News From the 50th Ward



I will be hosting the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for a public meeting to discuss plans to build a new pedestrian/biking bridge over the North Shore Channel at Lincoln Avenue. The meeting will be on Tuesday, September 13 at 6:30 p.m. at the 50th Ward Office, 2949 W. Devon. Everyone is invited to attend.



The North Shore Channel Trail winds beautifully for miles along the North Shore Channel from far in Northern Evanston until it meets up with the Chicago River near Lawrence Avenue. The only weak point is in our Ward, where bicyclists are forced to cross a busy street. This project will build a new crossing for the trail at Lincoln Avenue, giving the 50th Ward’s residents a beautiful and fully connected bike path.



Proposed rendering of the new bridge

Funding for the project is coming through the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP), which is designed to promote and develop alternative transportation options, including bike and pedestrian travel, along with streetscape beautification. The ITEP is federally funded and is an extremely competitive program.



Soon you will be able to ride from the Ward north into Evanston or south to the Chicago River, making our neighborhood a true bikers paradise. To accommodate the meeting, I will be rescheduling my weekly constituent open office hours for Tuesday, September 13 at 5 p.m.



Friends of the Northtown Branch will be holding a book sale to benefit the Northtown Library on Friday and Saturday, October 21-22. In advance of the sale, the organization is asking for donations of gently used books, DVDs and CDs.



All profits from the sale will support programming and book acquisition. For more information, please contact the Northtown Library at (312) 744-2292 or visit them at 6435 N. California.



September is National Preparedness Month – a yearly reminder that we all must take action to prepare for various types of emergencies. I would like to encourage everyone to take this opportunity to make a plan and prepare your family for large-scale emergencies and natural disasters.



The Department of Homeland Security offers the following tips that could help save lives if and when an emergency occurs: Make a plan. Establish a family emergency plan that details how you will contact one another in an emergency. Outline how you will get to a safe place and how you will get back together if separated. Please click here for a sample plan.

Establish a family emergency plan that details how you will contact one another in an emergency. Outline how you will get to a safe place and how you will get back together if separated. Please click here for a sample plan. Build a kit. A family readiness kit includes essential items that can keep your family safe and healthy in an emergency until additional help arrives. It includes items such as non-perishable food, water, copies of medical prescriptions and immunization records. Make a kit for yourself, your family and your pets. A complete list of items to consider for you kit can be found here.

A family readiness kit includes essential items that can keep your family safe and healthy in an emergency until additional help arrives. It includes items such as non-perishable food, water, copies of medical prescriptions and immunization records. Make a kit for yourself, your family and your pets. A complete list of items to consider for you kit can be found here. Check on your neighbors. Remember to lend a hand and assist residents who are more sensitive to weather conditions, especially the elderly, the disabled and those who live alone. For more information about emergency preparedness, please visit



This Tuesday is Eid al-Adha, an important Islamic holiday. I would like to wish a joyous Eid to the 50th Ward’s entire Muslim community.



National Hispanic Heritage Month begins this Thursday, September 15. Hispanic Americans have made wonderful contributions to our neighborhood and the City of Chicago and have had a profound impact on our nation at large.



This 30 day period is significant to many residents of the 50th Ward and is designed to coincide with the anniversary of independence for many Latin American countries, such as Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico and Chile, as well as Columbus Day or Día de la Raza.



If you would like to learn more about Hispanic Heritage Month and the contributions of Hispanic Americans, please visit



Have a wonderful weekend!



Sincerely,



Debra L. Silverstein

Alderman, 50th Ward



Street Sweeping Weekly Schedule



The following areas of the 50th Ward will be swept during this upcoming week: Section 1 – September 9 and 12

Section 2 – September 13 and 14

Section 3 – September 15 and 16 Section 1 encompasses the area between Kedzie to the west, Washtenaw to the east, Howard to the north and Jarvis to the south.



Section 2 encompasses the area between Kedzie to the west, Washtenaw to the east, Jarvis to the north and Touhy to the south.



Section 3 encompasses the area between Washtenaw to the west, Western to the east, Howard to the north and Touhy to the south.



You can view the full schedule as an interactive map on the 50th Ward website





Historical Society Annual House Tour



Our neighborhood has many historic and culturally significant homes. Now is your chance to tour them together with the experts. The Rogers Park/West Ridge Historical Society will be holding its 30th Annual House Tour this year on Sunday, September 11 from noon to 4 p.m.



This year’s tour celebrates Indian Boundary Park’s Centennial by touring historic bungalows in Rogers Park Manor. This quiet neighborhood, created when Indian Boundary Park spurred a development boom in the 1920s, is full of architecturally and historically significant homes. The tour area consists of the blocks between Washtenaw and Western on Lunt, Coyle, Morse and Farwell Avenues.



Check-in on the day of the tour will be at the Indian Boundary Park Cultural Center, 2500 W. Lunt. Tickets are $25 for Historical Society members; $30 for nonmembers. To register or for more information, please click





Classes at the Holy Spirit Life Learning Center



Join the Holy Spirit Life Learning Center for a series of fall classes beginning on Monday, September 12. This year, the center will be offering the following programs: English as a Second Language

Knitting/Crocheting

Sewing

Homework Help for Children

Personal Growth/Self-Esteem for Women

Basic Computer Skills

Christian Living Today (begins September 27)

Counseling and Case Management They will also be offering a new program for senior citizens twice a week – Golden Hours for Seniors. Activities and topics for this program include arts and crafts, health and nutrition, meditation (Tai-chi and Yoga) and other recreational activities.



Babysitting is available during all sessions. Please call (773) 764-3000 or visit 2020 W. Morse for more information





Senior Enrichment Seminar - Senior Driving



Join the Circuit Court of Cook County’s Elder Justice Center for a senior enrichment seminar to learn everything you need to know about senior driving. This free event will feature lectures by the Hon. Freddrenna M. Lyle of the Cook County Circuit Court, Dr. William Gardner of AARP Driver Safety and Steve Prostran of the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office.



This event will be on Tuesday, September 13 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Richard J. Daley Center, 50 W. Washington Street, Courtroom 2005.



The topics discussed will be: Traffic Court process and procedures

Safe driving tips

Guidelines for renewing your driver’s license

Parking program for persons with disabilities To register for the event, please contact the Elder Justice Center at (312) 603-9233.





Free Fruits and Vegetable at Warren Park



The Warren Park Produce Mobile is back, offering free bags of fresh fruits and vegetables to those in need every month! No qualifications are necessary to receive free fruits and vegetables; anyone can participate with no questions asked!



The mobile will be in the parking lot of Warren Park, 6601 N. Western, the second Wednesday of every month from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The next produce giveaway will be this Wednesday, September 14.





Senior Fest



Calling all Chicago residents age 60 or better – come and enjoy the fun! Join thousands of seniors from around the city for this year’s Senior Fest. The festivities will be on Thursday, September 15 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Millennium Park (Michigan Avenue at Washington Street).



Nearly 8,000 seniors are expected to come out to enjoy a performance by Serendipity, a picnic lunch, game and art area, dancing, raffles and bingo, as well as flu shots, health screenings and a senior resource fair.



Tickets are free and available by visiting any of the City’s 21 Senior Centers. For more information, please contact the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services at (312) 744-4016.





Trip the Light Fantastic at Indian Boundary



Join the Chicago Park District for a special dance production at Indian Boundary Park. Lucky Plush Productions will present Trip the Light Fantastic: The Making of SuperStrip, which follows a group of washed up superheroes attempting to reinvent themselves by starting a nonprofit think tank for do-gooders.



The production will be on Saturday, September 17 at 5 p.m. at Indian Boundary Park, 2500 W. Lunt. It is free and open to all ages. For more information, please visit





Managing the Medicare Maze



Join the Northtown Branch of the Chicago Public Library for a special presentation on Medicare. Managing the Medicare Maze will be held on Thursday, September 22 at 1 p.m. at the Northtown Library, 6435 N. California. A representative from Oak Street Health will give a presentation then answer your questions!



For more information, please visit the library or call (312) 744-2292.





Free Community Run at Warren Park



‘Go Run, a free series of organized and timed 1 mile and 5K community runs in neighborhood parks across the city, is coming to the 50th Ward! ‘Go Run is a community-based initiative that serves to activate neighborhood parks and to strengthen communities by encouraging an active lifestyle through running and volunteerism.



‘Go Runs will take place at three separate park locations throughout the city – Warren Park, Humboldt Park and Washington Park – beginning on Saturday, September 24 at 9 a.m. and continuing for eight weeks.



‘Go Runs are open to everyone who is interested in coming out to their neighborhood park to walk, run, race, jog or volunteer. Long-time runners, first time runners, families and children are invited to take part.



The volunteers at each ‘Go Run are as important to the mission of the program as are the runners and walkers. Volunteers are not only needed to help support each run, but also to encourage greater community engagement at each ‘Go Run.



To run, walk or volunteer please visit:





West Ridge Nature Preserve Programs



Join the West Ridge Nature Preserve for a series of free events. All programs are at the nature preserve, located at 5801 N. Western (entrance at Western and Ardmore). The closest upcoming events are as follows:



Senior Day at West Ridge Nature Preserve

Sunday, September 25

10 a.m. to 1 p.m.



Calling all seniors! Enjoy the beauty of the West Ridge Nature Preserve at a special day just for you. Features include a bird walk, a nature walk, nature writing, snacks and more.



Children's Fishing Clinic

Sunday, October 2

9 a.m. to noon



Rods, reels and bait will be provided for children age 8 and up. The event is free, and requires no registration. Come in through the entrance of the preserve at Western and Ardmore. Follow the path towards the north and meet at the fishing pier. Any questions or concerns, contact Gary Morrissey at



For more information about the nature preserve and all upcoming events, please visit





Light Up the Lakefront



Join Between Friends to Light Up the Lakefront and launch Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Participants will light thousands of luminaries in honor of the adults and children affected by domestic violence at this annual event.



The Light Up the Lakefront event will be on Saturday, October 1 from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Oak Street Beach, 1000 N. Lake Shore Drive. This is a free event; no tickets are necessary. For more information, please visit the event Facebook page



Volunteers are needed to help set up, light and take down the luminaria. To find out how you can participate, contact Colleen at (773) 274-5232 ext. 120 or





Fight the Bite



Stopping mosquitoes is the key to stopping West Nile virus. Learn how you can fight the bite and keep your family safe at the Chicago Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) website



The key to stopping mosquitoes is to limit their habitat. CDPH offers the following tips for keeping mosquitoes away from your family:



Mosquitoes like tall grass and weeds. Keep these cut.



Empty sources of standing water: Every 2-3 days, drain water from outside pet dishes, garbage cans, buckets, toys, flower pots, wading pools, pool covers, birdbaths and other objects that can collect water.

Discard any old tires and unused containers.

Clean gutters.

Drill holes in the bottoms of recycling bins.

Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs. If not in use, drain water out and cover tightly to avoid water pooling at the bottom. Keep mosquitoes off you: When possible, stay inside at dusk, dawn and other times of heavy mosquito activity.

Wear long sleeves, long pants and socks. Light-colored clothing is best.

Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Replace or repair holes or tears in screens. Use insect repellent properly: Always follow the directions on the product you are using. Use a product with one of the following active ingredients: DEET*, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. (Oil of lemon eucalyptus was tested against mosquitoes found in the U.S., and it provided protection similar to repellents with low concentrations of DEET).

Repellents containing a higher concentration (higher percentage) of active ingredient typically provide longer-lasting protection.

Put repellent only on exposed skin and clothes (not near eyes, nose or mouth, or on cuts, irritated skin or children's hands).

Wash exposed skin and clothes after coming indoors.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask your health-care provider before using any chemical product. *The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has updated its recommendation for use of DEET products on children, citing: "Insect repellents containing DEET with a concentration of 10% appear to be as safe as products with a concentration of 30% when used according to the directions on the product labels," AAP recommends that repellents with DEET should not be used on infants less than 2 months old.





Home Buyer Assistance Program



The Home Buyer Assistance Program is now officially accepting applications from families and individuals looking to buy a home in Chicago or refinance an existing mortgage. The program helps make home ownership possible for working families and individuals by providing support for down payment and closing costs.



The program currently has ten approved lenders/servicers accepting and processing applications. There are also approved Housing Counseling Agencies throughout the city offering pre-purchase education classes.



The program will assist a broad range of families and individuals looking to buy a home or refinance an existing mortgage. Qualified buyers may receive a grant for up to seven percent of the total loan amount.



First-time home buyers must complete a home buyer education course when participating in the program. Depending on loan type, qualified home buyers can have an annual income limit of up to approximately $133,000.



To learn more about the Home Buyer Assistance Program and to view a complete list of approved lenders, please visit

EVENTS







Dear Neighbor,I will be hosting the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for a public meeting to discuss plans to build a new pedestrian/biking bridge over the North Shore Channel at Lincoln Avenue. The meeting will be on Tuesday, September 13 at 6:30 p.m. at the 50th Ward Office, 2949 W. Devon. Everyone is invited to attend.The North Shore Channel Trail winds beautifully for miles along the North Shore Channel from far in Northern Evanston until it meets up with the Chicago River near Lawrence Avenue. The only weak point is in our Ward, where bicyclists are forced to cross a busy street. This project will build a new crossing for the trail at Lincoln Avenue, giving the 50th Ward’s residents a beautiful and fully connected bike path.Funding for the project is coming through the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP), which is designed to promote and develop alternative transportation options, including bike and pedestrian travel, along with streetscape beautification. The ITEP is federally funded and is an extremely competitive program.Soon you will be able to ride from the Ward north into Evanston or south to the Chicago River, making our neighborhood a true bikers paradise. To accommodate the meeting, I will be rescheduling my weekly constituent open office hours for Tuesday, September 13 at 5 p.m.Friends of the Northtown Branch will be holding a book sale to benefit the Northtown Library on Friday and Saturday, October 21-22. In advance of the sale, the organization is asking for donations of gently used books, DVDs and CDs.All profits from the sale will support programming and book acquisition. For more information, please contact the Northtown Library at (312) 744-2292 or visit them at 6435 N. California.September is National Preparedness Month – a yearly reminder that we all must take action to prepare for various types of emergencies. I would like to encourage everyone to take this opportunity to make a plan and prepare your family for large-scale emergencies and natural disasters.The Department of Homeland Security offers the following tips that could help save lives if and when an emergency occurs:For more information about emergency preparedness, please visit www.ready.gov This Tuesday is Eid al-Adha, an important Islamic holiday. I would like to wish a joyous Eid to the 50th Ward’s entire Muslim community.National Hispanic Heritage Month begins this Thursday, September 15. Hispanic Americans have made wonderful contributions to our neighborhood and the City of Chicago and have had a profound impact on our nation at large.This 30 day period is significant to many residents of the 50th Ward and is designed to coincide with the anniversary of independence for many Latin American countries, such as Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico and Chile, as well as Columbus Day or Día de la Raza.If you would like to learn more about Hispanic Heritage Month and the contributions of Hispanic Americans, please visit www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov Have a wonderful weekend!Sincerely,Debra L. SilversteinAlderman, 50th WardThe following areas of the 50th Ward will be swept during this upcoming week:Section 1 encompasses the area between Kedzie to the west, Washtenaw to the east, Howard to the north and Jarvis to the south.Section 2 encompasses the area between Kedzie to the west, Washtenaw to the east, Jarvis to the north and Touhy to the south.Section 3 encompasses the area between Washtenaw to the west, Western to the east, Howard to the north and Touhy to the south.You can view the full schedule as an interactive map on the 50th Ward website here , or download a printable version at the Department of Streets and Sanitation’s website here Our neighborhood has many historic and culturally significant homes. Now is your chance to tour them together with the experts. The Rogers Park/West Ridge Historical Society will be holding its 30th Annual House Tour this year on Sunday, September 11 from noon to 4 p.m.This year’s tour celebrates Indian Boundary Park’s Centennial by touring historic bungalows in Rogers Park Manor. This quiet neighborhood, created when Indian Boundary Park spurred a development boom in the 1920s, is full of architecturally and historically significant homes. The tour area consists of the blocks between Washtenaw and Western on Lunt, Coyle, Morse and Farwell Avenues.Check-in on the day of the tour will be at the Indian Boundary Park Cultural Center, 2500 W. Lunt. Tickets are $25 for Historical Society members; $30 for nonmembers. To register or for more information, please click here Join the Holy Spirit Life Learning Center for a series of fall classes beginning on Monday, September 12. This year, the center will be offering the following programs:They will also be offering a new program for senior citizens twice a week – Golden Hours for Seniors. Activities and topics for this program include arts and crafts, health and nutrition, meditation (Tai-chi and Yoga) and other recreational activities.Babysitting is available during all sessions. Please call (773) 764-3000 or visit 2020 W. Morse for more informationJoin the Circuit Court of Cook County’s Elder Justice Center for a senior enrichment seminar to learn everything you need to know about senior driving. This free event will feature lectures by the Hon. Freddrenna M. Lyle of the Cook County Circuit Court, Dr. William Gardner of AARP Driver Safety and Steve Prostran of the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office.This event will be on Tuesday, September 13 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Richard J. Daley Center, 50 W. Washington Street, Courtroom 2005.The topics discussed will be:To register for the event, please contact the Elder Justice Center at (312) 603-9233.The Warren Park Produce Mobile is back, offering free bags of fresh fruits and vegetables to those in need every month! No qualifications are necessary to receive free fruits and vegetables; anyone can participate with no questions asked!The mobile will be in the parking lot of Warren Park, 6601 N. Western, the second Wednesday of every month from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The next produce giveaway will be this Wednesday, September 14.Calling all Chicago residents age 60 or better – come and enjoy the fun! Join thousands of seniors from around the city for this year’s Senior Fest. The festivities will be on Thursday, September 15 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Millennium Park (Michigan Avenue at Washington Street).Nearly 8,000 seniors are expected to come out to enjoy a performance by Serendipity, a picnic lunch, game and art area, dancing, raffles and bingo, as well as flu shots, health screenings and a senior resource fair.Tickets are free and available by visiting any of the City’s 21 Senior Centers. For more information, please contact the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services at (312) 744-4016.Join the Chicago Park District for a special dance production at Indian Boundary Park. Lucky Plush Productions will present Trip the Light Fantastic: The Making of SuperStrip, which follows a group of washed up superheroes attempting to reinvent themselves by starting a nonprofit think tank for do-gooders.The production will be on Saturday, September 17 at 5 p.m. at Indian Boundary Park, 2500 W. Lunt. It is free and open to all ages. For more information, please visit www.luckyplush.com Join the Northtown Branch of the Chicago Public Library for a special presentation on Medicare. Managing the Medicare Maze will be held on Thursday, September 22 at 1 p.m. at the Northtown Library, 6435 N. California. A representative from Oak Street Health will give a presentation then answer your questions!For more information, please visit the library or call (312) 744-2292.‘Go Run, a free series of organized and timed 1 mile and 5K community runs in neighborhood parks across the city, is coming to the 50th Ward! ‘Go Run is a community-based initiative that serves to activate neighborhood parks and to strengthen communities by encouraging an active lifestyle through running and volunteerism.‘Go Runs will take place at three separate park locations throughout the city – Warren Park, Humboldt Park and Washington Park – beginning on Saturday, September 24 at 9 a.m. and continuing for eight weeks.‘Go Runs are open to everyone who is interested in coming out to their neighborhood park to walk, run, race, jog or volunteer. Long-time runners, first time runners, families and children are invited to take part.The volunteers at each ‘Go Run are as important to the mission of the program as are the runners and walkers. Volunteers are not only needed to help support each run, but also to encourage greater community engagement at each ‘Go Run.To run, walk or volunteer please visit: www.cararuns.org/gorun Join the West Ridge Nature Preserve for a series of free events. All programs are at the nature preserve, located at 5801 N. Western (entrance at Western and Ardmore). The closest upcoming events are as follows:Sunday, September 2510 a.m. to 1 p.m.Calling all seniors! Enjoy the beauty of the West Ridge Nature Preserve at a special day just for you. Features include a bird walk, a nature walk, nature writing, snacks and more.Sunday, October 29 a.m. to noonRods, reels and bait will be provided for children age 8 and up. The event is free, and requires no registration. Come in through the entrance of the preserve at Western and Ardmore. Follow the path towards the north and meet at the fishing pier. Any questions or concerns, contact Gary Morrissey at gmorrissey001@comcast.net For more information about the nature preserve and all upcoming events, please visit www.westridgenaturepreserve.org Join Between Friends to Light Up the Lakefront and launch Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Participants will light thousands of luminaries in honor of the adults and children affected by domestic violence at this annual event.The Light Up the Lakefront event will be on Saturday, October 1 from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Oak Street Beach, 1000 N. Lake Shore Drive. This is a free event; no tickets are necessary. For more information, please visit the event Facebook page here Volunteers are needed to help set up, light and take down the luminaria. To find out how you can participate, contact Colleen at (773) 274-5232 ext. 120 or cnorton@betweenfriendschicago.org Stopping mosquitoes is the key to stopping West Nile virus. Learn how you can fight the bite and keep your family safe at the Chicago Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) website here The key to stopping mosquitoes is to limit their habitat. CDPH offers the following tips for keeping mosquitoes away from your family:*The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has updated its recommendation for use of DEET products on children, citing: "Insect repellents containing DEET with a concentration of 10% appear to be as safe as products with a concentration of 30% when used according to the directions on the product labels," AAP recommends that repellents with DEET should not be used on infants less than 2 months old.The Home Buyer Assistance Program is now officially accepting applications from families and individuals looking to buy a home in Chicago or refinance an existing mortgage. The program helps make home ownership possible for working families and individuals by providing support for down payment and closing costs.The program currently has ten approved lenders/servicers accepting and processing applications. There are also approved Housing Counseling Agencies throughout the city offering pre-purchase education classes.The program will assist a broad range of families and individuals looking to buy a home or refinance an existing mortgage. Qualified buyers may receive a grant for up to seven percent of the total loan amount.First-time home buyers must complete a home buyer education course when participating in the program. Depending on loan type, qualified home buyers can have an annual income limit of up to approximately $133,000.To learn more about the Home Buyer Assistance Program and to view a complete list of approved lenders, please visit www.cityofchicago.org/homebuyer or www.chicagoinfrastructure.org If you haven't "liked" us on facebook yet, click here to do so. If you already have, invite your friends to like us too.

Follow us on Twitter. Alderman Debra Silverstein ● 2949 W. Devon Chicago, IL 60659 ● 773-262-1050

www.50thwardchicago.com

M-T 9am-4:30pm; Open Office Hours Monday 5pm-7pm; Fridays 9am-3:30pm

