33rd Ward News
Wednesday,
March 12, 2014
Dear Neighbor, 

After a couple of spring-like days, we woke up to more snow this morning, as well as high winds. Thanks to everyone who called us with reports of power outages, downed limbs, snow-covered street signs, and more today.

In this week's newsletter, you'll find a reminder about fire safety, your last chance to apply for an LSC seat, in-person help with health coverage sign-up, foreclosure scam prevention, senior enrichment seminars, 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, April 5th, 2014
UPDATES: Fire Safety + Neighborhood Safety

From Deb:  
 
Monday, March 10th: Fire in the Ward
  • There was a fire this week in the 2900 N. block of Irving Park Road. Thankfully, no one was injured. In the course of the fire, electricity went out for several businesses; We appreciate ComEd's responsiveness. 

Fire Safety Tips: 

  • In order to be prepared for the worst, make sure you talk with your family about your fire safety plan. Answer these questions together: 
    • Where the fire extinguisher is in your home?
    • Who's in charge of replacing batteries in fire alarms and when?
    • What are the best routes for getting out of the house in the event of a fire?
    • Where would you meet outside of the house in the case of a fire?
  • Stay safe!

Monday, March 10th: Shooting in the Ward

  • There was a shooting this week in the 4900 N. block of Lawndale. A 17-year old girl was shot in the leg and taken to the hospital.   
  • Chicago Police Capt. Thomas Karnick said the District is already working to prevent any gang retaliation and has stepped up patrols between Argyle Street to the north and Wilson Avenue to the south between Pulaski Road and Kimball Avenue.
  • Capt. Karnick: "In further response to this escalation of gang violence, greater steps have been taken to enhance both uniformed and tactical officer and supervisory presence and action in this area. We are hopeful that the extra officers in the area and aggressive action in contacts and enforcement by these officers will help to break some of the gang tension that is present in the neighborhood and prevent any further retaliatory gang violence."  
  • The 33rd Ward office has also: 
    • Requested tree trimming and a survey of lighting in the area of the shooting, in conjunction with Alderman Laurino's office.   
    • Completed our own survey of graffiti in the area; we are working with the City to have graffiti addressed in a timely manner.
  • What can YOU do to help keep our area safer? 
    • Call 911 if you have information about gang-related crimes
    • Call 311 to report graffiti
    • Attend CAPS meetings 
SMALL BUSINESS WORKSHOPS: Wednesdays & Fridays

BACP offers free Business Education Workshops  every Wednesday and Friday. The classes are open to the public and hosted at City Hall (121 N. LaSalle St. in Room 805.)

Class topics focus on start-up operations, financing, marketing, social media, and more. Classes are taught by industry professionals, not for profit agencies, and city employees.

 Review the BACP workshop calendar 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 is this Friday, March 14th. More information on the CPS website.

Local School Councils (LSCs) are made up of the principal, parents, community members, school staff members, and students. Below are schools in our Ward who have confirmed openings on their LSCs:  

  • ALBANY PARK MULTICULTURAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (773-534-5108): Community & Parent Seats Open   
  • CARL VON LINNE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (773-534-5262): Community & Parent Seats Open
  • EDISON REGIONAL GIFTED CENTER (773-534-0540): 2 Community Seats Open
  • GROVER CLEVELAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (773-534-5130): Community & Parent Seats Open
  • NORTH RIVER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (773-534-0590): 1 Community Seat Open
  • THEODORE ROOSEVELT HIGH SCHOOL (773-534-5000): 2 Community Seats & 6 Parent Seats Open
  • WILLIAM G. HIBBARD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (773-534-5191): 1 Parent Seat Open

Other schools in the 33rd Ward may also have open LSC seats; you can contact schools directly to find out what their needs are. Find a list of schools in the Ward on our website.

 

 
More on LSCs:  
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
  • 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 
    • Is not an employee of the Board
More information on the CPS website. 
HEALTH CARE ENROLLMENT: Sign Up Events, March 20th & 25th
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. The deadline for enrollment is March 31st, 2014. 
 
Get In-Person Assistance:
Specially trained counselors (called Navigators) are available for free to help Illinois consumers explore and understand their options. Meet with a Navigator in person on:
  • March 20th at Horner Park (2741 W Montrose Ave) from 5:00 until 9:30pm
  • March 25th at Independence Library (3548 Irving Park Rd) from 4pm until 7:30pm 

Important: If you attend one of these in-person sign-up events, remember to bring Social Security Cards for those looking to get covered, W-2 forms, or pay stubs.


To enroll online, visit www.GetCoveredIllinois.gov

 
VETERAN RESOURCES: Hotlines for Veterans Services

We appreciate all who serve our country, and we want to make sure they receive the support they need. Below are two Veterans Services hotlines to use and share as needed:
HOMEOWNER HELP: Avoid Foreclosure Scams

The Albany Park Neighborhood Council is working hard to educate their neighbors dealing with foreclosure and help them avoid scams. We appreciate all they do.

This Loan Modification Scam Alert explains how to spot scammers and find assistance.

Learn more by calling 1-888-995-HOPE(4673) or at LoanScamAlert.org.
FROM CEDA: Home Weatherization Assistance

The Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County (CEDA) Weatherization Program is now open for residents of Chicago and Suburban Cook County to apply for Home Energy Conservation Services. 


The mission of CEDA is to work in partnership with communities, to empower families and individuals to achieve self-sufficiency and to improve their quality of life.  

 

Look here for details about the program and guidelines for applying for their services.  

 

 

 
ComEd CARES: Help for Homeowners Through April 1st

Through April 1, 2014, ComEd has adjusted the eligibility requirements for financial assistance programs for eligible residents, including seniors, veterans and activated members of the armed services. In addition, the company is now offering flexible budget billing and flexible deferred payment options to assist customers receiving higher than normal bills in light of the severe cold weather blanketing northern Illinois.

  • To apply for ComEd's Residential Special Hardship grant, or the State sponsored assistance programs, such as LIHEAP, customers should visit a local LIHEAP Agency.
  • For more information on any of ComEd's assistance programs or to enroll in ComEd's bill-payment assistance programs, call 1-888-806-CARE (2273) or visit ComEd.Com/CARE for more information. 

 
SAME SCHOOL, NEW NAME: Gordon Tech Rebranded, Renamed

The Provincial of the Congregation of the Resurrection and the Board of Directors of Gordon Tech College Prep announced today that effective summer 2014, the name of the school will formally change to: DePaul College Prep, Fr. Gordon Campus

 

The Board also voted to:  

  • Establish a Fr. Francis Gordon Endowed Scholarship Fund for family members of Gordon Tech alumni;
  • Establish a Heritage Committee to maintain the heritage of Gordon Tech at the school;
  • Retain the Ram as the school's mascot. The school colors will incorporate the orange so strongly associated with Gordon Tech and the Board will consider adding another color to represent the future direction of the school.
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.  
GET CREATIVE: Chicago Creative Expo, March 14th & 15th

The Creative Chicago Expo is this weekend, Friday, March 14th, and Saturday, March 15th, at the Chicago Cultural Center (78 E. Washington St. - enter on Randolph St.)

The goal of the event is to connect Chicago's creative community with resources they need to thrive. Keynote speakers represent the fields of art, fashion, food, and film. Attendance to all presentations and workshops is free and on a first-come, first-served basis.
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.
FREE SENIOR SEMINARS: March 18th & March 21st

The Cook County Elder Justice Center is presenting 2 free Senior Enrichment Seminars next week at the Richard J. Daley Center (50 W. Washington Street):
  • Tuesday, March 18th, 10:00am - 1:00pm: Topic - "Financial Literacy." This seminar will be held on the Concourse Level in Room CL-115. Flyer here. 
  • Friday, March 21st, 11:00am - 1:00pm: Topic - "Long-Term Care: Who Will Pay." This seminar will be held in Courtroom 1903 on the 19th floor. Flyer here.
Spread the word!
LAST CHANCE: Job Training Info Meeting, March 19th 
 

The Albany Park Community Center has been recruiting candidates with building trades backgrounds to go through their PAID Weatherization training.   

  

Your last chance to attend a mandatory informational session and be considered for this free, paid training, will be on Wednesday, March 19th, at 1:00pm at 1945 W. Wilson Suite 300. All necessary info is below.

  

Anyone with questions is encouraged to contact APCC Project Coordinator Casey Smagala: Email: CSmagala@apcc-chgo.org; phone: 773 / 433 - 3250

 
NORTH CENTER: Women in Business Happy Hour, March 19th
 
On Wednesday, March 19th, from 5:30 until 8:00pm, join the North Center Chamber of  Commerce for their first-ever NCC Women In Business Happy Hour at PitchFork Saloon (2922 W. Irving Park Rd.)

This free event will include an appetizer buffet, drinks, and a chance to meet and mingle with women in the Northcenter and Chicago business communities. Sponsored by Hemina Patel/State Farm and Zneimer & Zneimer, P.C.  

 

Details and registration here.  
TRANSPORTATION ACTION COMMITTEE: Next Meeting March 27th

Our next TAC (Transportation Action Committee) meeting is Thursday, March 27th, at 7pm at Horner Park Fieldhouse (2741 W Montrose.) TAC is a volunteer-led group that connects local officials to a voice in their community that advocates for a safer and more accessible environment.    

 

If you plan to attend the March 27th meeting, please RSVP with 33rd Ward Chief of Staff Dana Fritz: Dana@33rdWard.org   

 

Find notes from the last TAC meeting and more on our website. 
CHICAGO CONSERVATION CORPS: Informational Mtgs 
 

The first round of the 2014 Chicago Conservation Corps (C3) Environmental Leadership Training begins in April, and they're recruiting now! The course is only open to those who attend one of the orientation meetings below: 

  • Saturday, April 5th, 10:00 to 11:00am: Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum (2430 N. Cannon Dr)
  • Tuesday, April 8th, 6:00 to 8:00pm, Chicago Center for Green Technology (445 N. Sacramento Blvd.) 
  • Wednesday, April 9th, 12:00 - 1:00pm: Chicago Department of Transportation (30 N. LaSalle St, 11th Floor)
  • Thursday, April 10th: 6:00 to 7pm: Hyde Park Arts Center (5020 S. Cornell Dr)
The C3 course will be held on Wednesdays between April 23rd and May 28th at the Chicago Center for Green Technology (445 N. Sacramento Blvd) from 5:30 until 9:00pm. A $75 fee covers class participation and project support. Financial assistance is available upon request. C3 is a program of the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum with support from the City of Chicago. 

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.
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.    
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 & Charter Schools: April 14th until April 18th.  
  • Catholic Schools: March 24th until March 28th. 
  • For more information, see the CPS website or follow them on Twitter: @ChiPubSchools 
  • Enjoy your time with your families! 
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

  • Next step: restoration when the weather improves. 
  • 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
  • Projected end date: End of May 2014 
  • 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: 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: Friday, March 14th - Saturday, March 15th
Event: Creative Chicago Expo
Location:
Chicago Cultural Center (78 E. Washington St. - enter on Randolph St.)  
More information: Keynote speakers represent the fields of art, fashion, food, and film. Attendance to all presentations and workshops is free and on a first-come, first-served basis. Full schedule here.

Date: Tuesday, March 18th, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Event: Senior Enrichment Seminar: "Financial Literacy"
Location: Richard J. Daley Center (50 W. Washington Street, Room CL-115)
More information: Flyer here.

Date: Wednesday, March 19th, 1:00pm
Event: Weatherization Training Informational Meeting - LAST CHANCE
Location: 1945 W. Wilson Suite 300
More information: The Albany Park Community Center has been recruiting candidates with building for a paid training program that starts later this month.  If you have questions, contact APCC Project Coordinator Casey Smagala: CSmagala@apcc-chgo.org

  

Date: Wednesday, March 19th, 5:30 - 8:00pm
Event: North Center Chamber of Commerce Women In Business Happy Hour
Location: PitchFork Saloon (2922 W. Irving Park Rd.)
More information: A chance to meet and mingle with women in the North Center and Chicago business communities. Sponsored by Hemina Patel/State Farm and Zneimer & Zneimer, P.C.

Date: Thursday, March 20th, 5:00 - 9:30pm
Event: Get Covered Illinois In-Person Enrollment Event
Location: Horner Park (2741 W. Montrose Ave)
More information: Specially trained counselors (Navigators) will be available for free to help Illinois consumers understand their healthcare options. Remember to bring Social Security Cards for those looking to get covered, W-2 forms, or pay stubs.
The deadline for enrollment is March 31st, 2014. More information here. 

Date: Tuesday, March 25th, 4pm - 7:30pm
Event: Get Covered Illinois In-Person Enrollment Event
Location: Independence Library (3548 Irving Park Rd)
More information: Specially trained counselors (Navigators) will be available for free to help Illinois consumers understand their healthcare options. Remember to bring Social Security Cards for those looking to get covered, W-2 forms, or pay stubs.
The deadline for enrollment is March 31st, 2014. More information here. 

Date: Friday, March 21st, 11:00am - 1:00pm
Event: Senior Enrichment Seminar: "Long-Term Care: Who Will Pay"
Location: Richard J. Daley Center (50 W. Washington Street, Courtroom 1903) 
More information: Flyer here.

Date: Thursday, March 27th, 7pm
Event: TAC (Transportation Action Committee) Meeting
Location: Horner Park Fieldhouse (2741 W. Montrose)
More information: TAC is a volunteer-led group that connects local officials to a voice in their community that advocates for a safer and more accessible environment. Notes from the last TAC meeting and more on our website.

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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