|
Apologies for the late arrival of this week's newsletter for some–it was mistakenly sent to the wrong list host, and we appreciate your patience.
February 16, 2025
Dear neighbors,
Happy Lincoln’s birthday and Happy Valentine’s Day!
At the end of Lincoln’s second inaugural address, which was one of the shortest inaugural speeches in history—given in the midst of the American Civil War and to a nation with an uncertain future—President Lincoln called for something I hope many of us can draw from right now:
“With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan—to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations.”
Lincoln was in some ways the best of what an Illinoisian can be—self-taught and self-made, a voluntary member of the military, he served in the Illinois State Legislature and supported unpopular measures, all on the path that eventually took him to the highest office in the land.
If we take something away from this week’s holiday, it’s that the choices we make and the work we dedicate ourselves to—especially sometimes if they’re unpopular or hard—will reverberate not only throughout our city or state, but to the nation, and to the future of our nation. Lincoln may have walked alone at times by following what was right, but eventually, he did not walk alone. He became a leader. We are a city of leaders, we are the Land of Lincoln; whether that leadership is shown by checking on your neighbor in inclement weather, or by keeping your hand open to those in need, we can do this together.
Have you joined our 11th Ward Snow Angels Team yet? We have more requests for shoveling help than volunteers right now, so we could use your help! It's also a great way to get service hours for students! I got out on Wednesday and helped out shoveling on Emerald, Lock and Wallace. Big thanks to all of the volunteers that helped neighbours this week.
If you have kids looking for a fulfilling summer job, the Park District is currently recruiting lifeguards for next year. We always need more lifeguards to ensure full staffing throughout the season, so please apply or encourage others. The next lifeguard test will take place on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at Whitney Young High School, 211 S. Laflin St., starting at 9am. Applicants must be 16 years old by July 1, 2025 as well as a resident of Chicago.
Register at https://bit.ly/ApplyNOW-Lifeguard.
Public Safety
This Week in City Hall
Committee on Economic, Capital & Technology Development
We appointed two members to Special Service Area Advisory Councils, and passed five Class 6(b) tax incentives—which reduce property taxes for a building for a limited time period so that the property can be developed and make more revenue for the city in the future.
Upcoming in City Hall
The next meeting of the full City Council is scheduled for 2/19/25 at 10 AM.
Around the Ward
Chicago Residential Lighting Improvements Work
Beginning approximately February 24, 2025—the city will be improving lighting in two areas of the ward: on S Hillock Ave from 2935 S to S Lock St and S Parnell Ave from W 33rd to W 35th St. This work, which is part of the Chicago Residential Lighting Improvements program, will involve some limited parking during work hours as crews install new residential lighting poles with piggy back lights and LED Smart Lighting luminaires. The existing light poles will be removed once the new lighting system is functioning properly.
Community Zoning Meeting
Join me for a community meeting regarding a proposed zoning change at 36th & Emerald. You can participate online or in-person. Monday, February 24, 2025 - 6PM. Links below.
Metra Bridge Repair Street and Sidewalk Closure -- 1/29/25 - 3/31/25
There will be a full closure of streets and sidewalks from 401-439 W. 28th St. (Canal & Stewart) for repairs on the Metra bridge, the viaduct at 28th Street between Canal and Stewart will be closed beginning January 29 to March 31, 2025. Metra will be repairing support beams inside the viaduct. This is welcomed news, and is the second of three planned viaducts Metra will be doing work on. The first was 31st Street, now 28th Street and the third will be 29th Street, which has not yet been scheduled.
Save the Date for our 11th Ward Community Blood Drive -- March 10
Please be a beacon of hope for sick members of our community. Give blood at 9th District Station, 3120 S. Halsted. Please make an appointment here: https://donateblood.versiti.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/11606829
Vaccination Reminder
The Department of Public Health is warning that overall acute respiratory illness activity level is high across Chicago: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/respiratory-illness-data.html
There is still time to get flu and COVID vaccinations. For more information, click here.
Ward Updates
Snow Shoveling
Not everyone has the ability to shovel their sidewalk or the resources to hire someone to do it. If you are in need of assistance, or if you're a volunteer able to help, please complete this form. We'll do our best to match volunteers based on availability and need in cases of heavy snow and icy conditions.
Calendars
11th Ward XL wall calendars or traditional Chinese calendars are available in the office while supplies last.
Our office will be closed on February 17 in observance of President’s Day.
Happy belated Valentine’s Day, from my heart to yours!
Nicole
| 
