CDPH has developed a new website with more information about the vaccination plan, frequently asked questions, and the latest vaccine updates. Residents are also encouraged to learn more on the CDC’s website.

The vaccination effort is in its infancy. The danger is far from over. In fact, CBS reported:

"COVID-19 was ranked as the leading cause of death in the U.S. this week, with 11,820, according to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. That's more than the number of Americans who died from ischemic heart disease (10,724), tracheal, bronchus and lung cancer (3,965), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (3,766).

In the U.S., coronavirus cases have surpassed 14.3 million, and more than 278,500 deaths have been recorded, according to figures from Johns Hopkins University. A model often used by the White House said the death toll could hit half a million by March 1 if the current trend continues. That same model said if Americans wore masks for the next four months, it could save 66,000 lives."

Please follow the recommendations of public health officials at the City, State, and National level: celebrate virtually this year, and only in-person with those in your household. While it may seem difficult to cancel your plans to travel to family this year, it can also be viewed as the easy choice to the save the lives of others. If you do decide to travel, please review the resources below:

According to Preservation Chicago, "Each of the four structures is a finely crafted building, from the Frank Niesen Building, housing “Vinci restaurant” at 1730-1732 N. Halsted, constructed in 1889, to the twin buildings—Zuber Building and Gespitz’s Drug Store Building, 1727-1729 N. Halsted, both circa 1880. Also, Hammerstrom’s

Hall/Schulien’s Building,(1800 N. Halsted) built as a combination storefront, apartment and social hall, and dating to 1883." 1800 N. Halsted had many historic uses, and is recognized as the birthplace of "Chicago-style" magic, created at legendary restaurant Shulien's, which occupied the site from 1886 to 1956.

Please look up and notice these fine buildings when you walk by. You can read the Landmarks report here.

Read the Block Chicago story here. Many thanks to the RANCH Triangle Association and the Lincoln Central Association for advocating since 2013 to save these buildings as an important Gateway to our community. A final decision will be made at the Landmarks Commission in January.

As you may know, each Alderman receives $1.3 million dollars each year to spend on infrastructure projects in our ward. 

For next year's menu, in addition to streets, lights and so much more, we would like to put a focus on sidewalk tripping hazards. If there is a sidewalk tripping hazard on your block, please send us the address of the closest building.

Save this newsletter on your phone, so that when you see a tripping hazard you can enter the location.

We would also like to clear our backlog of tree stump removals. If you have a tree stump that needs removing, please send us the address. Please be advised: if you have any kind of enclosure around the tree, such as fencing, the city will not remove the tree until you remove the fencing.

The Chicago Police Department has opened a 15-day public comment period on 14 draft community policing policies.  

Community Policing Mission and Vision Policy Draft 

Beat Meetings Policy Draft 

District Strategic Plans Policy Draft 

Community Concerns Policy Draft 

Ride Along Program Policy Draft 

D.A.R.E. Program Policy Draft 

G.R.E.A.T. Program Policy Draft 

Gun-Turn In Program Policy Draft 

Trespass Affidavit Policy Draft 

Social Media Outlet: Twitter Policy Draft 

Officer Friendly Program Policy Draft 

Bridging the Divide Policy Draft 

Community Policing Business Public-Safety Initiative Policy Draft 

District Advisory Committee Policy Draft 

These policies set the rules for community policing and are an important part of the consent decree process. Each policy draft can be reviewed and commented upon here.

Opens January 11, 2021

Applications will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. The number of participants is based on availability of funds. The program typically reaches capacity quickly, so you are encouraged to apply early on January 11. You must apply again in 2021 if you wish to be considered, even if you applied last year. Applications will only be accepted through the City’s 311 system by calling 311 or through the City’s service request website property owner’s contact information and the property address are required at the time of request.

Visit here for more information about the program.

The pandemic has impacted every aspect of our school year, including the important process our students go through when choosing the school options that will best match their talents, interests, and abilities. To ensure all students have the time they need to make this important decision, the GoCPS application deadline has been extended from Friday, December 11, 2020 to Friday, January 8, 2021. Visit GoCPS here.

In anticipation for the resumption of in-person learning on January 11, CPS is working hard to ensure the cleanliness and safety of school property and all classrooms..The Flyer below outlines the precautions being taken to protect all students and staff.

The wonderful Santa Mike—Mike Sturch—was featured in both the Sun-Times and in a story on NBC-5 last week—celebrating his 50 years of dedication to Marillac St. Vincent Family Services at 2145 N. Halsted. Our staff and I have had the pleasure of participating in Santa Mike’s Toy Distribution at the St. Vincent DePaul Center for many years. This year, the drive will be virtual.

Congratulations to Mike for 50 years, and thank you for bringing joy to so many. If you'd like to contribute to the Santa Mike fund, please click here.

Enjoy an evening with your family at Brookfield Zoo to enjoy Chicagoland's Largest Lights Festival; Holiday Magic

Please send your request to yourvoice@ward43.org.

With the holiday season upon us, we want to encourage you to buy one of our local businesses. Almost all have their own online presence, so it's just as easy to buy local as national. Please send us an email at yourvoice@ward43.org and let us know you're open for business!

Use this gift guide to find great gifts right here at home.

and Charity

Here's a great way to support our local restaurants and help our local charities. The Lincoln Park Community Shelter can no longer have volunteers on site to cook meals. They are in need of food to cover meals for 20 individuals staying at their 600 W. Fullerton shelter and 35 individuals at our 1521 N. Sedgwick shelter. Help by preparing a meal at home and drop it off or order meals from a restaurant for delivery to LPCS! Breakfasts are dropped off by 7:15 a.m. (8:00 a.m. on weekends), lunches are dropped off at 12:00 p.m. and dinners are dropped off at 5:30 p.m. Meals do not need to be individually packaged; disposable serving trays work best! The shelter can warm up food if needed.

If you’d like to donate a meal, please email volunteer@lpcschicago.org to find out open meals and location specifics like Guest count and dietary restrictions.If you cannot provide a meal but would like to make a donation to support a meal or our general operations, you can do so here.

Brown Bag Seafood (new!)

Daily Harvest (new!)

French Quiche (new!)

Kaathis Indian Street Food (new!)

King Chicago Indian Cuisine (new!)

Kizami Sushi (new!)

Lakefront (in Theater on the Lake)

Maison Parisienne - new!

Stray Hen Cafe (new!)

Squeez Juice Bar (new!)

X'ian Dynasty Cuisine (new!)

Support our local businesses and wear a mask,