48th Ward Update - September 2008

September, 2008
In This Issue

Voter Registration and Early Voting
Public School Fairs
Bricolage Dedication
Care for Real
Outdoor Ward Office
Free Flu Shots
Clean and Green
Free Rides for Disabled
GRalley '08
Medication Turn-in
Block Party Permits
Condo Refuse Rebates

Voter Registraton and Early Voting Dates Announced

The deadline to register to vote in the November '08 presidential election is Tuesday, October 7, 2008. If you have moved since the last election, you must re-register at your new address. You can check your registration status at www.chicagoelections.com. You can register: · by mail by downloading a Voter's Registration Form
· in person at the Chicago Board of Elections, 69 W. Washington
· at your neighborhood library· with a volunteer registrar For your convenience, volunteers will be registering voters at various public locations on Saturday, September 20. They also will be going door-to-door where possible. Early voting will begin Monday, October 13 and run through October 30. You can vote at the · Chicago Board of Elections, 69 W. Washington · Edgewater Library, 1210 W. Elmdale · Truman College, 1145 W. Wilson· Other locations Hours are Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. The downtown location is also open Sunday 9 a.m. - Noon. You can still vote absentee, and you can download a form to request an Absentee Ballot. The deadline for requesting an Absentee Ballot is October 31, but you are urged to send in your application as soon as possible.

Elementary and High School Fairs
Highlight Specialized Programs

Parents can learn about selective enrollment, magnet and specialized programs, as well as general elementary and high schools at two upcoming school fairs. The CPS Elementary School Fair will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2008, 9 a.m. - Noon, at Whitney Young High School, 211 S. Laflin (the entrance is on Loomis). Parking is available in CPS lots. The High School Fair is set for Saturday, October 11, 2008, from 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. at McCormick Place, 2301 S. King Drive. The fair will provide information about the programs that are available as well as the selection process at the various schools. More information is available at the Office of Academic Enhancement's website. The Options for Knowledge Guide, a compendium of academic enhancement programs, will be available in mid-October at libraries, CPS schools and the alderman's office. If you would like a copy, contact nancy@masmith48.org.

Bricolage Dedication Celebrates Community

Mayor Richard M. Daley and more than 300 community residents joined Alderman Mary Ann Smith, Bryn Mawr Task Force Chair Tina Travlos and artists Tracy Van Duinen and Todd Osborne to dedicate the second phase of the Bryn Mawr Bricolage on Saturday, August 16. The 185-foot long mural, on the south wall of the Bryn Mawr underpass of Lake Shore Drive, completes the gateway to the Bryn Mawr Historic District. In his remarks, Mayor Daley talked about the strong sense of community that is evidenced by the bricolage project and how he always looks forward to coming to the 48th Ward. He and Alderman Smith then placed the last tiles to complete the mural. Alderman Smith initiated the project as part of her on-going commitment to bringing public art to the 48th Ward. She reached out to the Chicago Public Art Group, and together they worked with Alternatives, Inc., After School Matters and the 48th Ward community to make this project a reality. Van Duinen and Todd Osborne spent 12 months working with neighborhood residents and community groups to learn about and incorporate the neighborhood's rich history into the mosaic. More than 400 people participated in planning and design sessions and created ceramic tiles, concrete relief sculptures, painted panels and clay objects to tell stories about life in the area. Thirty apprentice artists from Alternatives, Inc. and community members, working under the direction of Chicago Public Art Group artists, placed the tiles and other objects on the wall, carefully grouting and finishing the mosaic. The result is a work of art that honors the planting of roots, the building of community and the time and commitment needed to accomplish both endeavors.

The Need Keeps Growing

In the past month, the number of people served by Care for Real, Edgewater's food and clothing pantry, again increased significantly, to 2,661 people in August, 2008 as compared to 1,086 in August, 2007. Coupled with increased food and fuel prices, the burden on Care for Real is greater than ever. Donations of food and money are especially needed and can be made to Care for Real, 6044 N. Broadway, Chicago, IL 60660. Many thanks to everyone who participated in the school supply drive organized by Senator Heather Steans', Representative Harry Osterman's and Alderman Mary Ann Smith's offices. Some 50 neighbors donated completed backpacks for 60 students, the Chicago Public Schools donated supplies including paper and pencils, Northside Toyota donated 100 empty backpacks and Ruth's List and LBRC conducted school supply drives of their own to benefit clients of Care for Real.

These efforts gave the students more than just the supplies they need to start school. They told the youth that we care about them and want to help them succeed.

Outdoor Ward Office a Success

More than 1,200 neighbors came out for the 48th Ward's "outdoor office" this summer. Aldermanic staff members, led by Dana Fritz, set up shop at 14 locations to meet new neighbors, connect the residents of the 48th Ward to government and community resources and promote a positive presence on our streets.
Many thanks to the community partners who joined us at the weekly events: the Chicago Police Department (20th and 24th Police Districts including CAPS, bike patrols, beat officers); Every Person is Concerned (EPIC) Block Club; Thorndale Action Task Force; Loyola Safety and Security; Bezazian Library; Uptown Business Partners; National Student Partnerships/ Uptown Resource Center; Winona-Carmen-Foster-Winnemac (WCFW) Block Club; the Dog Advisory Work Group (DAWG); the Puptown Dog Owners Group; Margate Park Block Club (MPBC), Argyle Winmore Block Club (AWBC) and the Association of Sheridan Condo/ Co-op Owners (ASCO).

Free Flu Shots

Alderman Smith is happy to make free flu shots available to all residents on Tuesday, October 21 from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. This year the shots will be given at the Broadway Armory, 5917 N. Broadway. If you have any questions about the flu vaccine or shots, please call 311 and ask for the Department of Public Health.

Fall Clean and Green

Saturday, September 20 is the date for this year's Fall Clean and Green. As usual, block clubs and community groups can sign up by call ing 311. Brooms, rakes, shovels and garbage bags will be available through the 48th Ward Streets and Sanitation office at 5863 N. Broadway. If you need any special materials, contact ernie@masmith48.org.

Free Rides Expanded to Disabled

The "Seniors Ride Free" program, which allows seniors to ride free on all fixed transit systems, including the CTA, RTA and Pace, has been extended to people with disabilities who are enrolled in the State's Circuit Breaker program by October 24, 2008. Circuit Breaker helps reduce the impact of property taxes and prescription medicines on seniors and persons with disabilities. To request a Circuit Breaker application, call 1-800-252-8966 or visit the State Circuit Breaker website.

GReat Time at the GRalley '08

On Saturday, September 13, from Noon - 10 p.m., the streets, courtyards andalleys in and around St. Gertrude Parish and adjoining NCASchool on Glenwood andGranville Avenues will come alive at The GRalley '08 street festival. Presented by Uncommon Ground Restaurants and produced by St. Gertrude's Parish, the proceeds from GRalley will be used to enhance St. Gertrude's programming within the Edgewater community. Nineteen bands on two stages, including the Grammy-nominated Fareed Haque Flat Earth Ensemble; a kid's corner; a green pavilion, sport's corner and food tents will add to the fun. For a complete lineup, go to edgwatergralley.com.

20th District Medication Turn-in

The 20th District Community Policing Office, at 5400 N. Lincoln, will accept unwanted medications the second Wednesday and second Saturday of each month from 8:30 a.m. - Noon. They will then dispose of these medications safely. Used needles will not be accepted.

Block Party and Garage Sale Permits

If you are planning on holding a block party or garage sale, you must have a City permit. To obtain a permit, just come into Alderman Smith's office at 5533 N. Broadway and fill out an application form. You will need proof of residency. For block parties, the office would like 30 days to process your application and notify all the city departments involved. We also have to monitor the number of parties in a given area to avoid traffic gridlock.Garage Sale Permits can be issued the same day as you come in, but we do request 48 hours notice.

Deadline Nears for Condo Refuse Rebate Requests

December 1, 2008 is the deadline for building associations to file for the refuse rebate for 2007. With this program, all condominium associations, coop apartment buildings and townhouses that are not eligible for City refuse collection services can receive the rebate which is $75 per residential unit or the amount of the refuse bills for the filing period, whichever is less. You can get a copy of the application form and instructions for filing by calling Alderman Smith's office, (773) 275-8370 or coming into the office, 5533 N. Broadway.

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