33rd Ward News
Wednesday,
October 23, 2013


October is National Arts and Humanities Month, so we're shining some light on the great arts programs in local schools and how you can help them get even better. There's also a new play opening at Halcyon Theatre inspired by the March on Washington. And, of course, Chicago Artists Month events are still going strong.

In this week's newsletter, I'm also sharing my op-ed piece in the Chicago Tribune about marriage equality; your last chance for a farmers market just outside of the ward; and information about another great community organization, TRIP (The Residents of Irving Park.)

This newsletter is for you, so if there are topics or events you would like us to cover, please let us know by emailing us at info@33rdward.org.

Take care,
Deb 
New in the Ward:

Ward Office Info: 
3649 N. Kedzie Ave.
Chicago, IL 60618
Phone: (773) 478-8040 
Fax: (773) 478-8006

Office Hours:
Sunday: Closed
Monday: 9 - 5pm
Tuesday: 9 - 5pm
Wednesday: 9 - 7pm
Thursday: 9 - 5pm
Friday: 9 - 5pm

1st Saturday of every month: 9am - 12pm
NATIONAL ARTS AND HUMANITIES MONTH: Art in 33rd Ward Schools HydrantGordonTech
 
This might be National Arts and Humanities Month, but we appreciate art year-round. We salute the great art education happening in schools in the 33rd Ward.

Gordon Tech College Prep art teacher Esteen Lauri (Feldshriber) was recently commissioned to paint the hydrant pictured here, which was purchased by DePaul University and is displayed outside of Gordon Tech. Go check it out in person!

We've dedicated a page on our website to school art programs and the great art coming out of them. Find out how to volunteer or donate supplies!
FROM DEB: Op-Ed + Trip to Springfield
 
Yesterday I attended the rally for marriage equality that took place in Springfield. Hundreds of people gathered to make it clear to state legislators that Illinois is ready to make marriage legal for all.

I also had the great privilege to share my convictions in an op-ed piece in yesterday's Chicago Tribune. From the piece:

"I love my wife, and this is our marriage, and I hope by telling you these personal details it shows we are more alike than different."

You can read the whole thing here.

Thanks to everyone for their kind words of support. Here's to making this the year Illinois puts itself on the right side of history.
RENTAL HOUSING EXPO: Saturday, October 26th, 9:00am - 2:00pm
 
This Saturday, October 26th, Chicago Rents Right and the City of Chicago Department of Housing and Economic Development will present the 10th annual Rental Housing Expo at Loyola University Chicago (1125 W. Loyola Ave.) There you will find free resources that explain tenants' rights, as well as landlord responsibilities in the form for workshops and vendors.

More information about Chicago Rents Right here.
FARMERS MARKET: Saturday, October 26th, 9:00am - 1:00pm
 
This Saturday is the last farmers market of the season at Independence Park (3945 N. Springfield Ave.)

Explore 35 vendors selling everything from fresh produce and organic meats, to cheeses, jams, baked goods and more. There will also be music, a book swap, crafts for the kids, and knife sharpening. LINK is accepted at this market. See you there!
ARTS WATCH: New Play at the Halcyon Theatre
 

The Halcyon Theatre is debuting a new play inspired by the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington. The play, From Every Mountainside, will show Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm between October 25th and November 23rd at Christ Lutheran Church (4541 N. Spaulding Ave.)  

 

Learn more and get tickets on their website.  
OPEN HOUSE: Wednesday, November 13th, 5:00 - 7:00pm
 
Fresh paint; new carpet...new alderman! Come and join us on Wednesday, November 13th, from 5:00pm until 7:00pm for some light refreshments, and meet Alderman Deb Mell if you haven't had a chance to yet.

Free parking in back. 3649 N Kedzie, Chicago IL 60618
COMMUNITY GROUP HIGHLIGHT: TRIP

This week we're shining a spotlight on another active community group in the ward, TRIP (The Residents of Irving Park, formerly UNITE). TRIP was founded in 1976 and serves Chicago's Irving Park Neighborhood from Montrose Ave. to Irving Park Road, and Monticello to Sacramento Avenue.
CAPS MEETINGS 

Stay informed about what's going on in your neighborhood and be a part of keeping our community safe by participating in CAPS meetings.

Find your beat and your meetings here.
INFRASTRUCTURE UPDATES

People's Gas Project: 
  • People's Gas will be updating their distribution system on the following streets through the end of October: 
    • On Sacramento (from Addison to Cornelia)
    • On Cornelia (from Sacramento to Albany)
  • Keep an eye out for parking restrictions to avoid towing. 

Francisco Sewer Project between Irving Park to Montrose: 

Lighting Improvements on Spaulding & Christiana: 

  • The Department of Transportation's Division of Electrical Operations (DEO) is currently conducting lighting improvement projects on Spaulding (Elston to Irving Park) and on Christiana (Waveland to Irving Park).
  • Estimated total completion by Thanksgiving (Thurs, November 28th), weather permitting. 
  • Parking restrictions still in effect as needed. Please watch for temporary 'No Parking' signs to avoid towing.
UPCOMING EVENTS IN AND AROUND THE WARD

Date: Saturday, October 26th, 9:00am - 1:00pm
Event: Farmers Market at Independence Park
Location: 3945 N. Springfield Ave., Chicago, IL 60618
More information: Find fresh fruits and vegetables, organic meats, jams, crepes, cupcakes, soup mixes, and more at the final farmers market of the season at Independence Park. Stock up!

Date: Saturday, October 26th, 9:00am - 2:00pm
Event: 10th Annual Rental Housing Expo
Location: Loyola University Chicago, 1125 W. Loyola Ave., Chicago, IL 60660
More information: Free resources to explain the rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords in the City of Chicago: Counseling, Workshops and Vendors. Presented by Chicago Rents Right and the City of Chicago Department of Housing and Economic Development.

Date: Tuesday, October 29th, 1:00pm
Event: Information Session & Pre-Screening for APCC's UIW Training Program
Location: 1945 W. Wilson, Suite 300
More information: Contact Casey Smagala at CSmagala@apcc-chgo.org or at 773 / 433 - 3250.

Date: Through the end of October 
Event: Chicago Artists Month
More information: Take advantage of the various exhibits, shows, and more celebrating artists in Chicago through the end of the month. More information here.

Date: Through the end of October
Event: Domestic Violence Awareness Month
More information: The City of Chicago is sponsoring various informational, support, and awareness events and exhibits throughout October. More information here.

Date: Wednesday, November 13th, 5:00 - 7:00pm
Event: 33rd Ward Office Open House
Location: 3649 N Kedzie, Chicago IL 60618
More information: Fresh paint; new carpet...new alderman! Come and join us for some light refreshments, and meet Alderman Deb Mell if you haven't had a chance to yet. Free parking in back.

Date: Through the end of 2013
Event: Energy Efficiency Fairs
More Information: Residential customers in the City of Chicago can learn more the Home Energy Jumpstart Program and whether they're eligible for free installation of certain energy-saving products. More information here.
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