Vote for RNRA Summer Movies in the Park by midnight – February 2nd!

Cast your vote here
by midnight on February 2nd for the three films that will be shown this summer Ward Park at 630 N Kingsbury St.

Movies are presented by RNRA and the Chicago Park District and supported by local sponsors.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Free Museum Days for MLK Day 2025

Free Museum Days for MLK Day 2025: Shedd Aquarium, Chicago History Museum, and Art Institute of Chicago

Schedule your plans for MLK Day.

Photo credit: ©Shedd Aquarium/Brenna Hernandez

The Shedd Aquarium, Chicago History Museum, and The Art Institute of Chicago have released their 2025 free admission days.

All of the institutions will be free on Monday, January 20 — which is Martin Luther King Jr. Day — for Illinois residents. Those interested in visiting will need to bring proof of residency.

Here’s the schedule:

  • Shedd Aquarium (1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive): Free admission days from January through May.
  • Chicago History Museum (1601 N. Clark Street): Free admission days in January and February.
  • The Art Institute of Chicago (111 S. Michigan Avenue): Free Winter Weekdays from January 6 to March 14.

The Shedd Aquarium has released its schedule for every free day it will have in 2025, and the Chicago History Museum has also announced free admission dates for the year. Learn more about Free Winter Weekdays at the Art Institute of Chicago here. Reserve your tickets in advance.

For more things to do in Chicago, subscribe to chicagosouthsider.substack.com.

Chicago Restaurant Week starts January 24th!

Explore the city’s world-renowned culinary scene. Chicago Restaurant Week is a celebration of the city’s award-winning culinary scene. With over 470 participating restaurants this year, there is surely something that piques your appetite.

Click here to learn more.

 

 

“I Love River North” Happy Hour at Hawksmoor – March 4th

Join us for our first 2025 “I Love River North” Happy Hour at Hawksmoor. Tickets available at the QR Code above or CLICK HERE.

All proceeds support RNRA Advocacy work thanks to our generous host providing the venue, beverages and food.

Raffle tickets available at the door: $10 each or 3 for $20.

 

Coffee & Conversation with 18th District Commander

18th Police District Council January Meeting

2025 Shared Cost Sidewalk Program Opens: Monday, January 13

2025 Shared Cost Sidewalk Program Opens: Monday, January 13

Mark your calendars for the 2025 Shared Cost Sidewalk Program. This program enables property owners to share the cost of sidewalk repair with the City. It will be open for applications on Monday, January 13, 2025, from 6:00 am – 10:00 pm.

Please note: Applications will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. The number of participants is based on availability of funds. Senior citizens and persons with disabilities may qualify for a further discounted rate.

Applications will only be accepted through the City’s 311 system by calling 311, through the City’s 3-1-1 portal, or through the free CHI311 mobile apps.

If you applied for the program in previous years, you must apply again in 2025 if you wish to be considered for the 2025 program.

Insider Look: How Illinois is Preparing for New Administration – January 13

FREE Smoke Alarms at 42nd Ward – Important Tips below!

FREE Smoke Alarms at the 42nd Ward Office
Please call the office at (312) 744-3062 to schedule a pick-up time for a free smoke detector! Pick-ups will be at City Hall, 121 N LaSalle Street, floor 200.

Most fires occur at night when people are sleeping. A smoke detector can alert you when there is a fire, in time to save your life.  Below are some tips to ensure your smoke detector is properly installed and working correctly:

• Make sure you are testing your detector correctly.
• When a smoke detector sounds, get outside and call 911. Stay outside!
• Install smoke detectors within 15 feet of any sleeping room and every level of your house
• Replace your smoke detector every 10 years. Write the install date on the unit.
• Don’t forget to install Carbon Monoxide detectors on every floor as well.
• Any questions on smoke detectors or carbon monoxide detectors, call the Chicago Fire Department Public Education Division at (312) 747-6691.

A special thank you to the Chicago Fire Department for the smoke detector! Smoke detectors can be picked up from the 42nd Ward Office between the hours of 9am-4pm, Monday through Friday located in City Hall, Room 200.

For any other questions or to coordinate picking up a smoke alarm, please call Ward 42 office at (312) 744-3062 or send us a note via office@ward42chicago.com.