33rd Ward News
Wednesday,
March 5, 2014
Dear Neighbor, 

We may still have wintry weather, but this weekend it's time to 'spring ahead': remember to turn your clocks FORWARD 1 hour this weekend. Daylight Savings Time begins at 2:00am on Sunday, March 9th.

In this week's newsletter, learn about the City's new puppy mill ban, our upcoming Clean & Green event, workshops for new homeowners as well as those who rent and let properties, a new mural coming to Avondale, and more.

As always, this newsletter is for you, so if there are topics you'd like us to cover, don't hesitate to let us know: info@33rdward.org.    

 

Stay safe,
Deb 
Ward News:

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

info@33rdward.org

G-Chat with an Aldermanic Assistant: 
erica33rdWard@gmail.com

Website: 
 
General Office Hours:
Sunday: Closed
Monday: 8am - 5pm
Tuesday: 8am - 5pm
Wednesday: 8am - 7pm
Thursday: 8am - 5pm
Friday: 8am - 5pm
Saturday: Closed

Next Ward Weekend Hours:
9am - 12pm on
Sat, March 1st, 2014
UPDATES: Puppy Mill Ban Passed Today + New Murals

From Deb:  
 
Puppy Mill Ordinance Passes in the City Council
  • Today, in the City Council, the puppy mill ban passed.  
  • This ordinance, formally called the Companion Animal and Consumer Protection Ordinance, basically bans sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits within city limits if they aren't from a shelter or rescue group.
  • Currently, many consumers unwittingly support the puppy mill industry. An estimated 99 percent of dogs sold in retail stores are from puppy mills where industrial scale breeding takes place to maximize profit.
  • Alternately, the City's shelter system takes in 20,000 dogs annually, and we spend $300,000 annually to euthanize unrescued dogs; by banning the sale of puppy mill puppies within city limits, we hope to see more hopeful pet owners rescuing animals from shelters and providing happy homes.
  • Learn more about the ordinance and the efforts of City Clerk Susana Mendoza, who introduced the ordinance, here.

Ventra Feedback

  • I'll be attending a meeting on Friday, March 7th about how the new Ventra system has been implemented so far, and I'd like to hear from you about what YOU think.
  • If you have thoughts about what Ventra is doing right (or what they could improve), please email Aldermanic Assistant Erica Lomanto (Erica@33rdWard.org) so that I can consider your feedback as I prepare my own questions. 
  • Thanks in advance for your input! 

Public Artwork Coming to Avondale

  • Congratulations to the Avondale Neighborhood Association, which is forging ahead on a new mural with artist Tony Passero to be displayed on Belmont Avenue (between the Kennedy Expressway exit ramp and Kedzie Avenue.)
  • Below is a conceptualization of what the finished work could look like. We look forward to seeing the finished piece! 
WEEKEND TRAFFIC UPDATE: Western Closure March 7 - 9

The first stage of bridge improvements related to the Bloomingdale Trail construction will cause a weekend CLOSURE of WESTERN AVENUE March 7th - 9th, including overnight, to remove the existing railroad bridge.

Western Avenue (2400W) will be closed to all traffic between Wabansia Avenue (1700N) and Winnebago/Cortland Avenues (1900N) during this work period, with detours for vehicles and pedestrians.

All vehicular traffic, including CTA's Western Avenue Route #49 buses, will be detoured west to California Avenue via North and Armitage Avenues. 
 

 

 

 
CONDO OWNERS / NEW HOMEOWNERS: Workshop Tues, March 11th

Condominium owners and new homeowners are invited to a free workshop at Truman College (1145 W. Wilson), from 6:00 until 8pm. The topic of this workshop is "Understanding FHA Condominium Guidelines."

This workshop is co-sponsored by 46th Ward Alderman James Cappleman and Wintrust Mortage.

Advance registration is required. Please email julio@lakesidcdc.org.
SSA #60: Map + Meeting Wed, Mar. 12th
The next meeting for the 33rd Ward's new Special Service Area (SSA #60) is Wednesday, March 12th, at 5pm. It will take place at North River Commission (3403 W. Lawrence Avenue, Suite 201).

This meeting is open to the public.

Below is a current map of SSA #60; click here for the full image.

 

 Find out more about what SSAs do for their communities here.  
KICK OFF ST. PAT'S DAY: Party with a Purpose, Thursday, Mar. 13th

Celebrate St. Patty's Day at Declan's Irish pub in Old Town on March 13th with the APCC Associates Board. Party with a Purpose events are geared towards young professionals interested in growing their social and professional networks while supporting the great work of APCC.
SERVE YOUR SCHOOL: Apply to be on an LSC!

Local School Council elections are coming up (Monday, April 7, 2014, for elementary schools; Tuesday, April 8th for high schools), and the deadline for submitting your application for a seat has just been extended to March 14th.

Local School Councils (LSCs) are made up of the principal, parents, community members, school staff members and students.

  

Parent, community, teacher and non-teaching staff representatives serve a two-year term beginning July 1 after each election and ending June 30 two years later. Student representatives serve a one-year term beginning July 1 and ending June 30 of the following year. 

 

Elected LSCs in Elementary schools consist of 12 voting members: 

  • 1 - Principal
  • 6 - Parent representatives
  • 2 - Community representatives
  • 2 - Teacher representatives
  • 1 - Non-teaching staff representative

Elected LSCs in High schools consist of 13 voting members: 

  • 1 - Principal
  • 6 - Parent representatives
  • 2 - Community representatives
  • 2 - Teacher representatives
  • 1 - Non-teaching staff representative
  • 1 - Student representative

The primary responsibilities of the LSC:

  • Approving how school funds and resources are allocated 
  • Developing and monitoring the annual School Improvement Plan 
  • Evaluating and selecting the school's principal 
What is a Community Representative? A community member is eligible to serve as a community representative if he/she:
  • Resides in the attendance area or voting district of that school.
  • Is not the parent or legal guardian of a child currently enrolled at that school; and
  • Is not an employee of the Board.
For example, neighborhood schools use their attendance areas as the boundaries; Regional Gifted Schools, such as Edison in the 33rd Ward, have a larger community area.  
 
CITIZENS UTILITY BOARD CLINIC: Friday, March 14th

We are co-sponsoring a Citizens Utility Board Clinic on Friday, March 14th, at 1:00pm at Brands Park.

The Citizens Utility Board (CUB), Illinois' premier utility consumer watchdog organization, travels the state of Illinois to give informative presentations and help consumers save money on telecom, electric and natural gas bills. Learn more here.

Register by calling our office (773 / 478-8040) or emailing Aldermanic Assistant Gina Munoz at Gina@33rdWard.org.  
ELECTION UPDATES: Early Voting Through Saturday, March 15th
Early voting is now open for the March 18th primary. Vote at a variety of early polling places throughout Chicago, including Horner Park Fieldhouse (2741 W. Montrose) in the 33rd Ward, between March 3rd and March 15th.

Polling sites are generally open Monday through Saturday, 9:00am until 5:00pm. Some polling sites also have Sunday hours.

More info on early voting sites and hours here.
HEALTH INSURANCE: Open Enrollment through March 31st
Individuals and families in Illinois can sign up for quality health coverage through Get Covered Illinois, which allows you to make side-by-side comparisons of health coverage options, then find the plan that works best for you, your family, and your budget.

Enrollment is open through March 31, 2014.

To enroll online or find a Navigator near you, visit www.GetCoveredIllinois.gov. 
CPD / CFD ACADEMY: Informational Mtgs Through Mid-April
 
The Chicago Police and Firefighter Training Academy is holding recruiting events and informational meetings for current sophomores and their families for the Class of 2016 through mid-April.
SPRING CLEANING: Clean & Green Community Clean-up, Sat, April 19th

  

On Saturday, April 19, 2014, you -- along with community groups in the 33rd Ward -- can make a difference in our neighborhood by volunteering your time and efforts to take part in Chicago's Citywide Clean & Green Day.    

 

This Clean & Green event will take place during daytime hours; all who help clean in the 33rd Ward are invited for post-cleaning refreshments at our office afterward. 

 

Have questions? Ready to register? Call our office (773) 478-8040 or email Aldermanic Assistant Gina Munoz at Gina@33rdward.org.  
FREE WORKSHOP: Landlord / Tenant Event, April 21st - 24th

Albany Park Community Center Housing Resources Director Gisele Hennings is co-facilitating a Landlord/Tenant  four-evening workshop scheduled for April 21 -24 at Loyola University (Northshore Campus.) 

 

This workshop is targeted to both tenants and landlords and will cover subjects ranging from understanding the lease to fair housing. Participants will receive a certificate upon completion of the workshop series.  

  

 

SENIOR HEALTH AND INFORMATION FAIR: Sat, April 26th
The 33rd Ward, along with State Representative Jaime Andrade Jr, are sponsoring a Senior Citizen Health and Information Fair on Saturday, April 26th, from 10:00am until 1:00pm at Gordon Tech High School (3633 N. California).

This event will include
  • Free screenings for blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure, and more
  • Education about prevention and early detection of common conditions 
  • Information about local health resources  
  • Light food and beverages

Learn more here. 

 

Please spread the word about this event to your older loved ones, friends, and neighbors; we invite you to come along! 
PARK DISTRICT: Registration for Spring Programs Now Open

Online sign-up for spring programs through the Chicago Park District is now open.

Tip: To find activities in our ward, search for programs at Brand Park and Horner Park.    
JOB POSTING: Architect of Records Services for PBC Projects

The Public Building Commission of Chicago is soliciting Letters of Interest and Qualifications (LIQ) for the position of Architect of Record Services for Public Building Commission Projects.

Qualification submittals must be delivered by 10:00 am on Wednesday, March 19th, to the attention of Raven DeVaughn, Public Building Commission, Richard J. Daley Center, 50 West Washington, Room 200.

Find information on this LIQ and all of the projects currently open for bid here. 
ALDERMANIC MENU PROGRAM: Have Your Say

Every year, each of Chicago's 50 wards address their own specific local infrastructure needs through the Aldermanic Menu Program. Projects chosen by the aldermen include the repair and upgrade of streets, alleys, curbs, sidewalks, traffic signals, street and alley lighting, and street pole painting.

 

If you have suggestions for how our menu funds should be used this year, email Aldermanic Assistant Gina Munoz at Gina@33rdWard.org.  

 

Learn more about our menu program for the 33rd Ward on our website. 
RED CROSS MONTH CONTINUES: Give Blood, Volunteer & More

The American Red Cross is recognizing everyday heroes in March, people like yourself who reach out to help their neighbors and their communities in big and small ways every day.

Find out how to give blood, where to volunteer, download a free First Aid or weather app, or sign up to take a class on the Red Cross website.
EMERGING LEADERS: Strengthening Chicago Small Businesses
The U.S. Small Business Administration's 2014 Emerging Leaders Initiative is offering a free, 100-hr training program for local small businesses to help them accomplish their goals. The program includes 13 classes scheduled between April and November.

This program is designed for businesses that meet the following criteria:
  • Annual revenues of at least $400,000
  • Have been in existence for at least 3 years
  • Have at least one employee besides the owner 
Learn more here. 
CPS CALENDAR: Spring Break

Spring Break Dates: 

  • Chicago Public Schools and charter schools will be closed for spring break between April 14th and April 18th. These schools will reopen on Monday, April 21st.  
  • Catholic schools in Chicago will be closed from March 24th until March 28th. They will reopen on Monday, March 31st.   

  • Enjoy your time with your families! 

For more information about the CPS school schedule, keep an eye on the CPS website, or follow them on Twitter at @chipubschools.
THINK SUMMER: Looking for Local Musicians, Performers

We are looking for local musicians, artists, liver performers, etc. interested in performing at the Albany Park Summer Fest, August 16th & 17th. Our goal is to highlight local artists and show our neighbors what great talent we have right here in the 33rd Ward.

If you're interested, please contact Aldermanic Assistant Gina Munoz at 773-478-8040 or email her at Gina@33rdWard.org.

Please spread the word!
FINISH YOUR TAXES EARLY: Free Tax Assistance Available Now

The City of Chicago invites you to take advantage of free, confidential tax help at locations across Chicago through mid-April.  

 

Federal and Illinois tax return preparation and e-file are offered free of charge in partnership with the Center for Economic Progress and Ladder Up, which annually prepare thousands of returns with the help of trained volunteers.   

 

Get started here. 

 

 
33rd WARD WEBSITE RESOURCES

We've enhanced our website with a new (and rapidly expanding) community resources section, maps, weather resources, and more.

If you can think of other information to add, let us know: info@33rdWard.org
INFRASTRUCTURE UPDATES 

Albany Park Storm Water Diversion Tunnel Project
  • The Albany Park Storm Water Drain Project was approved by City Council in October of 2013; presently, they are finalizing the design and acquiring funding.
  • CDOT is in charge of this project; they anticipate construction to start mid-2014.
  • Find out more on our website. 
Water Work on Sacramento / Cornelia / Henderson:  

  • Project: Sewer Replacement

  • UPDATE: 100% complete; next step: restoration.  
  • Thank you so much for you patience during this work. 

Water Work on Henderson:

  • Project: Water Main Replacement  
  • Affected Areas:  
    • N. Henderson from Elston to California
  • UPDATE: This project is on hold. Water crews are currently focusing on clearing catch basins, dealing with broken water mains, and more. We'll let you know as soon as the project's status changes. 
  • More information here. 

Water Main Work on North Sawyer (Montrose to Berteau):

  • Project: Sewer Replacement   
  • Projected End Date: Restoration of street and sidewalks (May 2014)
  • Affected Area:  
    • North Sawyer, between Montrose & Berteau
  • Please watch for signs related to parking restrictions.

We're glad to see these improvements being made in our ward.  

Find more information about these projects on our website. 
UPCOMING EVENTS IN AND AROUND THE WARD

Date: Tuesday, March 11th, 6:00 - 8:00pm
Event: Condo owners / new homeowners workshop
Location: Truman College (1145 W. Wilson)
More information: Condominium owners and new homeowners are invited to a free workshop at , from 6:00 until 8pm. The topic of this workshop is "Understanding FHA Condominium Guidelines." Advance registration is required. Email julio@lakesidcdc.org.

Date: Through Saturday, March 15th
Event: Early Voting Starts for the March 18th Primary
Location: Horner Park Fieldhouse (2741 W. Montrose) & other locations
More information: Hours for this early voting site will be Monday through Saturday, 9:00am until 5:00pm. Other early voting sites here.

Date: Wednesday, March 12th, 5pm
Event: SSA #60 Meeting
Location: North River Commission (3403 W. Lawrence Avenue, Suite 201)
More information: This meeting is open to the public.

Date: Saturday, April 19th
Event: Clean & Green Event
Location: Throughout the 33rd Ward (and the rest of the City)
More information: Help us get our neighborhoods in tip-top shape for the spring by picking up garbage, clearing storm drains, removing graffiti, and more. All who pitch in are invited for light refreshments at the end of the day. Register with Gina Munoz by emailing her at Gina@33rdWard.org.

Date: Saturday, April 26th, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Event: Senior Citizen Health and Information Fair
Location: Gordon Tech High School (3633 N. California)
More information: Free screenings for blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure, and more; education about prevention and early detection of common conditions; local heath resources. Co-sponsored by the 33rd Ward and State Representative Jaime Andrade Jr.
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