WebsiteBanner
Holiday Issue
Also In This Issue
Sidewalk Snow  Care

It's a magical time of the year, but with it comes snow and ice. W ithout a wide, clear path, it
becomes difficult for pedestrians, particularly people with disabilities, seniors, and children, to walk safely. According to the Municipal Code of Chicago, property owners and occupants are responsible for keeping sidewalks clear of snow and ice. For more information, click here.
Snow Corps

Chicago Snow Corps is a program that connects volunteers with residents in need of snow removal - such as seniors and residents with disabilities. To request a volunteer to shovel your block in case of extreme snowfall, call 311.
Overnight Parking Ban

The annual Chicago winter overnight  parking ban began December 1, 2015, and runs through March 31, 2016. It will be enforced during the hours of 3 a.m. to 7 a.m. and impacts major arterials in Chicago.  Here is a map of affected streets.
Safety Tips

Our local CAPS Offices have provided a list of valuable tips to protect yourselves, loved ones, and possessions.

The  18th District CAPS Office
offers important advice for travelling, parking, and shopping this season.

The  19th District  CAPS Office provides a list of pointers for keeping your home and belongings secure over the holidays.

New Water Main Projects

The City of Chicago announced two water main projects in the 43rd Ward to begin this month.

Approximately 2,410  feet of 8" water main will be replaced in the  Gold Coast . As part of this project, the westbound traffic and parking lanes of E. Division St. and the west side of North Astor St. will be resurfaced along with the repair of the damaged parkway and sidewalk. Completion of the installation is anticipated for late February, 2016, but the final restoration will be completed in Spring 2016.

Water main improvements will also occur on
with an estimated 4,115   feet of 8" water main to be replaced. During this project the west part of N. Clifton Ave, the westbound traffic and parking lanes of W. Webster Ave, and the west part of N. Seminary Ave will be resurfaced along with the repair of the damaged parkway and sidewalk. Completion of the 
installation is anticipated for early March, 2016, but the final
restoration will be completed in
Spring 2016.
Changes to Recycling

The Department of Streets and Sanitation announced that beginning January 1, 2016, all recyclables must be placed in the blue cart loose without a bag. Recyclables contained in bags of any kind will no longer be accepted.  For guidance on how to recycle everything, check out www.chicagorecycles.org.
Lincoln Park Library Temporary Closure

Lincoln Park Branch will  be closed Monday December 7 through Sunday, December 27 for facility improvements. During the closure, please visit nearby branches, including Lincoln-Belmont, 1659 W. Melrose St., and Bucktown-Wicker Park, 1701. N. Milwaukee Ave. 
DePaul Garage Christmas Closure

The Clifton Parking Garage, 2330 N. Clifton Ave, will be closed at 11:30 p.m. in the evening of Tuesday, December 22, 2015 and will reopen at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 2, 2016.  No access will be granted for vehicles that are left in the Clifton Parking Garage during this time. Paid parking will be available in the Sheffield Garage, located at 2331 N. Sheffield  throughout the holiday season.
Chicago Police Department Recruiting

The Chicago Police Department is looking for new recruits.  Be a part of the changing force.  Click here for more information.

43rd Ward Office

2523 N. Halsted 

www.ward43.org

 

Office Hours:

Monday

9a.m.-7p.m.

Tuesday-Friday

9a.m.-6p.m.

 

Contact us:

773-348-9500

yourvoice@ward43.org

Dear Neighbors,

The holiday season is upon us, bringing the joy of the season to our beautiful city. I'd like to take this opportunity to highlight some of our local shopping and charitable giving, feature friendly family events, and share some safety tips to help you make this year's celebrations truly memorable.
You're Invited:  Holiday Meet  Treat

Meet me at these fabulous dessert shops in the 43rd Ward for a sweet holiday treat - and enjoy special neighborhood discounts. See you on the following dates!
  • TODAY, December 3 5:30-6:30 PM - Vosges Chocolates    951 W Armitage Ave (20% discount)
  • December 14 5:30-6:30 PM - KC Chocolatier  545 W Diversey Pkwy (10% discount)
  • December 15 4:30-5:30 PM - Vanille Patisserie 2108 Clark St. (10% discount)
 
Shop Local

Unwrap Clark Street
The 2nd annual holiday rewards program to encourage neighbors to shop local is running through December 31, 2015. Help enhance Clark Street's economy, build community, and bring some more joy to holiday shopping.  Click here  for more information.


Seasonal Events

2015 Sprint CTA Holiday Train
Check the  to see when the holiday train will be coming to your stop!
 
Ice Skating at the Lincoln Park Zoo
Whiz  past the animals at the rink in Farm-in-the-Zoo. Snacks and winter warming drinks are available for purchase and will keep the whole family happy.

Zoo Lights
ZooLights will shine Friday-Sunday until December 13, at which point the lights will be on nightly (except December 24 and 25) until January 3 ( Santa heads back to the North Pole after December 23).

Public Chicago's Christmas Tree Unveiling
Enjoy the official unveiling of Public Chicago's Christmas tree, decorated by Chicago's Foxglove Studio, on Saturday, December 5, 2015, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 pm, at the Public Chicago, 1301 North State Parkway. Santa himself will unveil the tree!

Shakespeare's Twelfth Night at the Lincoln Conservatory
The Midsommer Flight theatre troupe performs the classic comedy inside the iconic Lincoln Park Conservatory. Weekends, December 4-19, 2015, 7:30 pm. Reserve tickets here.

Chicago a Cappella at St. Clement Church
Celebrate the holiday season a cappella style, with this well known singing group performing a new collection of traditional carols and Renaissance works,  Chanukah melodies, popular holiday favorites and Christmas spirituals.   Sunday, December 6th, 2015 - 3:30 pm at St. Clement Church, 642 W Deming. Buy tickets  here .

Chabad of Lincoln Park Menorah Lighting 
Chabad of Lincoln Park invites you to the Grand Menorah Lighting on Sunday, December 6th at 5 pm at Mid-North Park on the south east corner of Clark and Belden. There will be music, soup, latkes, and fresh donuts.

Sleigh Ride in the City
The Wrightwood Neighborhood Association is hosting this festive event including sleigh rides, Christmas movies, a cookie swap and a chance to meet Santa. Saturday, December 12, 5:00-7:00 pm at 1110 W. Lill Ave.

Holiday POPS
Holiday POPS is presenting Handel's Messiah on Saturday,  December 12 at 7 pm at    Saint Michael's Church,  1633 N. Cleveland Ave. Click here to purchase tickets.

Rudolph Ramble 8K
Whether you run, walk, or just cheer, you're invited to make spirits bright for youngsters in need by making a donation or contributing a new toy to Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital. Sunday, December 13th, 2015 - 9:00am. 
 
Winter Flower & Train Show
The Lincoln Park Conservatory's Show House turns into a Winter Wonderland filled with poinsettias, trees, sparkling lights, and model trains that traverse through the plantings. The show runs through January 3rd, 2016. 
 
And Don't Forget to Give!

North Dearborn Association's 'Joy of Toys'
Bring an unwrapped gift for a child aged 3-10 to this 22nd annual holiday tradition and wrap it with friends and neighbors to benefit children attending George Manierre School and Catherine Ferguson Child Parent Center. Saturday, December 5th, 1:00-3:30pm, at  Mario's Table, 21 W. Goethe. 

Button & Zipper 3rd Annual Coat Drive 
Help Chicagoans in need stay warm during our city's long and grueling winter months. Click here  for drop off locations in the area.

Commissioner Gainer's Holiday Drive
We're partnering with Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer to collect donations for women in the criminal justice system. Please consider donating travel-sized toiletries for women in need this holiday season at our ward office at 2523 N. Halsted.

PAWS Chicago
Help rescue, rehabilitate and find loving homes for thousands of animals in Chicago. Your donation helps PAWS Chicago save the lives of homeless pets. Check out their holiday giving guide.

Greater Chicago Food Depository 
Join our 18th District Chicago Police Department in supporting  the "1 City, 1 Food Drive" for the Greater Chicago Food Depository.  Items may be dropped in the barrel located in the 18th District  1160 N. Larrabee main lobby, all hours, until December 14th, 2015.

Old Town Holiday Charity Drive
This annual holiday event supports the Chicago House and Deborah's Place. Needed are non-perishable food items, winter outerwear for men and women, household supplies, toiletries and new unwrapped toys (ages 2-17).  For more information and drop off locations along Wells Street, click here.

Sincerely, 

 

Michele Signature 

Michele Smith

Alderman, 43rd Ward