COVID Update
Infrastructure Work Begins
Time to Apply to Pre-School
Easter Activities
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Dear Neighbors,
Our neighborhood continues to add new families, contributing to the joy of the community and the growth of the city. Now, parents have a full range of options for their 4-year-olds. Free pre-school for all 4-year-olds is available at our public schools.
You can apply soon. The Chicago Public School's application will go live on April 19 and you will be able to apply immediately for up to five schools. CPS will send out offers in May.
CPS accepts students to pre-school based on a variety of factors. For the first time, there will be "points" given for proximity to the site and siblings.
For first-time parents, it's wise to start reviewing the website now and the potential options.
You can search for full and half-day programs. The brand new Lincoln Park Early Learning Center at 1840 N Clark will be opening, with an initial enrollment of 100 kids. Alcott's new branch on Schubert and Oscar Mayer's famed Montessori pre-school are also open for free enrollment.
At a CPS meeting held last week, CPS advised that parents should rank the sites by order of preference because CPS will only give one offer at a time. If you apply during the first application period, parents usually get their first or second choice, so please apply soon after the site goes live.
If you don't get your first choice, you will be automatically waitlisted for your other choices.
Looking forward to a new generation of students at all our pre-schools.
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COVID - 19 Update
Not Over Yet
While we are certainly celebrating the huge reductions in COVID cases since the winter, we must share the troubling news that the 60614 zip code now has the second-highest rate of COVID cases in the city. Throughout this pandemic, our community has been a "leading indicator" of COVID spread. While our total vaccination rate for adults has crept up to 72%, this is still far less than in many parts of the city, especially for those 18-40.
While we welcome the opportunity to see everyone in person, many of us are exercising caution. Several venues have told us that they are reinstituting mask requirements because performers have gotten sick.
We are continuing precautions, including mostly virtual meetings, while we continue to pursue options to increase vaccinations.
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Infrastructure Update: Resurfacing Project Notice from Larrabee, North to Armitage
Our construction season starts with repaving Larrabee St from North Avenue to Armitage. This work is part of the Chicago Department of Transportation’s Arterial Street Resurfacing--North Area Project, in the 43rd Ward.
Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin on April 18, 2022, pending clearance from and coordination with existing utilities, and weather permitting. Bigane Paving Co. is the general contractor for this project.
During construction, temporary “No Parking” signs will be periodically installed as required for each activity listed above. These temporary signs will restrict parking during working hours, while adhering to rush hour restrictions, for the completion of the work. All work on this corridor is scheduled to be completed June 15, 2022.
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Street Sweeping is back!
Street sweeping has officially begun and will continue on through the spring, summer, and fall seasons. For the new schedules through November, please click here.
We encourage you to pay attention to street signs on arterial streets such as Halsted and Lincoln Avenue as they have weekly street sweeping.
Move your car when you see signs posted on your street so that the sweepers can comprehensively clean your street and prevent flooding. And help out by clearing street drains in between sweepings. Thanks!
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Meet the Alderman at Wintrust Bank
Old Town
Tuesday, April 12th, 2022
9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
100 W. North Ave
Wintrust Old Town will be hosting us for an informal “Meet & Greet” on Tuesday, April 12th from 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
We are looking forward to seeing you (tho' I'll likely be wearing a mask).
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Apply for a mail-in ballot for the June 28th Primary Elections
Request your ballot here.
The primary on June 28, 2022, will select every party candidate for every state officeholder and the entire State General Assembly is up for election. Important judicial races are also on the ballot, as is the referendum for the future ward map.
Voting is easier than ever, with mail-in ballots easily obtainable. Just apply for your mail-in ballots on the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners' website. The Chicago Board of Elections will begin mailing vote-by-mail ballots in May.
In the coming weeks, all registered voters should receive a new voter card in the mail. In the mailing for this card, you will receive a paper vote by mail application, which you can use instead of the internet to send in your ballot request.
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Be an Election Judge
Even though voting by mail is easier than ever, the City still needs election judges for the early vote locations and for Election Day on June 28. Being an election judge is a wonderful civil service.
Election Judges will be paid $230 for each Judge who completes the online training and serves successfully on Election Day. For more information and to apply, click here. |
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Become a Chicago Park District Lifeguard
As we gear up for this summer, the Chicago Park District is looking for qualified candidates to join their team. Candidates for Seasonal Lifeguard positions must be 16 years old and over, a resident of Chicago and fully vaccinated. Future lifeguards must also pass the swim skills test and become American Red Cross certified. Pay for entry-level lifeguards starts at $15.88. Click here to apply today.
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Update on North Pond Restoration Project
Wednesday, April 20th, 2022
6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
After three years of hard work, grassroots fundraising, and due diligence, the Lincoln Park Conservancy will be starting the restoration of North Pond in April. Fences will be installed and the site prepped in early April for the pond grading and dredging that will begin by early May.
While the activity may differ from what we're used to seeing in the Park, please know that the goal is to have minimal disruption to the humans and wildlife around the Pond.
A virtual public meeting with the Conservancy, Chicago Park District, and the contractor will be held via Zoom on Wednesday, April 20 from 6-7 pm.
You can learn more and register for the meeting here. If you'd like to learn more now, you can view a project timeline, explore digital resources including FAQ and find the latest news on North Pond's restoration at their website. |
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43rd Ward Earth Day Shredding, Recycling, and Prescription Drug Take-Back Event
Sunday, April 24th, 2022
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
2430 N Cannon Drive
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
(In the Brick Paver Lot)
We will be hosting a 43rd Ward Shredding and Recycling Event at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum during Earth Month with many of our elected officials.
This event will feature:
- Paper Shredding
- Electronic Recycling
- Tree Sapling Giveaway
- Prescription Drug Takeback
There is a limit of two bankers' boxes of paper per person. Thank you to R4 services for providing both the shredding and electronic recycling.
Let's do our part to cut down on landfill waste!
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Beat Meeting Next Week
Beat 1935: Monday, April 11th, 2022
6:30 p.m.
In the 43rd Ward, we have five beats in the 18th District and two 19th District Beats. There is a meeting for the 19th District this week and we hope you can join. You can find your beat easily here.
To join, open Zoom and go to “Join Meeting” after clicking that you will be prompted to enter a “Meeting ID.” Enter the below number and the host of the meeting will let you in. This is a Zoom Webinar which means you will only be able to observe and communicate through the chat feature. You can also raise your hand and the host will allow you to speak when appropriate.
19 District Beat Meetings:
Beat 1935 Meeting ID: 847-885-01324
Beat 1935 Passcode: 503502
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2022 Chicago Restaurant Week
Friday, March 25th, 2022 - Sunday, April 10th, 2022
This is the last weekend for
Chicago Restaurant Week, during which diners can enjoy special prix fixe menus from restaurants city-wide.
These multi-course meals are $25 for brunch or lunch, and $39 and/or $55 for dinner (excluding beverages, tax, gratuity, and delivery fees). This year, diners will continue to have the flexibility to experience Chicago Restaurant Week through dine-in or takeout/delivery options.
Please click here for a list of participating restaurants. |
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Lincoln Park Restaurants with Michelin Stars
Recently, the Michelin Guide released its updated guide of restaurants earning its coveted "star." Lincoln Park, longtime known as a cultural and arts hotspot with fine cuisine, is honored to have five restaurants with Michelin Stars on the list.
They include:
While Alinea, Boka, and North Pond, have held stars previously. This is the first year for Galit and Esme. Alinea is the only three-star restaurant in Chicago.
Get your reservations today and enjoy the wonderful restaurants in Lincoln Park.
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Easter Party and Egg Hunt with Wrightwood Neighbors
Saturday, April 9, 2022
9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Jonquil Park
Wrightwood Neighbors is excited to welcome back their annual Easter Party and Egg Hunt in Jonquil Park. This event is free and all local neighbors and families are encouraged to join them. The event schedule is as follows:
- 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. Easter Party: Meet the Easter Bunny, crafts & snacks at 1110 West Lill inside New Life Church- all are welcome
- 9:45 a.m. - Easter Bunny Parade to Jonquil Park for Egg Hunt
- 10 a.m. Egg Hunt starts in Jonquil Park
Egg Hunt will go until supplies last, please bring your own Easter basket. There will be two sections based on age. Ages 4+ will be on the playground/tennis courts. 3-year-olds and younger will be in the field.
This event is sponsored by Wrightwood Neighbors Association & Jonquil Park Advisory Council and hosted by New Life Community Church
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Easter ART Workshop at The Paintbrush
Saturday, April 9, 2022
3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
2646 N Halsted St
Hop on over to The Paintbrush's annual Easter Egg ART Workshop. You will have a chance to decorate eggs and create beautiful Easter ART.
This event is for ages 5-11 and the basket of eggs you will paint is included. Find out more here!
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Easter Egg-Stravaganza at Lincoln Park Zoo
Saturday, April 16, 2022
8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
2001 N Clark St
Lincoln Park Zoo's Easter Egg-Stravaganza is back. Hop on by the Lincoln Park Zoo for a morning of springtime fun.
Celebrate spring at the zoo with a basket full of fun family activities! Highlights from this favorite returning event include:
- Multiple egg hunts for different age groups
- Photos with the Easter bunny and other spring characters
- Free rides on the AT&T Endangered Species Carousel and Lionel Train Adventure
- Outdoor activities and games
- Music to get you hopping
Each ticket includes one $5 ZooBucks voucher. These ZooBucks vouchers will be accepted at Park Place Café during the Easter Egg-Stravaganza event.
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Carnival Grocery Easter Egg Hunt
Sunday, April 17th, 2022
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
458 W Dickens Ave
Carnival Grocery will be hosting its annual Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday, April 17th, 2022, at 10 a.m. This event will be hosted at 458 W Dickens in front of their store.
There will be cookie decorating, coloring, snacks, and hot chocolate. The hunt will officially begin at 11:30 a.m. but show up early for a host of activities for kids.
Thanks for being such a great neighbor, Carnival!
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Gold Coast Neighbors Association Earth Day Clean-Up
Saturday, April 23rd, 2022
9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
North Avenue and Dearborn Parkway
Sign up to join the Gold Coast Neighbors Association Team and be a part of Earth Day 2022 on Saturday, April 23. Join other members of our Gold Coast community by helping to clean up one of Chicago's most popular parks, Lincoln Park. Unfortunately, the beauty of the park that draws visitors from all over the world can be marred by trash. Team GCNA will be restoring that beauty by picking up trash and cleaning up the recreation areas. Our local effort is sponsored by the Friends of the Parks, in partnership with the Chicago Park District and the Forest Preserves of Cook County.
Friends of the Parks will supply the gloves and plastic bags that will be used. Team members do not need to bring any supplies. However, it is recommended that team members bring their own water in recyclable bottles.
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Old Town School of Folk Music Kids Classes
In-Person and Online
Classes begin the week of April 25
Old Town School of Folk Music has opened registration for their spring kids' classes. Get ready for the next session of Wiggleworms, music, and dance and movement classes for kids. There are classes for everyone, no matter your child’s skill level. Some classes will continue to meet online, and most classes are in-person in Lincoln Park & Lincoln Square.
We encourage you to register here.
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Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce's Lincoln Park Uncorked!
An Armitage - Halsted Wine Stroll
Thursday, May 12th, 2022
6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
The return of spring brings Lincoln Park Uncorked: An Armitage - Halsted Wine Stroll!
Enjoy curated samples of red and white wines while strolling through one of the city’s most famous shopping districts in the heart of Lincoln Park. Early Bird Discounted Tickets are available through April 10. The Early Bird tickets are only $34 and regular priced tickets are $44.
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Support Local Restaurants |
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Glad to see the Cubs won their season opener. It's a rebuilding year. Go Cubs! |
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