Absenteeism Task Force Findings Released
Upcoming Ward Events
Dear Neighbor,

The City of Chicago has made publicly available the report of the Absenteeism Task Force that I co-chaired, and posted the 2014 and 2015 data of city employee absenteeism. I wrote in a previous newsletter that the report's findings show that reforms could save taxpayers at least $10 million annually and improve the delivery of city services by increasing productivity  and avoiding unnecessary overtime. The Chicago Tribune recently  editorialized  in favor of our work on the task force.

This is the first step towards reducing the impact of a chronic problem and saving Chicagoans money that we can't afford to waste. I will keep you updated as more task force findings are released.

Summer 2016 Aldermanic Internship

Do you know a college student who will be living in or nearby the neighborhood this summer and would like the opportunity to earn academic credit? The 43rd Ward Office is seeking dedicated interns to assist our office with  constituent service, business outreach, public policy, and legislative research. Interested applicants can send a resume and writing sample to yourvoice@ward43.org , or call the ward office at 773-348-9500. 

Screening of The Hunting Ground

I've written before about the issues surrounding sexual assault, and the need to advocate to obtain justice for victims. Now please join me and our new 43rd Ward Democratic Committeeman Lucy Moog for a free screening and discussion of The Hunting Ground, a documentary film about sexual assault on U.S. college campuses. May 11th, 6:15 PM at Greenhouse Theater, 2257 N. Lincoln. Ward resident Julie Smolyansky is one of the executive producers of this acclaimed film, and will participate in a panel discussion after the screening. Please RSVP to lucy@lucymoog.com.

Green City Market Opens for the Season 

Green City Market, 1817 N. Clark, opens outside for the season this Saturday, May 7 at 7 AM  and will be offering a new service:  accepting household compost.  This program helps transform food waste into nutrient-rich soil to be used in gardens around Chicago.   Click here   to learn more about the service, and email the market  at  admin@greencitymarket.org   with questions about composting.  

Target is Hiring

Target is looking for 85 new employees to staff their Lincoln Park location opening this July in the former Best Buy space, 2650 N. Clark St. They are holding job fairs today , May 5 and Saturday, May 7 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day. 

43rd Ward Paper Shredding, Expired Medication 
& Electronics Recycling Drive 
Saturday, May 14th

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We've partnered with Sheriff Dart's Office and the Peggy Notebaert Museum to host a paper shredding and electronic recycling drive on  May 14th from 9 - 11AM at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Dr. We will accept
the following:
  • Paper documents 
  • Unwanted electronics, including televisions 
  • Expired prescription medications
Documents will be taken for shredding offsite by Sheriff Dart's Office, which is  NAID certified. When you arrive, pull into the Nature Museum's receiving lot and look for the driveway directly north of the bus turn-around in front of the Nature Museum. I hope to see you there! 

Lincoln Park High School Instrument Drive

Lincoln Park High School Band and Orchestra Parents (BOP) are holding an ongoing instrument drive and fundraiser to help bolster LPHS' incredible music program, which boasts over 1,000 student participants. Contact Kelly & Steven Faso for more information or to join the #1school1community performing arts team at  thebopdrive@gmail.com .  Want to hear these award-winning musicians?  Click here or here.

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Gardening Tool Drive

Let's help the "Gardens of Edith" senior gardeners at the Edith Spurlock apartments on Sheffield get the tools they need to tend their gardens. The 43rd Ward office is accepting gently used equipment. Rakes, shovels, and spades are especially needed. Drop off contributions to  2523 N. Halsted through May 31st .  

Oz Park Baseball Opener

Me with the 5 year old team!  Play ball!
 (Photo by Steve Randall, OPBA)
The weather held for the Oz Park baseball season kick off last Saturday, including a fun filled parade. Our young athletes were all smiles at their first game.
18th District CPD Roll Call


The Chicago Police Department's 18th District held an outdoor roll call at Oz Park last Wednesday at 11 AM. Thank you to all who stopped by to support our officers and give them feedback about neighborhood issues. 
Street Sweeping Schedule
 
Street sweeping began April 1st and is scheduled on a five to six week rotation.  Click here  to view the 2016 schedule.

Sincerely, 
 
Michele Signature

Michele Smith
Alderman, 43rd Ward 


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