More Vaccination Options
New Lights for the Gold Coast
Block Parties are Back
Dear Neighbors,

More than 1000 children ages 12-18 were vaccinated at our first vaccine clinic last weekend at Francis Parker School. We can't thank our host, Francis Parker School and our vaccinator, Instavaxx enough, for providing a wonderful environment in which to build confidence in our young patients. Thanks to Parker Principal Dan Frank (r.) for hosting, and Congressman Mike Quigley (l.), who stopped by our clinic.

The next clinic will be June 5 and 6. Because of the success of this location, we are opening up this clinic to all Chicago residents of all ages. This is a very convenient location. Parking is surprisingly easy.

Those who received first doses last weekend will return for their second doses, and first doses will also be available. For new patients, go to the website, register and select 1st dose, Pfizer and "Francis Parker" as the location for your appointment. You will be contacted for an appointment.

PLEASE NOTE: The Instavaxx registration system works best with Chrome or Explorer. It is not compatible with Safari.
 
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with further information about what to expect on the day of the event.

We strongly encourage everyone to get vaccinated as soon as possible, so that everyone can enjoy the summer and the upcoming school year.

If you have any questions, please contact my office at (773) 348-9500 or

Moody Church Vaccine Clinic for All
May 25, June 15

Jewel-Osco will be offering a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine clinic hosted at the Moody Church 1630 N. Clark Street, with the first dose provided on Tuesday, May 25 and the second, Tuesday, June 15.

The clinic will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Chicago residents 12 years and older are eligible - all 12 to 17 year olds must be accompanied by parent or legal guardian.

Register here.

Please bring at least one form of identification if available—a photo ID or school ID is preferred--and insurance card if available, but insurance is not required. Consent forms are required and will be available at the clinic.

Arrive at least 10 minutes before your appointment, and plan for at least 30 minutes at the clinic. Walk-up appointments will be accepted as well.

Other Ward Vaccine Options

Pharmaca, 2313 N. Lincoln Ave. is offering walk-in vaccine.


City-Operated Vaccine Options

Additionally, all City-operated vaccination sites offering Pfizer vaccine are open to those 12 to 15.

City-operated vaccine site appointments can be booked now through the City’s call center at 312-746-4835 or here. All vaccine sites will accept walk-ins. A parent or guardian must accompany any minor under age 18, and unvaccinated parents and guardians will be encouraged to receive a vaccine as well.

At Home Vaccinations for Seniors

Any Chicago resident who is 65 and older or has a disability or medical condition is eligible to get vaccinated at home, no questions asked. Everyone who is at the home can get vaccinated, too. You can schedule an appointment at 312-746-4835 or learn more here.

Please take advantage of these opportunities to get vaccinated.
Block Parties are Back

On June 6, the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) Permit Office will resume accepting Block Party applications for events scheduled for July 5 or later. The department made the decision in close consultation with the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) and based on guidance from the CDC.

CDPH is continuing to closely monitor health metrics and the decision is subject to reversal or revision if the metrics show it is no longer safe to permit block parties.

As in past years, the application process should begin with contacting our office. After the application is reviewed and approved by our office, we will enter the request into the online permitting system for approval and release by CDOT. Here is the application.

The city is implementing the following protocols to ensure the health and safety of the public:

  • Block party planners must notify neighbors and recommend vaccinations for all who attend. As before, applicants must provide evidence that most of the residents on the affected block(s) approve of the block party.

  • While there are no capacity limits, residents applying for a block party permit must volunteer as a COVID Captain to help communicate safety protocols.
 
  • The COVID Captain must sign a COVID-19 safety affirmation form with the permit application that attests they will recommend vaccinations for all who attend, tell unvaccinated individuals, including children not eligible for the vaccine, to wear masks and maintain social distancing, and ensure ready access to hand sanitizer throughout the block party.

  • No Jumping Jacks or Bouncy Houses will be permitted. 

We will update with any new details before June 6. Remember, if this is a first-time block party, you must submit a petition in support. See our website for details.
Community Meeting: Zoning Change
2nd Ward, Wrightwood Neighbors and Sheffield Neighbors
M1-2 to B3-3 (Planned Development)
Tuesday, May 25 at 6:00 p.m.
Hosted by Zoom (RSVP below)

Alderman Brian Hopkins, Wrightwood Neighbors Association, and Sheffield Neighborhood Association have asked us to share the following information about a zoning change proposal in the Second Ward:

Lakeshore Sport & Fitness will be presenting a plan to the community on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at 6:00 PM via Zoom for a zoning change request at 1320 W Fullerton Avenue. The proposal includes a zoning change from M1-2 to B3-3 as part of a Planned Development.

The new project would redevelop the property along Fullerton Avenue into a 14-story building featuring residential apartments, rooftop amenities and expanded facilities for Lakeshore Sport & Fitness.

Zoom meeting details will be sent out on the morning of Tuesday, May 25, 2021.

New Lights for the Gold Coast 

In the next two weeks, new LED street lights will be installed in the Gold Coast. This is part of the 4-year Smart Lighting program, which will in total be replacing over 270,000 existing outdated High Pressure Sodium (HPS) light fixtures with new energy-efficient LED lights and create a modern lighting management system to streamline maintenance and repairs. New LED fixtures will be attached to existing poles.

Learn more here.
Emergency Rental Assistance Program Opens May 24
 
Learn more about the Chicago Department of Housing's rental assistance program for households who experienced a financial hardship, including a loss of income or increased expenses, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hardship includes a reduction of work hours, unemployment, and time taken from work because a member of the household has health vulnerabilities. Both tenants and landlords can apply.

To learn more about the program and apply, visit here.
Restaurant Revitalization Fund Closes on Monday, May 24th at 7 p.m.
Eligible eating establishments have until Monday, May 24, 7 p.m. to submit applications to the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF). The American Rescue Plan Act established the program to provide funding to help restaurants and other eligible businesses keep their doors open. Applicants can apply at restaurants.sba.gov
Community News
Chicago's Fastest Kids

The Chicago Park District. and Mayor Lightfoot, Jesse Jackson, and Operation Rainbow Push, and Chicago Public Schools to find Chicago's fastest kids. Fifth through 12th graders are invited to compete in a 60-meter qualifying competition. Those with the fastest times will advance to the 60-meter semi-qualifier and the final race at the new Track and Field Center at Gately Park on July 10. 

The qualifying competitions will be held at 8 locations, including the Lincoln Park/Wilson track.

Dates: “Race to Gately” 60m sprint (qualifying competition)

Saturday, June 12 Ages: 11 - 14 (fifth-eighth grade) 8 locations
Saturday, June 19 Ages: 11- 14 (fifth-eighth grade) 8 locations
Saturday, June 26 Ages: 15 – 18 (ninth-12th grade) 8 locations

Register here.
Stay Safe at the Beach this Summer

Join the Chicago Park District for a free session to learn how to keep yourself and others safe at the beach, recognize a swimmer in distress, and respond in an emergency.

Training will be offered from Memorial Day Weekend through June 25. Orientations are offered throughout the city. Click here for information on locations and times.
Please Help Lincoln Park High School
With Needed Supplies
Wish List Drive

Lincoln Park High is a very special school, with a much broader array of programs than most high schools. From its International Baccalaureate programs to musical theatre, from growing sports teams to fantastic orchestras, the arts, sports and fine academics are all there.

But in the public system, it's hard to fund all the needed supplies for such a wide scope. That's why Friends of Lincoln Park High School have worked with the faculty and staff to develop a Wish List of items needed by the school to take it to the next level.

Even if you don't have children at the school, the quality of this school is important to our community, our city - and our property values.

Here is the wish list. Please give generously. I'm donating for new musical instruments!
Park Clean Up Days
Begin May 22

Many of you turned out for Earth Day events here and throughout the city. The Chicago Parks Foundation continues the effort by providing volunteer groups with supplies and support to safely, independently host clean-ups at any of Chicago's 600+ parks.

Participating parks kick off the season with a special one-day community volunteer event hosted by Park Advisory Councils on Saturday, May 22nd, then from June through October anyone can host a clean-up or volunteer for one.

To learn more and register, visit here.
18th District Mental Health Awareness Seminar
May 26 4 p.m.
Zoom Meeting 821-0322-0328


The 18th District Community Policing and Hope for the Day are hosting Mental Health Awareness virtual seminars on May 21 and May 26. Learn tools to identify and intervene to address the high risk mental issues that many of our friends and neighbors struggle with.

Call 312-742-5778 for more information. Sign into the Zoom meeting number above.
Our Local Businesses


2256 N. Orchard

This family-run business has opened a great new location in Lincoln Park.

Check out this fast casual Mexican grill serving tacos, tortas, burritos and other favorites, and take a home a bottle of their delicious Cilantro House Salsa.


924 W. Armitage

UpWest is dedicated to providing sustainable clothing for their customers.

UpWest is dedicated to seeking more sustainable fabrics, to give to those in need, and to only work with brands that share their values to provide their non apparel items.
Patio on Schubert Continues this Weekend

As a part of celebration of the reopening of so many of our community's favorite dining spots, Schubert Avenue will be closed from Halsted street heading east to the alley.

Please join the celebration and visit some of our great restaurants.

This portion of Schubert will be closed from 9 a.m. Friday until 11 p.m. Sunday.
Support Local Restaurants
Support Local Businesses
Honor Teacher

Lincoln Park High School teacher Alan Nunez died on May 14 when his motorcycle was hit by an unlicensed driver who crossed the center line. Block Club covered the news.

32-year-old Nunez taught physical and health education at the high school, and he was a well-loved teacher. Students and others set up a memorial at the high school.

Nunez's family has established a GoFundMe
campaign to help the young family with funeral and other expenses. Please donate, and consider a donation to the Lincoln Park High Wish List in Alan's name.
Stay safe!






43rd Ward Virtual Office Hours: M - F 9 AM - 5 PM 
 2523 N Halsted | 773-348-9500 yourvoice@ward43.org www.ward43.org