October 12, 2012

This week, our community faced several serious public safety incidents.  I take these incidents very seriously, and I am working with the Chicago Police Department, the Cook County States’ Attorney, and our neighbors to hold the criminals responsible, and prevent recurrence.  I ask you to join me in these efforts.

On Monday, there was an armed robbery of the Bryn Mawr Jewelry Store at 1125 W. Bryn Mawr.  The three offenders were arrested by local police shortly after the robbery. A neighborhood resident fought off two of the offenders and called on assistance from her neighbors.  Their quick thinking and courageous actions helped lead police to the offenders. All three offenders have been charged with armed robbery and assault.  I will do everything in my power to make sure these individuals are prosecuted and held accountable for their actions.  On Wednesday, there was a gang-related shooting at 4:30 p.m. on Argyle Street.  No one was injured in this shooting, which was related to several recent gang-related shootings in our area.

These incidents of criminal activity are unacceptable to me and every resident of our community. The Chicago Police Department has assigned additional gang and tactical teams to our community to patrol streets and suppress gang activity. The City also plans to hire 500 new police officers over the next year.  As the City Council begins our annual budget process, I am fighting  to ensure that 20th and 24th police districts have the staffing necessary to make our streets safe.

As we work together to make our streets safer, I am asking for your help in reporting ongoing criminal activity, problem areas and buildings. My office is developing a network of block watch representatives that will work with us and the police to identify problem individuals and buildings. We need more residents of Kenmore and Winthrop Avenue to help us strengthen the safety on those streets. This network will work closely with the police; the information we gather can help lead to criminal prosecutions and safer streets. If you are interested in helping us, please contact Jared Desecki at Jared@48thward.org or 773-784-5277.

Listed below are a series of events for the weekend.

Sincerely,
Harry Osterman
Alderman, 48th Ward

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Ward Update

2013 Budget Announcement
In the coming weeks, I will send out updates regarding the proposed 2013 City of Chicago budget.  On Wednesday, you received an introduction to the highlights that this budget has to offer city residents.  I hope to collect as much constituent feedback as possible throughout the budget process, so please contact me at 773-784-5277 or Harry@48thward.org with your thoughts on the proposed expenditures as well as any possible ideas for the city to increase revenue.  As neighbors and friends, your thoughts on this budget are extremely important to me.

Argyle Red Line Station Re-Opens 
The renovation of the Argyle station, which opened this Monday, has transformed the already vibrant and unique Argyle commercial district in our ward, making visiting and traveling to Argyle street an even more exciting experience.  Many riders – both residents and visitors – utilize this station and have long-awaited its improvement.  With Mayor Emanuel’s support, the CTA has given these riders an impressive final product.  Many important repairs were made, including new bike racks, updated street-level lighting for safety, and an expanded station footprint for better layout and circulation.  We are very proud of the development that has occurred at this station. Visit the new stations and enjoy the offerings of Argyle Street businesses!

Second Annual 48th Ward Town Hall Meetings
Throughout October, please join me for the second annual series of Town Hall meetings. Held at different locations throughout the Ward, these meetings provide a forum for me to share updates from my office and for constituents to share ideas, concerns and questions. There will also be time to discuss the 2013 City budget process, which will be occurring simultaneously and the progress on the 48th Ward Master Plan.  All meetings begin at 7:00pm. Click here for the flyer.
- Tuesday, October 16 – Emanuel Congregation (5959 N. Sheridan)
- Wednesday, October 24 – Goudy School (5120 N. Winthrop)
- Friday, October 26 – first-ever 48th Ward Town Hall webinar! 2pm-3pm. Please note time change. Details to follow.
- Tuesday, October 30 – Hayt Elementary School (1518 W. Granville)

Save the Date – 48th Ward Halloween Fest!
The 2nd annual 48th Ward Halloween Parade and Festival will be held on Saturday, October 27, 2012 from  10:00am – 4:00pm.  The event will be a free fun day filled with activities, listed below.  Click here for the flyer.
- 10:00am – Gather at Peirce School Playground (1400 W Gregory) for fun activities provided by Dream Big Performing Arts and other local artists.
- 11:00am – March in the Halloween Parade from Peirce School to Gethsemane Garden Center on Clark Street.
- 11:30am – 4:00pm – Enjoy activities at Gethsemane’s Halloween Festival including: face painting, pony rides, beanbag toss, a hay bale maze, performances from Julie K.  and Scales & Tails, and much more!

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Arts & Entertainment
In celebration of Chicago Artists Month, we are pleased to announce the new 48th Ward Arts & Entertainment webpage: www.48thward.org/arts. Enjoy the numerous events happening throughout the Ward during Chicago Artists Month.

Black Watch Offers Special Discount to Neighbors
This Saturday afternoon, enjoy an internationally celebrated theatrical event—right in your own backyard! Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s presentation of the National Theatre of Scotland’s BLACK WATCH has made a triumphant return to the Broadway Armory (5917 N. Broadway). Use promo code “NEIGHBOR” to secure $38 tickets to the Saturday, October 13 performance at 3:00 p.m.—a savings of over 25%! Visit www.chicagoshakes.com to book online or call 312.595.5600 today.

Spotlight on Edgewater- Performing Arts Showcase
Edgewater Development Corporation announces a month long festival highlighting twelve local performing arts organizations and four events featuring artists.

Some highlights include an Arts Showcase –Thursday Oct 18^th 5-9pm at Francesca’s; Scary Ice Cream- Saturday Oct 27^th 12-2pm at Lickety Split; The Apart Art Show –Tuesday Oct 30^th at Apart Pizza; and Half Air in a given space by the Museum of Contemporary Art. Click here for the full schedule of “Spotlight”.

“Love the Earth” says m.henry and m.henrietta

“Love the Earth” is the message the owners of m.henry and m.henrietta (cafes) hope people get from their new mural at the north end of Andersonville, on the corner of Clark and Hollywood.  “We’ve had this large space available to fill up with our own advertising,” says chef/owner Michael

Moorman. “But ultimately, a loving, respect-the-Earth message seemed more appropriate for our neighborhood and times like these.”
www.mhenry.net and www.mhenrietta.com

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Education Update
Contact Karen Dreyfuss at 773-784-5277 or Karen@48thward.org with questions related to education.

New Chicago Public Schools CEO
This morning, Mayor Emanuel announced the appointment of Barbara Byrd-Bennett as the new CEO of Chicago Public Schools.  Jean-Claude Brizard has been a great leader for Chicago schools, ushering in a new era for the district that is highlighted by the expansion of school choice for our parents and implementing the largest increase in the school day and year in our history. The new CEO is a dynamic leader with the right background and experience to build upon the reforms brought by Brizard.

48th Ward Local School Fair

Last Saturday morning at the Broadway Armory, over 50 families and schools from our community gathered for the very first local school fair. Public and private schools showcased the diverse programs and exceptional choices for education offered in the 48th Ward. Thank you to parents, LSC members, teachers, and school leaders who participated.  Most schools will be hosting open houses in the coming months. If you’d like more information about one of our local schools, please contact Karen Dreyfuss at karen@48thward.org or 773-784-5277

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Upcoming Events – This Week

Museum of Contemporary Art presents 
Martin Creed Plays Chicago
Sep 15 – Oct 15, 2012
Saturdays, Sundays 10am to 5pm
Supported by Edgewater Development Corporation, 48th Ward, CTA