On this day in 1949, after 15 months and more than 250,000 flights, the Berlin Airlift officially comes to an end.
Property Tax Appeals Workshop: Tuesday, October 4, 6pm at Sulzer Regional Library (4455 N. Lincoln). Cook County Board of Review staff will be on hand to explain the appeals process and answer any questions you may have. Please note that appeals for Lake View Township (all areas of the 47th Ward east of Western Avenue) must be received by October 5. More information is available here.
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Dear Neighbor,
With Election Day a little more than a month away, I want to give you some information on voting to ensure you can cast a ballot. You can find your Election Day Polling Place location and verify your voter registration information by clicking here. Not registered? It's not too late. Check out your options for registering to vote, below.
- Register to vote online. Use your IL driver's license or state ID card to register to vote. Deadline: 11:59 pm, Sun., Oct. 23
- Update your registration online (new address or name change). Use your IL driver's license or state ID card to register to vote. Deadline: 11:59 pm, Sun., Oct. 23
- Use the downloadable mail-in form. Fill in the blanks, print it, sign it and deliver it or mail it. Deadline: 11:59 pm, Tue., Oct. 11 Need Adobe? Click here.
- Visit 69 W. Washington St., Sixth Floor: Now through Nov. 7 Applicant must present two IDs, at least one showing current address. More about IDs
- Visit an Illinois Secretary of State's Office only if also obtaining a new driver's license or state ID during that visit.
After your registration form is processed, the Election Board will mail a new voter card to your address. Early voting has already begun at 69 W. Washington in the Loop. Click here to learn more about voting early from now until October 23. Any Chicago voter may use any Early Voting site in the city, regardless of where the voter lives. Early voting will begin at Welles Park (2333 W. Sunnyside) on October 24 and run through November 7. I will share more information on hours for early voting and other locations as we approach October 24. Government-issued photo ID is not required but is helpful if there is a question about the voter's registration, address, signature or if there are two voters with the same or similar names at the same address.You may also Vote By Mail. Applications for ballots must be delivered to the Chicago Board of Elections no later than 5pm on November 3. To apply to vote by mail or learn more, please click here.
Lincoln Square Apple Fest
This year, 29th Annual Lincoln Square Apple Fest returns as a two-day format turning the Lincoln Square Neighborhood into an urban Apple Orchard! The Apple Fest takes place Oct 1 & 2, Saturday-Sunday from 9AM to 6PM. Please note that Lincoln Avenue will be closed from Lawrence to Eastwood. Avoid driving in the area, if possible, and plan your travel accordingly.
By adding an extra day, the fest sponsor, Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce, is hoping to add more apple goodness, including apple pies, apple cider doughnuts, caramel apples and, of course, freshly picked apples. The event includes live music from local musicians, apple and fall-themed gifts for sale, and kid-friendly activities. Click here for more information.
47th Ward Shredding Event State Representative Greg Harris and I are partnering to host a 47th Ward Shredding Event tomorrow, October 1 from 9am to 12pm on the north end of the Jewel parking lot at 4250 N. Lincoln. Please bring any sensitive documents you would like to have destroyed to this event. I want to thank Rep. Harris for partnering with us to provide this needed service to the 47th Ward. Additional information can be found on the flyer a little further down in the newsletter. 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. Reminder: LV2 restrictions are in effect for all Cubs post season games that begin after 4:10pm. Be sure to check cubs.com for the times of the games as they are announced. |
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Halloween 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. Remember to apply for your Halloween parties early!
For complete information on block parties, please click here.
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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. |
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 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. www.blackensembletheater.org 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 Suggested Donation. Improv TONIGHT, three great improv teams, Fridays 8 PM and 10 PM Saturdays at 8 PM, $10 BugHOUSE Party, improv because our parents are out of town, Saturdays 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!
Off-Beat, somewhat absurdist comedy about a ballgame vendor who rockets to fame after a legendary baseball coach notices his arm. http://pubhousetheatre.com Belmont Theater District, Ravenswood-Irving Park-Diversey-Lake Michigan Check out the Belmont Theater District's Fall Open House Tour 13 THEATERS - 2 DAYS - FREE Drinks/Food/Shows/Tickets/Giveaways ALL WEEKEND LONG!! FB Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1772269063062017/ 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)
 Queen of Angels
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Dara Reports
Animal Care & Control 2741 N. Western offers Low Cost Vaccine Clinics on the following Wednesdays
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.
Safety Tips from CPD to Runners & Walkers: Run/Walk in groups instead of alone, do not use headphones, wear reflective gear, stay in well-lit areas, and be aware of your surroundings and those around you.
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.
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.
Roscoe Street Intersection:
Starting on Monday, October 3rd, the storm sewer work is schedule to be completed in the Roscoe and Western Avenue intersection. This work is anticipated to take 3 to 4 days to complete. During this time the following traffic restrictions will be in place:
- Northbound Western Avenue will be reduced to a single lane and left turns onto Roscoe will be restricted.
- Southbound Western Avenue will also be reduced to a single lane and left turns onto Roscoe will be restricted.
- Westbound Roscoe traffic will be restricted from making a left turn onto southbound Western Ave.
- Eastbound Roscoe traffic will be restricted from traveling straight through the intersection.
Advanced warning signs will be in place today warning traffic of delays next week and the intersection will be signed accordingly on Monday.
Roscoe Street to the Barry Avenue:
Starting on or about Wednesday, October 5th, construction is scheduled to switch to the west side of Western Avenue between Roscoe Street and Barry Avenue. At this time traffic will shift to the newly constructed pavement on the east side of Western Avenue. Four lanes of traffic will be maintained through the Belmont intersect. However, please be advised left turns will continue to be restricted from Western Avenue onto Belmont and Clybourn Avenue and on the side streets.
An information flyer is being distributed to the homeowners and business owners along Western Avenue who will be directly impacted by this stage of work. The flyer includes 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 to early December. 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 Grace Street from Leavitt to Ravenswood & Berenice from Damen to Ravenswood City crews from the Department of Water Management have begun working to replace the water mains first installed in 1891 under Berenice and Grace. No parking and traffic closures will be necessary M-F from 7am to 4pm. This work is expected to be completed by November. For more information, please click here.
Water Main Replacement for Dakin Street from Western to Campbell Contractors working with the Department of Water Management have completed installing the new water main on Dakin between Western and Campbell. Restoration will be coming before the Thanksgiving. No parking has been removed, but will be necessary M-F from 7am to 4pm for restoration. Water Main Replacement for Leland from Damen to Wolcott & Winchester from Leland to Wilson
Contractors working with the Department of Water Management have begun 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. The contractor plans to transfer services on Leland next week. Interruption in water service will be necessary, and each building will be notified. The duration of water interruption should not exceed 2 hours. Water Main Replacement for Seeley from Waveland to Addions & Waveland from Hoyne to Damen City crews from the Dept. of Water Management will begin replacing the water mains (locations detailed above) installed in 1898 in 1-2 weeks. No parking will be necessary M-F from 7am to 4pm along with street closures during this work. This work will be completed some time in November. 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.
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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