Redistricting Update - Call Now To Comment
Keep Your Packages Safe
Thanksgiving Office Closure
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Redistricting Public Hearings
Monday, Nov. 29th 1:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 30th 1:00 p.m.
Leave a Message at 312-744-6800 to Testify
As we told you several weeks ago, the Chicago City Council is currently redrawing the ward boundaries as is required after every US Census. The Committee on Rules (which is tasked with leading the redistricting) is hosting another public hearing to continue to gather community input. During this meeting, the committee will explain the rules and guidelines concerning the redistricting process. Maps may be completed by December 1st.
The 43rd Ward experienced the 4th highest increase in population in the city while many other wards lost population. This means that the 43rd Ward will lose some of its current constituents. This population growth is a testament to our community; however, it is my continued goal to have Lincoln Park and the Gold Coast be represented by as few aldermen as possible.
Our previous newsletter explained the risk the Latino Caucus' map creates to the representation of Lincoln Park. As you can see below, Lincoln Park as a community would be split into four different wards with four different aldermen under that plan.
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While the northern border of the 43rd Ward would remain Diversey, residents west of Sheffield and North of Fullerton would be in a newly redrawn ward, the 34th. As many may recall, we successfully fought a plan in 2010 to divide Lincoln Park into five wards.
We cannot let Lincoln Park be dissected this way. Having multiple aldermen represent one community area presents many challenges. Daily services, as well as large-scale development projects, would have to be handled by four separate offices, and collaboration among four aldermen cannot be guaranteed. Ten years ago Lincoln Park organized and prevented this from occurring, in part because of mass neighborhood attendance at a community hearing held at DePaul.
Earlier this week, the Black Caucus released a proposal (see below). This "map" does not even break down specific ward boundaries. Instead, it divides various regions of Chicago into swaths of ward groupings based on race. With the deadline quickly approaching and continued uncertainty about who will represent which parts of our community, it is important that residents make their concerns known at upcoming public hearings.
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To sign up for public comment for the hearings, please keep reading.
Anyone wishing to comment at a City Council committee meeting conducted by videoconference will need to call (312) 744-6800 in advance of the meeting and leave a voice message with their name and telephone number. PLEASE CALL NOW. Requests to comment will be accepted from 10:00 a.m. two business days before the scheduled meeting until 9:00 a.m. the business day before the scheduled meeting. Any individual wishing to participate must be available at the scheduled start time of the committee meeting and have access to a touch-tone telephone. More about what to expect here.
Please note that City Council Rule 58E limits the public comment period to 30 minutes overall, with each participant limited to three minutes (both subject to modification in the reasonable, non-discriminatory discretion of the Committee chairman), so there is no assurance that every person who calls will have the opportunity to speak.
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Get You and Your Family Vaccinated!
Recently, the FDA approved COVID-19 booster doses for everyone 18 years and older. Getting your booster shot before the Holiday season can ensure that your gatherings are safe for you and the members of your family.
To find a vaccination location near you, please look to the City of Chicago's website which can be found here.
Children (ages 5+) can now receive their first vaccine series. You can find doses for your kids here.
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Refuse and Recycling Schedule Changes due to Upcoming Holiday
Please note these important changes to the refuse and recycling schedule due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
There will be NO refuse collection on Thursday, November 25. All city-collected refuse will be serviced Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. Residents should ensure all black refuse carts are accessible throughout the week of collection, not solely on their regular day of collection.
Additionally, residents should be advised of potential changes to Blue Cart Recycling collection based on their service provider.
The Department of Streets and Sanitation will collect recycling Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. Residents should ensure all Blue Recycling Carts are accessible throughout the week of collection.
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Protecting Packages during the Holidays
During this holiday season, it is especially important to think about neighborhood safety as well as protecting our cars and homes. These common-sense safety tips can help protect you and your family.
- Make sure packages are delivered to a secure location. If you are not confident about your front door area, then consider a locked location, such as an Amazon locker. There are locations at 2728 N Clark and 1001 W. Webster. Many stores also offer this service. Here are a few examples of FedEx and Walgreens Package Pickup:
- 834 W Armitage Ave
- 1520 W Fullerton Ave
- 2500 N Clark St
- 740 W Diversey Pkwy
- 2817 N Clark St
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Always keep home doors and windows closed and locked, even when leaving your house briefly. Police warn there are a high number of thefts from homes simply because a door or window was unlocked or open allowing easy entry.
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Leave nothing visible in your car, even on a quick errand. Just lock bags, packages, or your purse in your trunk. And, please remind your holiday guests of these precautions as well.
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Forestry Update
Included in the 2022 budget, the City of Chicago has invested in more than doubling the Bureau of Forestry's crews which are assigned with trimming, removing, planting, and assessing trees in Chicago.
For nearly a decade, they have been operating with 11 crews to fulfill the backlog of tree trim requests in the city. In 2022, that number will be increasing to 30 crews. Additionally, Forestry will be moving back to a grid, or block-by-block, system from the complaint-based program they had been operating under for several years. This has widely been lauded as a more effective way to approach forestry in a city of this size.
This change will mean that tree trim requests are fulfilled in a more timely and effective manner. Any requests for forestry services in our Ward can be directed at Maggie Sullivan, Director of Constituent Services, at maggies@ward43.org. |
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43rd Ward Office Closure: Thanksgiving Holiday
Wednesday, November 24th, 2021 from 2 p.m. until Monday, November 29th 9:00 a.m.
The 43rd Ward Office will be closed beginning Wednesday, Nov. 24th at 2 p.m. for the Thanksgiving holiday. We will reopen Monday, November 29th at 9:00 a.m. Please call 311 to with service issues during that time.
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Walk and Talk with 18 District Commander Jon Hein and Gold Coast Neighborhood Association
Come meet our new 18 Police Commander Jon Hein and your neighbors as the 43rd Ward continues their "Walk and Talk" safety meetings in the Gold Coast Neighbors Association boundaries. This is a chance to share local concerns, identify potential public safety improvements, and further introduce the Commander to the Gold Coast.
Walk and Talk with 18th District Commander Jon Hein
Tuesday, December 7th, 2021
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Meet at the Ambassador Hotel
1301 N State (NE Corner of State and Goethe)
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Chicago Police Department Recruitment and Exams
In-Person Exams on December 2nd
through December 4th
The police department will host in-person entrance exams beginning December 2-4 at ALL City Colleges of Chicago locations. Each City College will host both a morning exam beginning at 8 a.m. and an afternoon exam beginning at 1:30 p.m. Pick the Chicago City College location and time most convenient for you to begin the process of joining the Chicago Police Department.
You can apply online and register for the exam and get specific exam information
started. You may also walk into any exam session and register on-site and take
the exam.
This is your opportunity to help make Chicago a safer city.
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Upcoming 19th District CAPS Meetings
To find your Beat, please click here. For full schedules of the 19 and 18 District, please click here.
Beat 1935 (6:30 p.m.): December 14th
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St. Teresa's 6th Annual Turkey Trot
Thursday, November 25th, 2021
7:45 a.m.
1950 N. Kenmore Ave
St. Teresa of Avila Church is calling all walkers, joggers, runners, and pets to join them for their free and non-competitive Turkey Trot. People of all abilities are welcome!
No racing, timing, awards, or entry fee. A light breakfast will be provided. St. Teresa's is asking for non-perishable donations to their food pantry in lieu of an entry fee.
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Light Up The Night
Menorah Lighting
Monday, November 29th
5:30 - 7 p.m.
Lincoln Common
2345 N. Lincoln Ave.
Grab your coats, gloves and winter boots and join us for a magical outdoor event on the plaza! We will be lighting the Hanukkah menorah with Rabbi Mendy Beniyoun of Chabad House, then welcoming Santa and Lincoln Common's Christmas tree!
Plus, extra special Guest Performances:
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The cast from Love Actually? The Unauthorized Musical Parody will sing selections from the hilarious musical send-up, now playing at the Apollo Theater Chicago!
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Chicago musical theater favorites Audrey Billings, Dara Cameron, Brandon Dalquist and Michael Mahler from American Blues Theater 20th Annual Production of It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! will delight guests with holiday carols.
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"Joy of Toys" with Gold Coast Neighbors and North Dearborn Association
Saturday, December 4th
12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Mario's Table
21 W. Goethe St
Join Santa at “Joy of Toys” with Gold Coast Neighbors Association and the North Dearborn Association. This celebration will be held Saturday, December 4, from noon until 3:00 p.m. and will be hosted for the 28th year by Mario Stefanini, owner of a neighborhood-favorite restaurant Mario’s Table.
Because of Covid concerns, you can participate in this annual event in one of two ways: either drop off wrapped or unwrapped toys at Mario’s Table on December 4 or make a donation by going to the NDA website and clicking the “Donate” button.
The need for children to receive gifts has not changed due to COVID-19. In fact, the need for making sure that children are not forgotten during these uncertain times is even more urgent. Please make this a joyful time of the year for a child. It will make your holiday joyful, too.
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Oz Park Tree Lighting
Saturday, December 4th, 2021
5 p.m.
Just South of the Tin Man Statue
You are invited to join the Oz Park Advisory Council and Lincoln Central Association at 5 p.m. on Saturday, December 4th as we light up the neighborhood at the fifth annual holiday tree lighting ceremony in Oz Park. Enjoy this magical moment surrounded by the sounds of the holidays performed by singers from Lincoln Park High School.
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Support Local Restaurants |
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Sharing Thanksgiving with New Friends
Afghan Refugees Welcomed to Chicago
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I was honored to be part of a welcoming Thanksgiving dinner with 34 Afghan refugees, hosted in Uptown at Golden House restaurant by Zakat Foundation and organizers Sean and Shiwali Tenner. The refugees, many of them women, are often college-educated professionals or students in need of assistance. If you'd like to help, please contact Refugee One. Lawyers who are willing to help pro bono with asylum applications are particularly needed. Please contact the National Immigrant Justice Center to learn more.
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Congressman Jan Schakowsky, Amina Demir of the Zakat Foundation, newly arrived Afghan refugees with Mayor Lori Lightfoot, dinner organizer Sean Tenner, and Zakat Foundation CEO Khalil Demir.
(photo credit Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth)
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Have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday, |
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