MESSAGE FROM ALDERMAN JIM GARDINER | | |
Have you made plans for Valentine’s Day? Consider celebrating that special someone in your life while also supporting one of our wonderful local businesses here in the 45th Ward.
For lunch or dinner, I recommend Smakosz Restaurant, a cozy, welcoming spot known for its delicious, homemade dishes that satisfy even the heartiest appetites. Proudly owned and operated by Renee, Smakosz has been a neighborhood staple for 30 years, as she continues the legacy of her father’s restaurant with the same care and dedication.
| CLICK HERE TO WATCH ALDERMAN GARDINER'S VISIT TO SMAKOSZ | | Looking for the perfect bouquet? Stop by A Vintage Bloom at 5418 W. Devon Ave. and surprise someone special with a beautiful, handcrafted arrangement. | | This Valentine’s Day, show your love for someone special, and for our local small businesses. | | |
Proudly Serving,
Alderman Jim Gardiner
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I have urged the Chicago Mayor's Office to issue an apology for misleading residents into believing his "Executive Order" carried any weight.
Eileen O'Neill Burke rightfully noted, "An executive order requiring police to document potential violations by federal agents could raise concerns of political interference, potentially jeopardizing criminal prosecutions."
-Alderman Jim Gardiner
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Memo from state's attorney's office to Chicago mayor's office criticizes fed investigation order
VIEW FULL ARTICLE
| | LAST DAY TO DROP OFF DONATIONS IS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13TH | | |
The City of Chicago comes together to surround Bethany McGee and her family with love and support as she continues on her journey to a full recovery.
May God bless her with healing powers and renewed strength as she rises above remarkable mental and physical challenges.
-Alderman Jim Gardiner
| | CLICK HERE FOR FULL STORY | |
Dulce Canela Bakery coming to former Ideal Bakery site in Jefferson Park
FULL STORY HERE
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Thank you to Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs for helping recover more than $50,000 in unclaimed funds for residents in the 45th Ward!
If you are interested in checking whether you have unclaimed funds, please contact our office at 773-853-0799 or [email protected] to schedule an appointment.
Appointments are required and individuals must reside in the 45th Ward.
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Cook County clerk urges early mail-in voting amid USPS postmark change before March 17 primary
CLICK HERE FOR STORY
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Our office will be closed on Monday, February 16th in observance of
Presidents’ Day.
Garbage collection will not be affected on either holiday and will be picked up on the regular schedule.
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Phil’s Pizza D’Oro is a family-owned neighborhood favorite, proudly run by Albion and Eva, who have built a welcoming spot focused on community. Using authentic, time-tested recipes and fresh ingredients, they create bold, delicious flavors in every dish. Stop in to enjoy great food and a warm neighborhood atmosphere right here in our ward.
This Valentine’s Day, celebrate with a heart-shaped pizza — a fun and tasty way to share the occasion.
5804 N. Milwaukee Ave.
773-763-2285
www.philspizzadoro.net
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Andy’s Deli is a family-owned business offering all your favorite Polish food products. They proudly serve fresh, high-quality meats, including pork, beef, veal, elk, and bison.
With Fat Tuesday (Pączki Day) happening on February 17th, there’s no better time to stop by Andy’s Deli and pick out your favorite pączki! Enjoy a delicious variety of fillings like pudding, raspberry, rose, plum jam, and Nutella. Treat yourself to a tradition worth celebrating!
5442 N. Milwaukee Ave.
773-631-7304
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Event link:
https://sixcornerschamberofcommerce.wildapricot.org/event-6557095
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Alderman Gardiner attended the Portage Park Chamber of Commerce’s first
Portage Perks Networking Event of 2026, which brought together more than 50 local business owners. Thank you to the Chamber for hosting a successful event. We look forward to continued partnership in supporting our local business community.
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Mayor Brandon Johnson says up to Cook County state’s attorney to prosecute federal agents
FULL STORY HERE
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Former CPD chief of detectives calls mayor's order on federal investigations political theater
VIEW FULL ARTICLE
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The Blue Line exposes the city’s shortage of 24-hour shelters for the unhoused
FULL STORY HERE
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Two robberies within days reported on CTA Blue Line on Northwest Side
DETAILS HERE
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Do you notice an enhanced police presence while commuting on the CTA?
Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has given the CTA until March 19, 2026, to enhance safety measures or risk losing federal funds.
-Alderman Jim Gardiner
CLICK HERE FOR FULL STORY
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Mayor Brandon Johnson and budget critics trade blame over City Hall janitor layoffs
DETAILS HERE
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Toni Preckwinkle didn’t seek Chicago Teachers Union’s endorsement. Why not?
READ FULL STORY
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Mayor Brandon Johnson’s public market plan slows to a crawl
FULL STORY HERE
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Trial set for May in ‘Broadview Six’ conspiracy case against Midway Blitz protesters
VIEW FULL ARTICLE
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Attorneys for ‘Broadview Six’ protesters cite killings in Minneapolis in asking for evidence to be public
FULL STORY HERE
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Federal judge dismisses whistleblower lawsuit from former COPA investigator
FULL STORY HERE
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Chicago schools, transit, public housing remain rudderless under Mayor Brandon Johnson
CLICK HERE FOR FULL STORY
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Alderman Gardiner provides a video update on the ongoing development at
Six Corners.
Click here to watch the Six Corners construction update
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CDOT is proposing a new network of bikeways in the Portage Park Community Area. Our goal is to provide safe, family-friendly options for people to reach the neighborhood destinations most meaningful to their lives, including schools, parks, and local businesses, through a connected network of bike routes within Portage Park. The proposal includes a network of neighborhood greenways on quieter residential streets as well as striped or dashed bike lanes on busier corridors.
DETAILS HERE
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Alderman Gardiner offers quick tips to help Streets & Sanitation during snow and frigid weather.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH REEL
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Curious about what's happening in the community?
Check out ChiStreetWork, the City of Chicago’s interactive map portal that provides up-to-date information on infrastructure projects and permits. It compiles data from city agencies and private utilities.
Just enter an address or intersection into the search bar to see a clickable map with detailed information about active projects in that area. From sewer work to resurfacing, you’ll get a clear picture of what’s going on and when.
CLICK HERE FOR ACCESS
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Visit our 45th Ward Office
5460 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60630
Tel: 773-853-0799
Office Hours: Mon/Tue/Wed/Fri.-8:30-4:30PM,
Thurs. 9:30-4:30PM Email: w[email protected]
Click the link-www.aldermangardiner.com
| | Thank you for being part of the 45th Ward community. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve you and remain dedicated to providing exceptional constituent services. | | The Cook County Veterans Assistance Commission visits our office each month to assist veterans in our community. If you or someone you know is a veteran in need of support or has questions, please feel free to stop in. | | Each week, we will highlight a different service offered by the Cook County Veterans Assistance Commission. | | MATURING RESIDENTS IN THE 45TH WARD | | |
The City of Chicago Department of Family and Support Services Seniors Division (DFSS Senior Services) —which serves as the Area Agency on Aging for Chicago— is asking seniors (60 years of age or better) and their caregivers to identify programs and areas of need in preparation for the FY2027 Area Plan on Aging.
Please fill out the following online survey on or before 2/20/26: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NTMR63W.
The City of Chicago and its over 550,000 seniors thank you for your service!
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Chicago Seniors Connected
The City of Chicago’s Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) Senior Services Division offers a wide range of programs and supports for residents age 60 and better, helping older adults stay healthy, active, and engaged.
The newest edition of the Chicago Seniors Connected program brochure is now available and includes virtual and in-person activities, as well as upcoming special events and meal opportunities taking place across the city.
👉 View the Chicago Seniors Connected program brochure
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Chicago Park District Launches First-Ever Citywide Participatory Budget Program to Encourage Involvement in the Identification of Impactful Local Park Projects
CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS
| | Every high school age student in Chicago (public or private) interested in the possibility of becoming a first responder should apply for this excellent program. | | ADDITIONAL INFORMATION HERE | | The Express Permit Program is a web-based interface for homeowners, businesses, and other building owners/tenants (and the contractors that work with them) to obtain building permits needed to repair or replace existing features of a building or undertake specific small improvement projects, such as adding residential solar panels. The web interface allows permit applicants to check application status, pay fees, and view inspection results online 24/7. | | CLICK HERE TO GET STARTED | | |
The Department of Family and Support Services provides programs and support to older adults aged 60 and better. DFSS offers a range of programs and services throughout the year to keep older adults healthy, active, and engaged.
Click here for additional information
| | | SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCE CENTER | | |
The Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) offers free business education webinars every Wednesday afternoon and Friday morning. Topics include business licensing, operations, financial resources, marketing, and more. Programs are free and open to the public and taught by industry professionals, not-for-profit agencies, and government agencies.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW AND REGISTER FOR UPCOMING BACP WEBINARS
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The Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection (BACP) Entrepreneur Certificate Program is a free and optional program available to attendees of the free BACP business education webinar series. The program is designed to give entrepreneurs the essential information they need to start and grow a business in Chicago. The program’s curriculum covers essentials in business planning, financing, marketing, legal topics, technology, and more. Click here for additional information
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Local Chambers of Commerce
Our neighborhood Chambers of Commerce support local businesses through advocacy, networking, marketing, and community events. Businesses of all sizes are encouraged to connect and get involved.
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Gladstone Park Chamber Of Commerce 6348 N. Milwaukee (773) 756-6206
Click here for additional information
Edgebrook Sauganash Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 46311 (773) 545-9300
Click here for additional information
Jefferson Park Chamber of Commerce 5214 W. Lawrence, Ste.5 (773) 736-6697
Click here for additional information
Polish American Chamber of Commerce 5214 W. Lawrence, Ste.1 (773) 205-1998
Click here for additional information
Six Corners Chamber of Commerce 4054 N Milwaukee Ave (773) 685-4955
Click here for additional information
Portage Park Chamber of Commerce 4946 W. Irving Park Rd. (773) 777-2020
Click here for additional information
| | Beat Meetings are a great opportunity to meet your local officers, learn about public safety in your area, and share concerns. We encourage residents to attend and stay involved. | | 2026 BEAT MEETING SCHEDULE | | |
Beat 1621
Edgebrook Library
5331 W. Devon
March 4th
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Beat 1622
Dunham Park
4638 N. Melvina
March 11th
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Beat 1623
16th District Police Station
5151 N. Milwaukee
February 27th
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Beat 1731
Kilbourn Park
3501 N. Kilbourn
March 10th
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Beat 1624
Portage Park
4100 N. Long
February 25th
| | CLICK HERE TO FIND YOUR BEAT | | |
Beaubien Elementary School
5025 N. Laramie Ave., (773) 534-3500
Click here for additional information
Edgebrook Elementary School
6525 N. Hiawatha Ave., (773) 534-1194
Click here for additional information
Edgebrook Early Learning Branch
6407 N. Minnehaha Ave., (773) 534-0720
Click here for additional information
Farnsworth Elementary School
5414 N. Linder Ave., (773) 534-3535
Click here for additional information
Hitch Elementary School
5625 N. McVicker Ave., (773) 534-1189
Click here for additional information
William J. Onahan School
6634 W. Raven St., (773) 534-1180
Click here for additional information
Prussing Elementary School
4650 N. Menard Ave., (773) 534-3460
Click here for additional information
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Catalpa Early Childhood Center
5252 N. Long Ave., (773) 534-8380
Click here for additional information
St. Constance School
5841 W. Strong St., (773)-283-2311
Click here for additional information
St. Elizabeth of the Trinity School
6040 W. Ardmore Ave., (773)-763-7080
Click here for additional information
St. John's Lutheran School
4939 W. Montrose Ave., (773) 736-1196
Click here for additional information
St. Roberts Bellarmine School
6036 W. Eastwood Ave., (773) 725-5133
Click here for additional information
St. Mary of the Woods
6955 N. Hiawatha Ave., (773)-763-4968
Click here for additional information
Wildwood Elementary School
6950 N. Hiawatha Ave. (773) 534-1188
Click here for additional information
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Disney II Magnet School (7th-12th)
3900 N Lawndale Ave., (773) 534-5010
Click here for additional information
Horizon Science Academy Belmont (7th-10th)
4434 N. Laramie Ave., (708) 667-0941
Click here for more information
Vaughn Occupational High School
4355 N. Linder (773)-534-3600
Click here for additional information
| | CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION | | |
Police Officer - Lateral Transfer Sworn Police Officers Only - University Police
CLICK HERE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
| | Supporting Our Neighbors in Need | | |
New Hope Community Food Pantry
Address: 6125 W Foster
Phone:773-775-1215
Hours:Tuesday:
9:30- 11:30 AM
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Joined Hands Food Pantry / Our Lady of Victory
Address: 5212 W Agatite
Phone: (312)972-1164
Hours: Wednesday:
5:00 - 7:00 PM
[email protected]
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Harvest Christian Center Chicago Food Pantry
Address: 4020 N. Tripp Ave.
Phone: 773-685-4222
[email protected]
Hours: Last Friday of the month:
1:30 -2:30 PM
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Volunteer Opportunities
If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering as a Gardiner Angel in the Ward office providing clerical assistance, research, communications assistance, etc. or would like to provide on the ground help cleaning up the ward, please reach out to us at [email protected]
| | | If you would like a "SLOW DOWN" or "CLEAN UP AFTER YOUR DOG" sign, please come in our office at 5460 N. Milwaukee. | | | | |
