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Weekly Update from Your Alderman: Shop Local: Shop Uptown, Public Safety Update, Holiday Movie at Senn and more!
December 19, 2014

Dear Neighbor,

There is still time to support our local, neighborhood businesses this holiday season! This week, we highlight Uptown and Argyle Street businesses. Tonight is Andersonville's annual Late-er Night shopping event and click here to read about more shopping opportunities in Edgewater.

On Tuesday, I sent out a public safety update regarding shots fired near the intersection of Thorndale and Broadway. This remains an active investigation and I will share more information as it becomes available. If anyone was a witness or has information about this incident, please contact Marko Zaric at Marko@48thward.org or 773-784-5277.

Earlier this week, Mayor Emanuel released a report from the Commission for a Safer Chicago. The Commission is a group of over 130 community and faith leaders, city staff, practitioners, subject matter experts, parents, and youth, convened by Mayor Emanuel and charged with developing a strategic plan to guide Chicago’s youth violence prevention work for 2015.The Commission spent the fall working intensively to make recommendations in 5 issue areas that address the root causes of violence -- youth employment; health and healing; restorative school communities; safety and justice; and safe spaces and activities. United in the belief that violence is preventable, not inevitable, the Commission focused on recommendations that intervene with youth at risk for becoming involved in violence. The result is 28 concrete recommendations, each designed to be implemented in 2015. Responsibility for implementation will be shared among City departments, sister agencie
s, and community organizations. Click here for the report and a short video are available at our website.

I welcome your feedback on this report, and how it could be instrumental in our community, please feel free to contact me at 773-784-5277 or Harry@48thward.org.

A special thank you to the women's knitting group from Emanuel Congregation. Every year, these women knit hundreds of warm hats, gloves and scarves to donate to our local schools. I had the chance to visit the group this week and thank them personally for their hard work and dedication.

Also, congratulations to the champions of the first annual 48th Ward Basketball Tournament, McCutcheon's Boys Team and Northside Catholic Academy's Girls Team! McCutcheon, Swift, Peirce and NCA's boys and girls teams played each other for 4 weeks at Senn High School. All the students did a great job and had a lot of fun. My staff and I are looking forward to continuing and growing this tournament in the years to come.


Sincerely,
Harry Osterman
Alderman, 48th Ward

Shop Local: Uptown

Uptown is lucky to boast some of the city's most delicious restaurants, unique local shops, and lively bars. Our neighborhood is also home to the Argyle business district, which includes many authentic cuisine from Vietnam, China, Korea, and more. Here are a few ways you can shop local this holiday season:
 
Music Lovers: Steps from the Green Mill, Aragon and Riviera theaters, Shake Rattle and Read (4812 N. Broadway) is an institution in the neighborhood. Peruse the stacks and bins for rare rock and pop culture finds, with the help of owner Ric Addy, who can share a story or two about the legends he's seen around Uptown over the years.

Multicultural offerings: Uptown's Argyle Street district has developed into a unique, multiethnic enclave of bustling Asian businesses. Pick up your holiday pastries at Patisserie P (1052 W Argyle St) or funky clocks at New World Watch Repair & Sales (1038 W. Argyle). A gift certificate to Ba Le Banh'wich Shop (5014 N Broadway) is also a great gift for a red line commuter. If you just don't feel like cooking on Christmas Day, many restaurants on Argyle are still accepting reservations. Check out local favorites like Furama, Sun Wah BBQ, or Hon Kee

Fine Dining & Flowers:  Make a reservation for two at Michelin rated 42 Grams (4662 N Broadway) as a gift for your special someone. For an extra touch, consider a bouquet from Forget Me Knodt Florist (1313 W Wilson Ave). Forget Me Knodt will impress you with an host of beautiful flower arrangements as well as handmade gifts by local artisans. 
 
A Night on the Town in Uptown: Show your appreciation with a gift certificate to the soulful stylings of the Black Ensemble Theater(4450 N Clark St) and some pampering at Spoil Me Salon and Spa, (4668 N Broadway) where you can purchase gift certificates for manicures, pedicures, and facials.

2015 Shared Sidewalk Cost Program
 
The City's 2015 Shared Cost Sidewalk Program will be opened to new participants on January 13, 2015. Through this program, homeowners and the City share the cost of sidewalk improvements. The Shared Cost Sidewalk Program offers sidewalk repairs for a cost significantly below what a private contractor would charge. Senior citizens and those with disabilities may qualify for a discounted rate.

Participation will proceed on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that if you applied for the program in previous years you must apply again. To apply, contact the 48th Ward office no later than Monday, January 12 at 773-784-5277 or email Dan Luna at Dan@48thward.org. Building address, mailing address, contact name and phone number must be provided at the time of request.

Ward Update

4th Annual Winter Basketball League
Join Alderman Harry Osterman, the Chicago Park District and "We Got Game" to offer a co-ed weekly winter basketball league for area youth. Basketball evaluations will take place on Tuesday 12/23 and 12/30. Evaluations for ages 7-10 will take place from 2pm-3pm and ages 11-14 will take place from 3pm-4pm.
Click here for more information on the league and more information. 


3-on-3 Youth Basketball Tournament
Alderman Osterman and St. Gertrude Parish are cosponsoring a 3-on-3 Youth Basketball Tournament on Saturday, Dec. 27 at St. Gertrude Gym, 1401 W. Granville (at Glenwood). Girls and boys ages 10 to 13 are invited to participate in a three-on-three half-court basketball tournament in 3 divisions.
Click here for more information.


Commissioner Gainer's Holiday Donation Drive
Commissioner Gainer announced her annual holiday donation drive for women in the Cook County Jail. Since serving on the Cook County Board, Commissioner Gainer has spent the last five years advocating for the women in our jail system not only because most are non-violent offenders or most are mothers, but because there is so much to be done.
 
One of the needs for the Cook County Sheriff’s Women’s Justice Programs at the jail are travel size toiletries like shampoo, soap and lotion. Donations will be accepted through Friday, January 30, 2015 .
Click here for more information and a list of drop off locations.

News from Our Libraries

Edgewater Library News (6000 N. Broadway): 
ASL/Deaf Families and their Friends Game Day
Saturday, December 20, 2014 from 2:00PM - 4:00PM in the 2nd floor community room
Join ASL/Deaf families and their friends for a fun day of board games and other activities. All ages.
 
Happy Play-days!
Monday, December 22, 2014 from 10:00AM - 1:00PM in the 2nd floor community room
Enjoy the warm company of your library friends during the holiday season by participating in our open play time. Blocks, puzzles, puppets, board games, and other play activities are made available for enhancing your child's play experience. All ages.
 
Monday, December 22, 2014 from 2:00PM - 4:00PM in the 2nd floor community room
On Christmas Eve during World War I, the Germans, French, and Scottish fraternize and get to know the men who live on the opposite side of a brutal war, in what became a true lesson of humanity. Directed by Christian Carion and starring Diane Kruger and Benno Fürmann, this movie was released in 2005. Runtime: 116 minutes. Rated PG-13. Language: French with English subtitles. Our screening license prevents us from listing the film's title online; for more information, call the Edgewater Branch Library.
 
Happy Play-days!
Tuesday, December 23, 2014 from 2:00PM - 5:00PM in the 2nd floor community room
Enjoy the warm company of your library friends during the holiday season by participating in our open play time. Blocks, puzzles, puppets, board games, and other play activities are made available for enhancing your child's play experience. All ages.
 
Seasonal Make-and-Take Craft Day
Wednesday, December 24, 2014 at 10:00AM in the 1st floor children's area
Celebrate the holiday season by visiting the library and creating winter-themed trinkets. All ages.
 
Friday, December 26, 2014 from 12:00PM - 2:15PM in the 2nd floor community room
This movie depicts the last hours and crucifixion of a man held by Christians to be the son of God. Directed by Mel Gibson and starring Jim Caviezel, Monica Bellucci, and Maia Morgenstern, this movie was released in 2004. Runtime: 127 minutes. Rated R. Our screening license prevents us from listing the film's title online; for more information, call the Edgewater Branch Library.

Bezazian Branch Library News (1226 W. Ainslie)
Screening of the locally produced and filmed Scrooge & Marley Monday, December 22 at 6:00pm

Care for Real Update
 

The Call holds Care for Real Fundraiser this Saturday, December 20
Mark your calendars for Saturday December 20 when Ashley Morgan and The Call Presents 'Desperately Seeking Santa'    benefiting Care for Real. Lots of cool raffle prizes, drink specials and terrific entertainment.  The Great Lakes Bears Chicago will be matching 100% of your donations!! It’s also the last night of their Winter Clothing Drive benefiting Care For Real so please consider bringing in hats, scarves, gloves and other winter clothing items.

Annual Chili Contest at Crew, Saturday, January 24
Save the Date:  Crew will be hosting their Annual Chili Contest to benefit Care for Real Saturday, January 24, 2015.  Last year’s event was a sell out – stay tuned for more information!

Winter Coat Drive
Hard to believe but Winter is upon us!  Please help us ensure our neighbors remain safe and warm by dropping off winter clothing donations of coats (all sizes needed), boots, sweaters, socks, scarves, hats and mittens at Care for Real, 5339 North Sheridan Rd., Mon.-Fri 9:00am-3:45pm and Saturdays, 9:00am-1:00pm.  Contact Lyle at 773.769.6182 or email lyle@careforreal.org for more information.


In This Issue





 

Ward Office Info

Ward Office
5533 N. Broadway
Chicago, IL 60640
T:
773-784-5277
F: 773-784-6630
Office hours: Monday - Friday 9am-5pm; Evening hours available by appointment

City Hall Office
121 N. LaSalle Room 300
Chicago, IL 60602
T:
312-744-6860
www.48thward.org
Upcoming Events
 
 

Friends of Senn Holiday Movie Event
Join Friends of Senn and Alderman Harry Osterman for Home Alone
Monday, December 22 at 1:00pm
Senn Auditorium (5900 N. Glenwood)
Concessions, Photos with Santa
$5 suggested donation


Christmas Eve Candlelight Extravaganza
Wednesday, December 24 at 6:00pm
Swift School Playground (5900 N. Winthrop)
Join friends, family and neighbors for an Edgewater Christmas tradition!
Click here for more information

Special Events in Edgewater's Fearless Food Kitchen
Get in the holiday spirit with a cooking class at the Peterson Garden Project's Fearless Food Kitchen.

Sat, Dec 20th 2pm-4pm- 
Raised With Love: Homemade Gingerbread Houses Hands-on, $55 class fee

St. Andrew’s 6th  Annual Indoor Winter Food Fest
Saturday January 10 from 3 – 8 pm
Sunday January 11 from 12 pm – 3 pm
5649 N. Sheridan Road
Stop by for our 6th Annual Indoor Winter Food Fest featuring Greek delicacies such as our succulent Pork Shish-Ka-Bob, authentic Grecian Chicken,  Mousaka (Vegetarian lasagna), Pastisio (Greek Lasagna) and Gyros.
Also featured will be our famous Baklava Sundae and delicious Greek Pastries.
Plenty of parking on the church grounds.
Bring a copy of this notice and get $1.00 off a meal.

City Colleges of Chicago Open House

Tuesday, January 6, 6 - 8pm
All seven colleges participating

Click here for more information

Arts & Culture

Crumble (Lay Me Down, Justin Timberlake)
Jackalope Theatre at Broadway Armory Park, 5917 N Broadway
Through December 20
 
In Sheila Callaghan's off-kilter Christmastide tale, sullen preteen Janice (Kristen Magee) is serving up bleach in her pink plastic tea set and building a bomb out of Barbies, while Mother makes elaborate dinners for no one and confesses her fears to Harrison Ford. Under a decaying roof with a voice all its own, mother and daughter are caught in an endless loop of holiday rituals, while The Apartment begs for their care lest he be forced to take action on his own terms. With her signature dark humor, Sheila Callaghan’s ingenious language sculpts a narrative of an aftermath that is irreverently odd, acutely genuine, and absurdly hilarious. Recommended by The Chicago Tribune, the paper rights that the production "manages to find...the dark whimsy in Callaghan's piece while allowing moments of honest connection, particularly in the surprisingly hopeful conclusion."
Click here for more information

A Mozart & Merlot Holiday Concert
Saturday, December 27th at 7:00pm
Unity Community Center, 1212 W. Balmoral
We are thrilled to announce that Soprano Corey Fretz and Pianist Kevin Anderson return to Unity for a Mozart & Merlot Holiday Concert!
Click here for more information

Windy City Gay Chorus and the Windy City Treble Quire Auditions
Audition times are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, January 3 and Saturday, January 17 
Ebenezer Lutheran Church, 1650 W. Foster

Click here for more information

Edgewater Historical Society Events:
5358 N Ashland

History of Automobiles in Edgewater Exhibit
Explores the history of how the automobile transformed the north side neighborhood. Now through March 13, 2015, free admission.

Green Tip

These tips are provided by EESP, the Edgewater Environmental Sustainability Project
 
Green Holiday Tips

Get ready for the holidays.  Save energy & money, and keep your family safe and secure:
 
*Are you installing decorative lights at home to get the family in the holiday spirit? Consider LED decorative light strings. Did you know that LED lights last longer and save a substantial amount of money & energy over the lifetime of the lights?

*When in your home, don’t forget to turn the lights off when you leave the room to save energy and lower your bills!

*Many people have converted their wood burning fireplaces to gas fired so they can enjoy the warmth & feel of a fireplace but not pollute the air.   Do have it checked annually by a professional and keep yourself safe.

By following these simple tips, you can protect your health, reduce air pollution and save money.
Copyright © 2014 Harry Osterman - 48th Ward Alderman, All rights reserved.