December 8, 2017 By

Kerry James Marshall Mural on the Chicago Cultural Center Unveiled

Earlier this week, internationally renowned artist and MacArthur Fellow Kerry James Marshall, unveiled his epic, large-scale mural on the Chicago Cultural Center (78 E. Washington St.).
The 132-foot by 100-foot mural is the largest artwork he has ever designed or created, and can be seen on the building’s Garland Court façade, between Washington and Randolph Streets.
The mural honors 20 women who have shaped the city’s vibrant arts and culture landscape:
  • Susanne Ghez, Director and Chief Curator for nearly 40 years, The Renaissance Society
  • Barbara Gaines, Founder and Artistic Director, Chicago Shakespeare Theater
  • Jacqueline Russell, Founder and Artistic Director, Chicago Children’s Theatre
  • Ruth Page, Dancer, Choreographer and Founder, Ruth Page Center for the Arts
  • Lois Weisberg, Longest-serving Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs
  • Maggie C. Daley, Longest-serving First Lady of the City of Chicago
  • Jackie Taylor, Founder and CEO, Black Ensemble Theater
  • Monica Haslip, Founder and Executive Director, Little Black Pearl
  • Abena Joan Brown, Founder, eta Creative Arts Foundation
  • Margaret Burroughs, Founder, DuSable Museum of African American History
  • Harriet Monroe, Founder, Poetry Magazine
  • Cheryl Lynn Bruce, Co-founder, Goodman Theatre / Dearborn Homes Youth Drama Workshop
  • Sandra Delgado, Founding Ensemble Member, Collaboraction
  • Jane M. Saks, President and Artistic Director, Project& and Founding Executive Director, Ellen Stone Belic Institute for the Study of Women and Gender in the Arts and Media
  • Barbara Jones-Hogu, Founding Member, AfriCobra
  • Gwendolyn Brooks, Literary Icon
  • Sandra Cisneros, Literary Icon
  • Achy Obejas, Award-winning writer
  • Oprah Winfrey, Cultural Icon
  • Joan Gray, Dancer and Longtime President of Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago
The Kerry James Marshall’s mural at the Chicago Cultural Center is part of the Chicago’s Year of Public Art. Throughout 2017, the City of Chicago has unveiled the city’s first Public Art Plan, presented exhibitions and series of neighborhood events highlighting the city’s public art collection located throughout the city.
As the year comes to a close, the city is also celebrating the completion of several new artworks as part of the 50×50 Neighborhood Arts Project, a citywide initiative that commissioned dozens of local artists to create new sculptures, murals and other public artworks in Chicago’s 50 wards, representing a $1.5 million investment in artist-led community projects. Many of these works, including the sculpture to be erected in the 42nd Ward, are in the final stages of production or have been completed.
The mural is funded by Murals of Acceptance, whose goal is to bring art to all people in a free public setting. Murals of Acceptance was founded by Chicago native, Kevin McCarthy and is supported by Marc and Lynne Benioff and by Patricia Arquette and David Arquette.
The Chicago Cultural Center is the first and most comprehensive free large-municipal cultural venue in the country. Every year, the Chicago Cultural Center, presents hundreds of free international, national, regional and local artists, musicians and performers, providing a showcase where the public can enjoy and learn about the arts. It is currently home to the Chicago Architecture Biennial, which will run through January 7, 2018.
To read the full press release, click here.
Source: Alderman Reilly Reports 12/8/17
Filed Under: Community
December 8, 2017 By

Reminders to Help Prepare for Upcoming Cold Conditions

As temperatures have dropped significantly this week, the City of Chicago is urging residents to be prepared as the cold takes hold and be aware of City-offered services and tips to stay safe this winter.
Cold-Weather Tips
Motorists should take extra precautions to winterize vehicles and have necessary supplies on-the-go. Keep in mind, disabled vehicles or distracted driving can cause accidents, impact traffic and others or requiring emergency services.As many are out and about for the holiday season, it’s important to stay informed of changing conditions and heed warnings and advisories. Residents should know the signs and care of frostbite and hypothermia. Winter preparation information is available at alertchicago.com including links to other local, state and federal resources.As the city braces for extremely cold conditions, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) makes these simple suggestions to help keep residents safe:
  • Avoid unnecessary trips outside-if you must go out, limit the time you stay outside;
  • Wear several layers of loose, warm clothing;
  • Keep your head, hands and feet covered when outdoors;
  • Stay dry, because moisture can damage the insulating effectiveness of clothing;
  • Pay extra attention to your daily needs: get enough sleep, eat high energy foods, drink warm beverages to help your body stay warm, and avoid alcoholic beverages;
  • Recognize the symptoms of hypothermia: stiff muscles, shivering, puffy or swollen face, cold skin, slow breathing and mental confusion.
  • If you go out into the cold, limit the time you stay outside. Break longer tasks into shorter ones, with indoor rest periods in between. Do not let children play outside for long periods of time.

Additionally, City officials encourage those seeking access to warming centers and/or experiencing insufficient heat, the City maintains a 24/7 network of sites (various social service agencies and select City facilities) that are available to residents in need of shelter. To connect to a location, residents can call 3-1-1 for immediate assistance.

Snow Tips
Residents should be aware of City of Chicago Municipal Code in which every owner, lessee, tenant, occupant or other person having charge of any building or lot of ground abutting upon any public way or public space shall remove the snow and ice from the sidewalk. It is everyone’s responsibility to make sure the sidewalks are clear of snow and ice for everyone’s safety. We urge all to help senior or disabled neighbors with this effort. For more information, visit www.cityofchicago.org/cdot.

 Motorists should also not impede snow plow operations and be sure to pull over for any emergency vehicles. Also, motorists should be aware of the city’s snow route parking restrictions and overnight parking bans in areas and read signage before parking on city streets. See the Streets and Sanitation website for more details and additional information at www.cityofchicago.org/dss.
Residents can also monitor the City’s snow plows in real time on the Plow Tracker, www.chicagoshovels.org.
Information for Homeowners and Renters
The Chicago Heat Ordinance mandates that landlords supply heat to rental units during cold weather months. The Heat Ordinance mandates that during cold weather months, landlords supply heat to rental units or to any unit where owners do not have individual control of the heat. From September 15 through June 1, the temperature inside a rental residence is required to be at least 68 degrees from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., and at least 66 degrees from 10:30 p.m. to 8:30 a.m.Per the Heat Ordinance residents may contact 3-1-1 operators to file a heat complaint, which will signal an inspector from the Department of Buildings (DOB) to assess a caller’s building and heating system immediately. Landlords face fines of up to $500 per day, per violation, for each day they do not supply adequate heat. The reason for lack of heat does not matter — landlords must follow the law, and apartments must be heated.The Chicago Department of Water Management (DWM) encourages residents to act now to make sure pipes in homes are properly insulated and not exposed to freezing air. This includes pipes in garages and unheated areas of the home. If pipes do freeze, do not use candles or any open flame to thaw them; instead, use a hair dryer or heating pad.The Chicago Fire Department (CFD) does not recommended using space heaters; however, if used, be sure they are UL certified and at least 3 feet from anything that can ignite. Use of a space heater in children’s rooms should be monitored closely as children sometimes move them close to or into the bed with tragic results. If extension cords are used, they should be rated at 15 amps minimum and never put cords under carpet. With the added demand on furnaces and boilers, CFD also reminds residents are required by ordinance to have working carbon monoxide detectors to protect against carbon monoxide leaks from a heating system that could be fatal over time.
 To read the full press release, click here.
Source:  Alderman Reilly Reports  12/8/17
Filed Under: Community
December 8, 2017 By

Update on One Chicago Square Development Proposal – From Alderman Brian Hopkins

As you may know, Alderman Brian Hopkins and the River North Residents Association (RNRA)  hosted a public meeting in October to discuss a development proposal at the site of Holy Name’s parking lot, located at 1 E. Chicago Avenue.

Over the course of the past month, Alderman Hopkin’s office facilitated meetings with neighborhood organizations and nearby residential buildings to solicit feedback for the project.

The proposal was scheduled to be heard at the December Plan Commission meeting. However, given the scale of the project and the ongoing collection of community input, Alderman Hopkins has requested the item be held for a future hearing, to ensure that we receive as much feedback as possible before allowing the project to move forward.

Furthermore, his office has received numerous inquiries regarding the project’s potential impact on traffic and congestion in the neighborhood. As a result, he has tasked engineers at the City’s Department of Transportation and Chicago Transit Authority, as well as the developer’s traffic engineering team to provide a detailed analysis of the project’s influence on traffic, coupled with solutions to improve conditions in an already congested area.

It is Alderman Hopkin’s firm position that traffic congestion is an existing issue at this location, and new measures must be developed and implemented to improve traffic flow at this vital thoroughfare, regardless if a new development is built.

Alderman Hopkins encourages you to visit www.aldermanhopkins.com/onechicagosquare to review the proposal in it’s entirely, and submit feedback via his digital survey.

Source:  Alderman Brian Hopkins 2nd Ward Newsletter 12/4/17

Filed Under: Community
December 4, 2017 By

Public Meeting to Discuss the Proposed 2018 CTA Budget

As the CTA finalizes its proposed 2018 budget, the Chicago Transit Authority is making more than $20 million in budget cuts and generating $3 million in increased ad and concession revenue to help maintain service levels in the coming year.
To make a public comment or provide feedback on the proposed CTA 2018 Operations and Capital Budgets, please attend the CTA’s public hearing on Tuesday, December 12, 2017 at 6 p.m. at CTA headquarters, 567 W. Lake Street, second floor conference room.

Comments also may be submitted in writing either via email to: glonghini1@transitchicago.com or via fax: 312-681-5035. The deadline to submit written comments is 12pm, Wednesday, December 13, 2017.

Source:  Alderman Brian Hopkin’s 2nd Ward Newsletter 12/4/17
Filed Under: Community
December 4, 2017 By

New Lighting Installed at Montgomery Ward Park along the Dog Park and Riverwalk

Alderman Reilly is very pleased to announce the installation of 14 acorn lights along the south side of Montgomery Ward Park by the Riverwalk and the adjoining Larrabee Dog Park. These lights are dark sky compliant, meaning they minimize glare while reducing light trespass and skyglow.
The installation of additional lighting was recommended by the Chicago Police Department as a public safety and critical infrastructure improvement to illuminate the area and curb illegal activities.
Alderman Reilly requested the Chicago Department of Transportation survey the south side of Montgomery Ward Park by the Riverwalk and the adjoining Larrabee Dog Park to determine what lighting improvements could be made.
Lighting along the south side of the park is now complete, and light poles around the Dog Friendly Area have been installed, with acorn light fixtures soon to be installed.
These lighting enhancements will go a long way towards improving safety in this area.
 Source:  Alderman Reilly Reports 12/1/17
Filed Under: Community
December 3, 2017 By

Attention Motorists: Annual Winter Overnight Parking Ban Began Friday, December 1st!

Chicago’s annual Winter Overnight Parking Ban on critical arterial streets began Friday, December 1, 2017 and runs through April 1, 2018.
There are 107 miles of city streets considered critical arterial streets, and the nightly ban is in effect between the hours of 3:00am and 7:00am regardless of the presence of snow.
Violators of the Winter Overnight Parking Ban may face a $150 towing fee (minimum), a $60 ticket and a daily storage fee of $20. Vehicles in violation of the ban will be towed to Pounds 2 (10301 South Doty Avenue) or 6 (701 North Sacramento).
Please click on the following link to see a MAP  of streets that are affected by the Overnight Parking Ban.
Overnight parking restriction signs are posted throughout the designated routes.  Please be aware of these signs indicating the parking restrictions.
There is also a separate snow related ban that affects another 500 miles of main roadways across the city and takes effect when there are at least two inches of snow on the street regardless of time of day or calendar date.
For more information on the overnight parking ban and to view a map of streets impacted by the ban, click here.
Source:  Alderman Reilly Reports 12/1/17
Filed Under: Community
December 2, 2017 By

The Chicago Help Initiative – 2nd Annual “Miracle on Southport” Fundraiser

SECOND ANNUAL “MIRACLE ON SOUTHPORT” FUNDRAISER ON DEC. 14  AT MUSIC BOX THEATRE TO HELP FEED CHICAGOANS FACING HOMELESSNESS
Chicago is a great city for family Christmas traditions. And if you like classic family movies and fun sing-alongs, then put the second annual “Miracle on Southport” on your list.

On December 14th, The Chicago Help Initiative is sponsoring a screening of “Miracle on 34th Street” at the iconic Music Box Theatre. The event, dubbed “Miracle on Southport” will feature the original 1947 movie (starring Natalie Wood, Maureen O’Hara and Edmund Gwenn), a great local choir to lead the sing-along, a special guest appearance by Santa Claus (of course), a raffle, holiday libations and laughter.

Doors open at 6:00 p.m., with showtime and sing-along starting at 6:30 p.m. in the big theater. Tickets are only $20, available at The Chicago Help Initiative website.

All proceeds benefit the Chicago Help Initiative’s supper program – providing nutritious meals from some of Chicago’s finest restaurants along with life-changing resources to people facing homelessness in downtown Chicago.

The event is open to the public of all ages. The Music Box Theatre is located at 3733 N. Southport Ave., Chicago, IL 60613. Please join us for a wonderful evening for a good cause to help Chicagoans in need.

Learn more about The Chicago Help Initiative at www.ChicagoHelpInitiative.org

 

Filed Under: Community
December 1, 2017 By

CTA: Extra Service for Bulls, Blackhawks & Bears Games this Weekend

Source: Walter Burnett, Jr:  27th Ward Newsletter 12/1/17

CTA recommends allowing plenty of travel time and purchasing fares and unlimited-ride passes ahead of time. More information about purchasing fares is below.

Event service
United Center games and concerts
  • Rail: Green, Pink and Blue lines
  • Extra Bus: #19 United Center Express, #20 Madison and #50 Damen
Games
Sacramento Kings vs. Chicago Bulls – Fri. 12/1 at 7 p.m.
Los Angeles Kings vs. Chicago Blackhawks – Sun. 12/3 at 6 p.m.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Chicago Bulls – Mon. 12/4 at 7 p.m.
Concerts
Jay Z – Tues. 12/5 at 8 p.m.
Andrea Bocelli – Wed. 12/6 at 7:30 p.m.
San Francisco 49ers vs. Chicago Bears at Soldier Field – Sunday 12/3 at 12 p.m.
  • Rail: Red, Orange, Green lines
  • Extra Bus: #128 Soldier Field Express, #146 Inner Drive/Michigan Express
Buy your unlimited ride passes and fares in advance
Avoid long lines to buy fares! Customers can add unlimited ride passes (1-day, 3-day, 7-day and 30-day) or add money to pay per-ride to their Ventra cards ahead of time via the free Ventra app, at rail station Ventra vending machines, online or at more than 1,000 local retailers (for locations visit ventrachicago.com or the Ventra app).
Customers can also purchase from Ventra vending machines 1-day unlimited ride tickets ($10) or single-ride tickets ($3) that include up to two transfers in two hours. Customers can also pay their fares with their personal contactless debit or credit cards.
Stay in the Loop on CTA Service
Plan your trip using the Google Transit Trip Planner. Be sure to also check out CTA on Facebook or Twitter (@CTA) for system travel updates and alerts. For details about all CTA service, call 312-836-7000 or visit the CTA website at transitchicago.com.
Filed Under: Community
November 30, 2017 By

Public Notice from the Chicago Police Department

Filed Under: Community
November 29, 2017 By

Affordable Care Act (ACA) Insurance Open Enrollment Deadline: December 15, 2017

Source: Alderman Reilly Reports 11/3/17
Through the Affordable Care Act (ACA), 1.2 million Illinois residents, including 300,000 Chicagoans are now insured.
However, this year’s Open Enrollment period is the shortest it has ever been – it starts on November 1, and you must sign up by December 15. Don’t miss your chance to get covered!
8 out of 10 people who enrolled in health coverage through HealthCare.gov qualified for financial help to make their monthly premiums more affordable. Find out if you’re eligible for a discount here.
Remember all plans at HealthCare.gov cover free preventive care with no co-pay. This means free cancer screenings, check-ups and more. You won’t be denied for pre-existing conditions. Health plans in the individual and small group markets are required to cover ten categories of essential health benefits – including emergency services, maternity and newborn care, mental and substance use disorder services and prescription coverage.
Don’t miss your chance to Get Covered and share with your family, friends and neighbors!
Get Covered. Apply here.  For local help applying, visit the Illinois Coalition for Health Access.
Filed Under: Community