On this day in 1920, the 19th Amendment, guaranteeing women the right to vote, is formally adopted into the U.S. Constitution by proclamation of Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby.
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Dear Neighbor,
This week, I want to provide you with an update on the 2016 47th Ward Aldermanic Menu Program. In case you don't know, each year aldermen are budgeted $1.32 million to fund infrastructure improvements and maintenance in their ward. After I took office, we implemented a participatory budgeting process to ensure community feedback and data informs decisions I make. Our participatory process for selecting projects begins each fall with the block audit. Next, we compile a list of possible projects and open that list to the community so residents can vote on projects important to them. I then make the final decision on which projects are funded after reviewing the vote totals, data from city departments, and information assembled by the 47th Ward Team through their field surveys. I am proud to say that we are now in our fifth year of our participatory budget process! See below for projects receiving our initial green light for funding and construction. Please note, projects not on this list may still be in the survey phase while others may be rolled over into the 2017 menu program. The projects listed below will be completed later this year or early 2017. No parking signs will be posted ahead of the work for projects impacting neighborhood parking. For more info on the menu process, please click here. We will release our full menu report, including voting results, later in the fall.
ALLEY RESURFACINGS: 2100 W Irving Park/Cuyler 2100 W Giddings/Lawrence (Seeley to Hamilton) 3800 N Marshfield/Paulina (east half of east-west stretch) 3900 N Hermitage/Ravenswood (east-west stretch on north end) 4600 N Damen/Seeley (Wilson to Eastwood) 4800 N Clark/Ashland 4800 N Ashland/Paulina (large grind and patch) *4500 N Ashland/Paulina- NOT approved due to pooling/flooding concerns noted by engineers STREET RESURFACINGS: 3301-99 N Ravenswood 2500 W Melrose/3230-3600 N Rockwell NEW STREET LIGHTS: 1800 W Larchmont/1900 W Larchmont/3930 N Wolcott/3930 N Ravenswood 2400 W Warner/2400 W Belle Plaine/4100 N Campbell ALLEY APRONS: 4612 N Seeley 4922 N Magnolia 1411 W Argyle 3610 N Claremont 2143 W Asinlie 4344 N Bell 4343 N Bell CURB/GUTTER PROJECTS: 1456 W Byron 1620 W Belle Plaine 3201 N Ravenswood/1800 W Belmont: ramps and crosswalks 3301-99 N Ravenswood 4530 N Ravenswood PEDESTRIAN COUNTDOWN SIGNALS: Montrose and Lincoln Montrose and Wolcott Concerts at Wrigley Field There will be concerts tonight and tomorrow at Wrigley Field. LV2 parking restrictions will be enforced for these events. Please be sure to have the proper passes displayed if you live in the LV2 zone. For more information on LV2, please click here. Have a great weekend!
S incerely, |
Thefts of higher-end alloy wheels are also becoming more common. If you own a vehicle with higher-end wheels, please consider purchasing wheel locks for your vehicle to help deter theft. Always call 911 if you see any suspicious or criminal activity in your area.
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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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Unique & Eclectic Local Businesses Wanted
The North Center Senior Satellite Center has expanded their annual ArtsFest, KULTURA to include local businesses that have unique and eclectic one-of-a-kind items to sell their items on Sunday September 25th from 12noon - 4pm. There will be a large array of items promoting the multi-cultural and diverse talent of seasoned artists and crafters, bake sale, hands-on events and live music; the event attracts hundreds of people. What better way to showcase your business? North Center Satellite is located at 4040 N. Oakley - questions or to rent a table contact Liza Martin at 312-744-4029 or [email protected].
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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
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, Rav
enswood-Irving Park-Diversey-Lake Michigan
Free & Discounted (under $15) Theater Tickets available in the Belmont Theater District - Chicago's largest theater district! Tickets on sale for our BTD Open House on Oct 1-2, including brand new shows & exclusive behind-the-scenes access to over 10 BTD theaters plus free drinks, snacks, tickets and giveaways All Weekend Long; and BTD Theater Nights - great ticket deals, pre-show receptions and post-show discussions for a perfect night out at the theater.
Visit BTDChicago.com to find the perfect show!
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
Congratulations to Amundsen High School for being named among the Top 15 best Chicago public high schools by Chicago Magazine! Congratulations to Principal Anna Pavichevich and her amazing students, teachers, staff, administrators, parents and community members who support our neighborhood schools. Way to go Amundsen!
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
Free Admission on Monday, August 29 at Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum & Adler Planetarium for each CPS student and an accompanying adult will have free admission.
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:
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.
Gardeners Alert! Want to save water and cut down on weeds? The answer is: Mulch!
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.
- Deeply water your trees in dry weather. Set out a hose slowly dripping for an hour; then move the hose to the other side of the tree.
- Want to help stop flooding? Don't run your dishwasher or wash cloths while it's raining.
- Please remember to put all toys, strollers, and other equipment inside your home or garage.
- Put a note on your door: do not leave deliveries; thwart thieves who are looking for packages on porches
- Please keep a porch light on in the evening.
- Reminder: dogs must be on a leash when off of your property, unless they're in a dog park.
- You must pick up after your dog (unless you can teach the dog to do it his/her self).
- Have nice wheels? Wheel locks could deter thieves.
- 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.
Before you go on Vacation:
- Unplug everything to avoid power surges
- 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
- Have the USPS hold your mail (you can do this online)
- Don't leave your spare key outside
You can limit crimes of opportunity.
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).
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. 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.
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 storm-water-runoff from your garage go into the alley; does it seem that there is more water on your property than ever before? Please contact [email protected]
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
Forward Chicago, 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, want to learn a handcraft, play bridge or learn how, 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
Rehome/Recycle
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.
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.
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.
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 for the Lions, and cell phones go to buy minutes for our troops overseas.
We always need good books for our Little Free Library. 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're here 9-5 Monday-Friday
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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 at Belmont Avenue & Clybourn Avenue:
On Saturday, August 27th the current traffic configuration across the Chicago River bridge will change. Traffic will be shifted from the east side of the bridge onto the new pavement on the west side of the bridge.
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 have begun installing the new water main on Dakin between Western and Campbell. The current main was installed in 1894. No parking will be necessary M-F from 7am to 4pm. This work is expected to be fully completed in October 2016. For more information, please click here. Water Main Replacement for Leland from Damen to Wolcott & Winchester from Lawrence to Wilson In September, contractors working with the Department of Water Management will begin replacing the water mains from 1896 under Leland from Damen to Wolcott and Winchester from Lawrence to Wilson. The contractor will be working closely with McPherson School during this work. No Parking and Traffic Closures will be necessary while work is underway M-F from 7am to 4pm. For more information, please click here.
Water Mains Coming Soon:
Damen - Argyle to Montrose (Fall/Winter 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 [email protected] 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.
September 13 Tuesday 12:00 PM - 1:30 PMSenior Driving TipsRichard J. Daley Center, 50 W. Washington - Courtroom 2005 (20th Floor)
September 15 Thursday 9:00 AM - 2:00 PMSenior Fest 2016Millennium Park, Michigan Av at Washington St
September 18 Sunday 10:00 AM - 2:00 PMSunday Spot Sep 18 & 25Marshfield, Lincoln to Roscoe, 3300 N. Marshfield Avenue
September 25 Sunday 10:00 AM - 2:00 PMSunday Spot Sep 25Marshfield, Lincoln to Roscoe, 3300 N. Marshfield Avenue
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
October 18 Tuesday 6:00 PM - 8:00 PMTaste of Roscoe StreetRoscoe Village, Roscoe Street between Damen & OakleyWant 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 [email protected]. 19th District CAPS Office (All areas of the 47th Ward south of Lawrence) 312-744-0064 or [email protected]. 20th District CAPS Office (All areas of the 47th Ward north of Lawrence) 312-742-8770 or [email protected].
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