan, please click here.
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47th Ward Infrastructure Update
Water Main Replacement for Dakin Street from Western to Campbell
Contractors working with the Department of Water Management will mobilize on Thursday, August 25 to begin installing the new water main on Dakin between Western and Campbell. Notice will be distributed to residents soon. No parking will be necessary M-F from 7am to 4pm.
Water Mains Coming Soon:
Ravenswood (east side) from Waveland Avenue to Irving Park Road. (Summer 2016)
Winchester from Lawrence to Wilson & Leland from Damen to Wolcott (September 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.
August 20 Saturday 1:00 PM - 2:00 PMYou can BREW it !Bezazian Library, 1226 W. Ainslie Street
August 24 Wednesday 7:00 PM - 8:00 PMBeatles EnsembleWelles Park Gazebo, 2333 W. Sunnyside Avenue
September 15 Thursday 9:00 AM - 2:00 PMSenior Fest 2016Millennium Park, Michigan Av at Washington St
September 27 Tuesday 7:00 PM - 8:00 PMCAPS Meeting: Beat 2031Swedish Covenant Hospital, Anderson Pavilion, 2751 W. Winona Avenue
September 28 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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