Events

Ward News

ONE BOOK, ONE CHICAGO
The Chicago Public Library has selected Toni Morrison's latest book, A Mercy, for its "One Book, One Chicago" 2010 Fall program. A Mercy is set in the late 17th century and tells the story of a young slave, Florens, and those around her in the harsh wilderness of early America. Morrison creates a rich and accurate portrait to this fascinating period, when the foundations of American society, law and economy were built, and the institution of slavery was not yet defined by race. 

HOME FORECLOSURE HELP AVAILABLE
Chicago has various programs to help homeowners who are at risk of losing their homes and has hosted events to reach out to the community to help avoid foreclosure. Services include loan work-out sessions with lenders and counseling agencies; access to free legal assistance on foreclosure issues; and on-site applications for loan modifications under the HAMP program. Alderman Dixon and Mayor Daley are warning homeowers about the dangers of loan modification scams and "rescue fraud." Loan modification scams are the latest risk facing homeowners who are desperate for a solution to their foreclosure situation. These scam artists claim to help homeowners save their homes - for a fee. We want to ensure that homeowners know that FREE services are available. 

EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS IN TEMPORARY LIVING SITUATIONS
The Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is legally and morally obligated to provide an educational environment that treats all students with dignity and respect. Every CPS homeless student shall have equal access to the same free and appropriate educational opportunities as students who are not homeless. This commitment to the educational rights of homeless children and youth applies to all services, programs and activities provided or made available by the CPS. For more information or to pick up a pamphlet that further explains this program call Alderman Dixon's office at 773.522.2430. 

UNCF'S "WALK FOR EDUCATION - A Mind Is A Terrible Thing To Waste
On Saturday, September 18, 2010 the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) will hold its annual fundraising "Walk For Education" at Burnham Park, Grove 2, located on South Lake Shore Drive at 31st Street. There will be food, fun, music and a special guest DJ. Registration begins at 7am and the Walk/Run/Bike/Skate will begin at 9am. Join neighbors and friends, local radio and television personalities, political and civic leaders, small businesses and major corporations on the lakefront for a day of family fun. The day's activities will conclude at 2pm. Call Alderman Dixon's office at 773.522.2430 for the UNCF pledge and contribution form and more information. Participate and give what you can toward the $300,000 goal! 

PRELIMINARY BUDGET HEARINGS
Alderman Sharon Denise Dixon and Mayor Richard M. Daley invite and urge you to participate in the public hearings on the 2011 Preliminary Budget of the City of Chicago. Speakers must register in person and due to time constraints, individual testimony will be limited to three minutes. There are three hearings but the one closest to the 24th Ward will be held on Friday, September 10 at Westinghouse College Prep, 3223 W. Franklin Boulevard.

USPS JOBS AVAILABLE
The United States Postal Service is accepting applications for Casual Mail Handler (non-career) positions. You may apply on their website at http://www.usps.gov/employment from August 26-28, 2010. You would work at the Chicago Metro Surface Hub, 2691 Busse Road, Elk Grove Village, IL. The position pays $9.00 per hour, night shift only and work up to 6 hours. 

PRESIDENT OBAMA DECLARES 24TH WARD FLOOD DISASTER AREA
Today, as a result of the recent flood damage to many homes in our neighborhoods, President Obama officially declared our community a disaster area. That triggers POSSIBLE financial assistance to those who qualify. 

WHAT IS DISASTER ASSISTANCE - WHAT AND WHO QUALIFIES?
Disaster assistance is money or direct assistance to individuals, families and businesses in an area whose property has been damaged or destroyed and whose losses are not covered by insurance. it is meant to help you with critical expenses that cannot be covered in other ways. This assistance is not intended to restore your damaged property to its condition before the disaster. While some housing assistance funds are available through the City's Individuals and Households Program, most disaster assistance from the Federal government is in the form of loans administered by the Small Business Administration. Do I Qualify for "Housing Needs" Assistance? Am I Eligible For "Housing Needs" Assistance If? What About Needs Other Than Housing?

RECORDER OF DEEDS - NEW MORTGAGE FRAUD PREVENTION UNIT
Mr. Eugene "Gene" Moore of the Cook County Recorder of Deeds/Registrary of Torrens Titles has formed a new Mortgage Fraud Prevention Unit designed to combat mortgage and deed fraud in Cook County. Their new program "Know Your Property Status" campaign is designed to raise public awareness about the services that their office is providing. 

CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT AWARDS
Applications for the Chicago Neighborhood Development Awards are due on September 13, 2010. All applicants must be available for a site visit on October 1, 2010. Applications for the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Awards for Architectural Excellence in Community Design are due on September 16, 2010. 

FREE PRESCRIPTION DISCOUNT CARD
Free prescription Discount Card is brought to you in collaboration with the National League of Cities. You can start saving on prescriptions today! 

DISPLAY VEHICLE STICKERS BY AUGUST 1, 2010
City Clerk Miguel del Valle reminds residents that the annual vehicle sticker and daily guest pass purchase and display deadline is Saturday. Motorists purchasing their sticker starting August 1 could face a late fee of up to $40 and possibly receive a $120 ticket. 

CHICAGO SEEKS FLOOD ASSISTANCE - BEWARE OF SCAMS
HELP MAY BE AVAILABLE FOR FLOOD VICTIMS - BEWARE OF "FIX IT SCAMS" I was out in the ward on Saturday morning after the flood. I walked several blocks and talked with residents and visited homes that were flooded. I witnessed first-hand the damage that was done, which for many was nothing short of a disaster. I'm encouraging all residents who were victims of the flooding to participate in possibility getting financial assistance from the City, State and Federal Government by filing the proper forms in writing or calling in to 311 any information you may have of damage done to your property as a result of the storm. Call 311 and my office. The City cautions residents about home repair fraud and companies that prey on residents who have suffered water damage to their homes or properties as a result of severe weather.

ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE AS A RESULT OF THE FLOOD
I was out in the ward on Saturday, February 24 after the flood. I walked several blocks and talked with residents and visited homes that were flooded. I witnessed first-hand the damage that was done, which for many was nothing short of a disaster. I'm encouraging all residents who were victims of the flooding to participate in possibility getting financial assistance from the City, State and Federal Government by filing the proper forms in writing or calling in to 311 any information you may have of damage done to your property as a result of the storm. Call 311 and my office. Most of us do not have flood insurance because floods are not common in Chicago proper. Encourage your neighbors, family and friends to fill out the appropriate forms.

Albany Terrace Apartments - Quality Senior Living
Albany Terrace Apartments, 3030 West 21st Place, Chicago, IL 60623, Quality Senior Living. They are offering a move-in special: ONE MONTH FREE RENT.

TEAM FIRESTOPPER
Team Firestopper - June 5, 2010 The American Red Cross of Greater Chicago is making homes fire resistant with our Team Firestopperprogram. At no cost to you, we would like to demonstrate some simple changes in the home that will help you protect your family against fire. 

THE CENSUS IS IMPORTANT – SO MAKE SURE YOU COUNT!
72% have responded nationally, but only 43% in the 24th Ward. Make sure we count now, so they can’t ignore us later. The census determines whether $400 billion annually benefits you, your family and our neighborhood. It determines whether we get schools and hospitals, housing, public transportation, job training, public safety and other social services. It’s also used for redistricting – to redraw political boundaries. So make sure we don’t get cheated. Turn in your census form today. 

CENSUS RALLY PULASKI & ROOSEVELT - MAY 8, 10AM TO 6PM
Make sure you count! Join us sometime Saturday during an all-day CENSUS RALLY at the intersections of Pulaski and Roosevelt Roads from 10am to 6pm. There will also be a Voter Registration table present during the rally. 

PUT ILLINOIS TO WORK - EMPLOYERS...EXPAND YOUR BUSINESS
The Illinois Department of Human Services has launched "Put Illinois To Work" (PITW), which is a statewide initiative aimed at stimulating the economy and local job markets by creating thousands of job opportunities. PITW will: (1) Recruit workers; (2) Pay workers comp and Social Security; and (3) Maintain payroll. All employers, public, private and non-profit, are encourage to participate except those who: (a) Participate in illegal activities; (b) Produce/sell adult entertainment; and (c) Enage in the sale of weapons or liquor as a primary business. FMI call Shaquita Booker at 630.898.1838. 

CHA OPENS WAIT LIST FOR FIRST TIME IN 10 YEARS
Wait List. This is an historic opportunity for families in Chicago to take advantage of the housing CHA offers, which includes apartments in rehabilitated family developments, scattered sites and newly developed mixed-income communities. The housing was developed as part of CHA’s Plan for Transition, the largest and most ambitious redevelopment effort of public housing in the history of the United States. 

24TH WARD BUSINESSES - DO YOU HAVE ALL THE REQUIRED PERMITS
The Chicago Sign Permit Amnesty Program 2010 is from April 15-to-October 15. Does your business have a sign, canopy, awning, marquee or banner? Do you have all the required permits? Call the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection at 312.744.6249 between 8:30am and 3:30pm and they will check for you. How much will the permits cost me after the amnesty? 

HOMEBUYER EDUCATION CLASSES AT MARQUETTE BANK
Marquette Bank is holding Homebuyer Education Classes in 2010. Presented in the Marquette Education & Training Center on the 2nd Floor of the bank at 6316 S. Western Avenue. To register for the two-part class call Ben Liddell, Mortgage Loan Originator, at 773.918.4568 or via e-mail at bliddell@emarquettebank.com. Check out the following schedule: Saturday, June 5 and Saturday June 12, 9am to 1pm. Saturday, August 14 and Saturday August 21, 9am to 1pm. Saturday, October 16 and Saturday October 23, 9am to 1pm Saturday, December 4 and Saturday December 11, 9am to 1pm 

irs sUMMER jOB oPPORTUNITY
The Student Temporary Experience Program (STEP) is a flexible program that provides students with exposure to government service, enhances educational experience and offers students an opportunity to earn money and continue their education at the same time. STEP employees are on Temporary Appointments that may last up to one (1) year. An extension may be granted at the discretion of the hiring manager. How to apply? Got to: https://careerconnector.jobs.treas.gov/fcip/vacancy/viewVacancyDetail.hms?orgId=1&jnum=703 

CHA - To Discuss Recent Housing Choice Voucher Changes
CHA meeting, Tuesday, April 20, 6pm to 8pm, Holy Family Lutheran School, 3415 W. Arthington Street. The Chicago Housing Authority's Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program and Alderman Sharon Denise Dixon are sponsoring a formal meeting to discuss the HCV program in the 24th Ward. They will also take this opportunity to update you on recent changes to the program. 

Block By Block North Lawndale Diabetes Community Action Program
Do you live in North Lawndale? Did you know that North Lawndale has one of the highest rates of diabetes in Chicago? Diabetes is a growing problem in North Lawndale, but together we can fight it and giver our families healthier lives. Know your risk of diabetes and get tested if your are at risk. 

Spring Job Registration - Caring People Outreach
SPRING JOB REGISTRATION Caring People Outreach, a non-profit organization, is looking for people who are seeking full or part-time positions. Requirements: 14 years and up; resume (optional); and must be a resident of Chicago. When: Thursday, April 8, 2010, 6pm to 7:30pm Where: 3315 W. Ogden Avenue (10th District Community Room) 

Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPA)
The city of Chicago is pleased to announce that our new Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPA) is now accepting applications. This new program provides first-time homebuyers with down payment and closing cost assistance.

ALDERMAN DIXON ENDORSES EARTH HOUR
ALDERMAN DIXON ENDORSES EARTH HOUR On Saturday, March 27, from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m., residents, businesses, landmarks and organizations voluntarily will turn off non-essential, non-safety lights for one hour. Like previous years, streetlights, hospital power lights and other emergency and public safety lighting will remain lit.

Help Seniors With Used Cell Phones
Cook County Commissioner Robert Steele is teaming up with Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart to collect used cell phones that will be given to Senior Citizens as 911 Emergency Cell Phones. So don't throw away your old cell phones or let them sit in a drawer or closet in your home. Your unused cell phones could be a lifesaver for a senior citizen. FMI call 773.869.7878.

Clean & Green City-Wide Volunteer Clean-Up Day
On Saturday, April 17, 2010, you and community groups in our area can make an immediate difference in your neighborhood by volunteering your time and efforts to take part in Mayor Daley's Spring Clean & Green Day. 

THE CHICAGO METROPOLITAN AGENCY FOR PLANNING “PLAN”
Why plan? There’s an old saying that those who fail to plan, plan to fail. Communities "plan" to make things more rational and efficient. The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) includes Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will Counties. They are putting together a long-range 30-year plan called GO TO 2040.

Bike Chicago
The Mayor's Office of Special Events is gearing up for the 20th Annual Bike Chicago program and we invite you to join in the fun! Bike Chicago is a five-month (May-September) celebration of Chicago's commitment to become more bicycle friendly and environmentally conscious.

Host Your Next Event At
A Safe Haven 2750 W. Roosevelt, Chicago IL Beautiful Meeting Rooms Capacity 12-160. Media Center Available Seasonal Option: Outside Tent Events in Beautiful Landscaped Courtyard Catering services available from the A Safe Haven Culinary Institute. 

24th WARD GETS NEW SEWER & WATER MAIN INSTALLATIONS SIX NEW INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES
A new sewer project will begin in May, 2010 that will improve the area bounded by 19th Street on the south, Hamlin Avenue on the east, 16th Street on the north and Pulaski Road on the west. Completion is anticipated in July, 2010 with restoration of the street and repair of damaged parkway and sidewalks to follow. Better drainage generally in the area will be experienced and flooding during heavy rains will be alleviated. The City will make every effort to expedite this project and minimize the inconvenience to residents. If you have any questions you may contact the Department of Water Management (DWM), Bureau of Operations & Distribution at 312.744.7010.

NO FEE CITY STICKERS
Chicago's City Clerk outlined the qualifications and requirements for receiving a "no fee" vehicle sticker. 

FREE - SPAY/NEUTER YOUR PET
"Your pet and your family will be healthier and happier if you spay/neuter your pet," argues PAWS Chicago, an organization that says "Pets are worth saving."

NEED HELP PAYING YOUR ENERGY BILL? ComEd CARE presents HELPING HANDS
In March, if your residential electric service is pending disconnection, you can get on a path to successful management of your electricity bills.

THE CENSUS IS IMPORTANT SO MAKE SURE YOU COUNT!
The first census took place in 1790 to determine the number of seats each state would have in the U.S. House of Representatives. The census also was created to gain a better understanding of where people lived and to establish patterns of settlement as the nation grew The Census Bureau was established in 1902. Today, in addition to administering the census of population and housing, the Cencus Bureau conducts more than 200 annual surveys, including the American Community Survey, the Current Population Survey and economic censuses every five years. 

Chicago Children's Museum (CCM)
Qualifying not-for-profit 501c3 organizations who serve low-income populations are eligible to participate in the Group and Family Pass Programs and Community Family Membership program to receive free and reduced access to CCM.

SAFETY TIPS FOR THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!
During the winter months, keep your thermostat between 65-70 degrees. When you go to sleep or leave the housse, turn your thermostat down.

HEATING REQUIREMENTS ORDINANCE
Heating Requirements Ordinance, in Buildings Title 13 of the Municipal Code of Chicago.

NO PROPERTY TAX INCREASE AND NO NEW TAXES OR FEES IN 2010 CITY BUDGET, MAYOR DALEY SAYS
Mayor Daley says, "no property tax increase and no new taxes or fees in the 2010 City budget!!!