MESSAGE FROM ALDERMAN JIM GARDINER

Due to extreme weather conditions, all Chicago Public Schools will be closed on Friday, January 23rd.

Please be a good neighbor and check on the elderly who could use assistance during challenging weather.

Proudly Serving,

Alderman Jim Gardiner

TOP STORIES

Please be advised:

In light of the acts witnessed at Cities Church in Minnesota, every city and state in our country should stand united in condemnation.

As Americans, we deserve the right to worship the God of our choosing without facing harassment or intimidation.

-

Public employees owe Chicago $23.5 million in debt for parking tickets, water bills, other fees

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Smolka True Value Hardware is your locally owned neighborhood hardware store, committed to serving our community with expert advice, quality tools, reliable equipment, and the products you need to get the job done. You’ll find most everything you’re looking for at competitive prices.

Their knowledgeable team is ready to help you prepare for the winter season. From snow shovels and pet-friendly ice melt to other cold-weather essentials, stop by Smolka True Value Hardware and support a trusted local business right here in our community.



4305 N. Milwaukee Ave.

(773) 685-4442

A true neighborhood gem, Valbona’s Beauty Salon has been proudly serving the community for 20 years, offering quality service at very reasonable prices. With a loyal and steady clientele, the salon is more than just a place for haircuts, it’s a family.

“As the years have gone by, our clients have become our big family and have watched our son grow,” said Arnold, the owner.

The salon offers haircuts for women, men, and children, along with color and highlight services, all delivered with care, consistency, and a personal touch that keeps customers coming back year after year while strengthening the neighborhood’s small-business community.

Support local by visiting a neighborhood salon that treats every client like family.

5138 N. Elston

(773) 545-0206

Celebrating a Neighborhood Favorite

Alderman Gardiner recently stopped by Yellow Rose Cafe to recognize a beloved 45th Ward business celebrating 30 years in the community. Join us in celebrating this local gem and the important role small businesses play in keeping our neighborhoods vibrant.

Over 500 eateries participating in 2026 Chicago Restaurant Week

CHICAGO POLITICS

Council demands to know why Johnson is delaying full payment of $260M pension advance

Let's prioritize the safety of Chicagoans at an equal or greater level as ABC's Ryan Seacrest

Former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel calls for mandatory retirement age for federal government leaders

Magistrate judge rejects charges against Don Lemon over anti-ICE protest in Minnesota church

The commends

(D) of Illinois for prioritizing sexual abuse victims and principles over partisan interests.



-Alderman Jim Gardiner

Chicago City Council approves ban on most intoxicating hemp-based products

As we bear witness to continued assaults on religious freedom, the proudly extends a welcoming hand to adherents of all faiths, as well as those who do not subscribe to any particular creed and upholds their right to worship without fear of reprisal or intimidation.

As , we are endowed with the liberty to choose our faith and the path we shall follow. Let no individual infringe upon this fundamental freedom without facing the full force of the laws that govern our nation.

May God bless the United States of America.

-Alderman Jim Gardiner

Christian leaders urge the protection of worshippers' rights after protesters interrupt service

Inspector General: Chicago paid $26.5M in OT to employees potentially ineligible for it

Chicago parking meter deal: City's meters sold to another private company, Mayor Johnson says

Barack Obama invites Chicagoans to apply for jobs at Presidential Center

THRIVING IN WARD 45

Thank you to all of the seniors who joined us for yesterday’s Senior Scam Awareness & Prevention Seminar. It was wonderful to see such strong participation and engagement from our community.

Our office was proud to co-host this event with

Cook County State’s Attorney Eileen O'Neill Burke and the

16th District Chicago Police Department, providing residents with practical information on how to recognize, avoid, and report scams that disproportionately target seniors.

By staying informed and looking out for one another, we can help keep our community safe and prevent fraud before it happens. Thank you for taking the time to attend, ask questions, and remain vigilant. Our office remains committed to supporting and protecting our senior residents.

Alderman Gardiner offers quick tips to help Streets & Sanitation during snow and frigid weather.

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.



CONTACT INFORMATION

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]

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.

VETS IN 45

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.

Registration & Contact Information:

📞 Call or Text: 773-520-6950

📧 Email: [email protected]

MATURING RESIDENTS IN THE 45TH WARD

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.

WARD 45 RESOURCES

Shedd Aquarium announces free admission days for Illinois residents

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

Gladstone Park Chamber Of Commerce 6348 N. Milwaukee (773) 756-6206

Edgebrook Sauganash Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 46311 (773) 545-9300

Jefferson Park Chamber of Commerce 5214 W. Lawrence, Ste.5 (773) 736-6697

Polish American Chamber of Commerce 5214 W. Lawrence, Ste.1 (773) 205-1998 

Six Corners Chamber of Commerce 4054 N Milwaukee Ave (773) 685-4955 

Portage Park Chamber of Commerce 4946 W. Irving Park Rd. (773) 777-2020

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES 

Police Officer - Lateral Transfer Sworn Police Officers Only - University Police

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

🎉🎉

Disney II Magnet High School is proud to announce this year’s Posse Scholars: Mairead K., who will be attending Dickinson College, and Michael B., who will be attending Oberlin College.

This outstanding achievement reflects their hard work, leadership, and academic excellence. We congratulate Mairead and Michael and wish them continued success as they begin this exciting next chapter!

Go Titans!

🎉 Congratulations to Beaubien STEM Fair Winners! 🎉

We extend our congratulations to the talented students from Beaubien School who swept the Regional STEM Fair, earning gold medals for their impressive and innovative projects. Their dedication to scientific inquiry and engineering excellence has truly paid off, and their success at the regional level has earned them a place at the City Science Fair.

7th Grade: Abigail U., Cienna B., Kaylee S., Leanne G. and Hope H., and Lyuben K.

6th Grade: Max M. and William L., Aoife B., Amelia F., Calvin C. and Henry W., and Nori A.

Congratulations to all of the students on this outstanding achievement, and best of luck as they continue on to the City Science Fair!

Go Bulldogs!

Unleash Your Curiosity at the Wildwood IB Inquiry Night!

Join Wildwood for an evening of student-led activities, hands-on family projects, and a gallery of student work showcasing IB learning from PreK through 8th grade.

6950 N. Hiawatha Ave.

🎉Congratulations to the Rickover Naval Academy Girls Wrestling Team!🎉

The Rickover Girls rocked the CPS City Championships, finishing 3rd overall in the team duals—an incredible achievement. Individually, Midna and Paige earned 4th-place finishes, while Julia, Litzy, and Dakota each placed 5th in their respective brackets. Elizabeth, Ava, Lucia, Alyson, and Mia also delivered strong performances, placing in the open division. We are proud of these student-athletes for their dedication, grit, and excellence—Rickover continues to shine on the mat!

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOLS

Disney II Magnet School (7th-12th)

 3900 N Lawndale Ave., 



Horizon Science Academy Belmont (7th-10th)

4434 N. Laramie Ave., (708) 667-0941

Vaughn Occupational High School

4355 N. Linder (773)-534-3600

WARD 45 SAFETY NEWS

Helpful tips regarding vehicle break-ins in .

2026 BEAT MEETING SCHEDULE COMING SOON

We are currently awaiting updated beat meeting schedules. We will share the full calendar when it is available.

Beat 1621

Edgebrook Library

5331 W. Devon

February 4th

Beat 1622

Dunham Park

4638 N. Melvina

February 11th 

Beat 1623

16th District Police Station

5151 N. Milwaukee

January 29th

Beat 1624

Portage Park

4100 N. Long

January 28th

Beat 1731

Kilbourn Park

3501 N. Kilbourn

March 10th

LOCAL FOOD PANTRIES

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

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]

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

If you would like a "SLOW DOWN" or "CLEAN UP AFTER YOUR DOG" sign, please come in our office at 5460 N. Milwaukee.