On this day in 1776, the second Continental Congress officially made the term "United States,"
replacing the previous term "United Colonies."
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Dear Neighbor,
This weekend has two festivals in the 47th Ward. The German-American Fest celebrating their 96th Anniversary begins tonight at 5PM and runs through Sunday evening. The 51st Annual Von Steuben Day Parade takes place on Saturday beginning at 2 PM at Lincoln Avenue & Belle Plaine Avenue (note towing takes effect at 9AM along Lincoln from Irving Park to Warner). The parade is expected to end by 3 PM at Western Avenue & Lawrence Avenue and all streets will be reopened by then.
The second fest coming earlier than normal is the 15th Annual Ravenswood ArtWalk, on Saturday and Sunday from 11AM to 6PM, featuring local art, music, food and craft beer! Stretching from Irving Park Road to Leland Avenue along Ravenswood Avenue, RAW will feature open studios and galleries, indoor pop-up markets and a street festival center featuring live music, a children's corner, food truck roundup and the return of everyone's favorite: the Begyle Brewing Urban Craft Beer Garden!
Have a fun, festive and safe weekend!
Sincerely, |
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 lmartin@catholiccharities.net.
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Local Nonprofit Helps Residents Save Energy
As we approach fall, we all want our homes to be warm and comfortable while still remaining affordable. However, most homes in Chicago, even newer ones, waste more than 15% of their energy, resulting in discomfort and high bills. Right now through local nonprofit Elevate Energy, homeowners and owners of 2-4 unit buildings can schedule a $99 home energy assessment to find out where their homes are losing energy. Elevate's qualified contractors will find the most cost-effective improvements for your home, and the Elevate Energy team will be with you every step of the way to ensure the work on your home gets done right and that you are able to take advantage of all available rebates. The average homeowner will reduce their energy use by 15%, saving an average $400 per year, and qualifying their home for the Illinois Home Performance with ENERGY STAR certificate. Another way you can start saving this fall is by putting your new smart meter to work for you! Smart meters are digital meters that give more detailed information about our own electricity usage. By increasing your awareness of your energy use, and signing up for programs that take advantage of energy spikes, smart meters will allow you to lower your costs while remaining comfortable in your home.
To learn more about your options for energy efficiency and home energy savings, contact your local Elevate Energy advisor Elizabeth Corrado at (773) 671-0495.
Elevate Energy is a Chicago-based nonprofit organization that designs and implements energy efficiency programs that lower costs, protect the environment, and ensure that the benefits of energy efficiency reach those who need them most. For more information, you can visit our website at elevateenergy.org.
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Voting Dates & Procedures re. Nov. 8 Elections
Voters may cast their ballots early beginning October 24.
Grace Period registration and voting extends the registration period by allowing unregistered voters to register and vote until Monday, November 7. Grace period begins Oct. 12 at our downtown office (hours). Individuals wishing to vote during the grace period must bring two pieces of identification to register. One of these two forms of ID must list the voter's current address. See www.cookcountyclerk.com for continuous updates.
David Orr, Cook County Clerk
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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.
I Am Who I Am, The Story of Teddy Pendergrass, Sep 24 thru Oct 30 Wednesdays & Thursdays 7 PM, Fridays 8 PM, Saturdays 3 PM & 8 PM, Sundays 3 PM.
Teddy Pendergrass was considered to be soul music's number one sex symbol in the 70's with songs like "Turn Off The Lights," "If You Don't Know Me By Now," and "Wake Up Everybody." He was on top of the world and at the height of his career in 1982 when a devastating car accident left him a quadriplegic. There is so much to understand and admire about Teddy Pendergrass.
Bughouse Theater, 1910 W. Irving Park Rd.
Debate Night Drinking Ballot Bingo, We're celebrating history in the making .... Monday, Sep 26
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.
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
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
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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
New this year at our Health & Wellness Event Saturday, September 24
Thanks to Neighborhood Boys & Girls Club and New York Life: free Child ID's. The card will feature your child's photo, digital
fingerprints, and parents contact information. This was created by National CHIP foundation and law enforcement officials to meet industry standards of vital information for the Amber Alert System. This is a step you can take to help protect your child.
SAVE THE DATE FOR SHREDDING! Saturday, October 1, 9am-noon
Many thanks to Representative Greg Harris for partnering with us and to our friends at Jewel 4250 N. Lincoln for hosting on the north end of their parking lot.
We want to give many pounds of thanks to neighbor Wes W. for offering boxes of Journal of Science, Scientific American and Journal of Nature to our neighborhood high schools. Amundsen's science library greatly appreciates the generous donation.
Early Voting will begin at 69 W. Washington on Sept. 29. On October 24 early voting will expand to 51 additional sites.
Interested in recycling, want to learn more about how/what recycling's about in Chicago?
Take a walk or ride your bike to the Montrose Metra Community Gardens to see the new wood-chips adjacent to the vegetable plots, the newly chipped brick-lined walking path and weed-free areas. Thanks to the hardworking volunteers from Sales Force. They worked during a very hot day this week to help maintain and beautify our community gardens. We thank them for their strong community spirit. (photo).
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 repellent, fix window screens, wear long-pants and long sleeved shirts. Remind your neighbors about these preventive measures. 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).
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 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
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 Main Replacement for Grace from Leavitt to Ravenswood & Berenice from Damen to Ravenswood In mid-September, contractors working with the Department of Water Management will begin replacing the water mains from 1891 under Grace from Leavitt to Ravenswood and Berenice from Damen to Ravenswood. 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)
2016 Aldermanic Menu Projects
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 Ainslie
- 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
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.
September 13 Tuesday 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Senior Driving Tips
Richard J. Daley Center, 50 W. Washington - Courtroom 2005 (20th Floor)
September 15 Thursday 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Eat Out for Waters
Le Pain Quotidien, 1562 N Wells Street
September 15 Thursday 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Senior Fest 2016
Millennium Park, Michigan Av at Washington St
September 15 Thursday 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Court Advocacy Training
19th District Police Station, 850 W. Addison Street
September 18 Sunday 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Sunday Spot Sep 18 & 25
Marshfield, Lincoln to Roscoe, 3300 N. Marshfield Avenue
September 18 Sunday 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Pilgrim Fest!
Pilgrim Lutheran Church, 4300 N Winchester Avenue
September 18 Sunday 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Caravan Art Festival
Band of Bohemia, 4710 N Ravenswood Avenue
September 18 Sunday 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saint Andrew Palooza
Saint Andrew Church & School, 1710 W Addison Street
September 21 Wednesday 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Breakfast at Bethany's!
Bethany Retirement Community, 4950 N Ashland Avenue
September 25 Sunday 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Sunday Spot Sep 25
Marshfield, Lincoln to Roscoe, 3300 N. Marshfield Avenue
September 25 Sunday 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Kultura Artsfest
North Center Satellite Senior Center, 4040 N. Oakley Avenue
September 27 Tuesday 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
CAPS Meeting: Beat 2031
Swedish Covenant Hospital, Anderson Pavilion, 2751 W. Winona Avenue
September 28 Wednesday 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
CAPS Meeting: Beat 2032
Ravenswood Evangelical Covenant Church, 4900 N. Damen Avenue
October 18 Tuesday 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Taste of Roscoe Street
Roscoe Village, Roscoe Street between Damen & Oakley
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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