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Reminder: 45th Ward News and Community Updates

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Summary

Alderman Jim Gardiner’s 45th Ward newsletter does not report any specific City Council zoning, housing, transit, streets, or budget meetings/hearings, nor any referenced ward development approvals or ordinances. The main political item is Gardiner’s attorney’s statement alleging political retaliation in Gardiner’s lawsuit, plus general constituent-service information (infrastructure help, 311/flood reporting, permits) and community/safety resources. Other major announcements include memorial services and tributes (including for Officer John Bartholomew), a business spotlight for local animal and bike shops, and scheduled beat meetings in several beats across the ward.

Email from Alderman Jim Gardiner

MESSAGE FROM ALDERMAN JIM GARDINER


Gardiner’s attorney, Craig D. Tobin, said in a statement Thursday that Gardiner is the one who actually faced political retaliation. The defendants “acted with profound malice, fabricating a case, suppressing evidence, and intentionally using false testimony in a concerted effort to destroy Alderman Gardiner’s career,” Tobin said.


“This lawsuit is about holding those in power accountable for weaponizing city agencies and violating due process to attack a political critic.”



Proudly Serving,

Alderman Jim Gardiner

TOP STORIES

Last week, the City of Chicago celebrated the life of Officer John Bartholomew at Saint Andrew Greek Orthodox Church.


Thank you to every first responder and residents who attended the service to honor John Bartholomew who was a son, husband, father and friend to many.


May God bless John Bartholomew and look over his family as they mourn his loss.

Join the northwest side of Chicago in paying tribute to and praying for the members of the Chicago Police Department.

FULL STORY HERE

FULL STORY HERE

FULL STORY HERE

FULL STORY HERE

Thank you Ellen Shea who visited the Jefferson Park War Memorial, dedicated in 1945 and respectfully maintained by the Billy Caldwell American Legion Post 806, accompanied by her grandchildren, Maeve and Michael Shea.


Ellen, a long-time Jefferson Park resident who, along with her husband Dennis, raised four children in our Jefferson Park community, came to honor the memory of her younger brother, Lance Corporal Timothy G. Fitzmaurice, USMC, who was killed in action during Operation Huston II on Hill 1192 in Vietnam on May 9, 1968.


Together, Ellen, Maeve, and Michael lovingly placed a bouquet of flowers and a laminated memorial letter at the monument in remembrance of Timothy’s sacrifice and in tribute to all those from our community who gave their lives in service to our country.


Their visit served as a touching reminder of the enduring love of family, the importance of remembrance across generations, and the deep respect our Jefferson Park community continues to hold for our veterans and fallen heroes.

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Since opening its doors in 2008, TLC First Animal Hospital has been providing compassionate, personalized care for dogs, cats, and exotic pets throughout our community. Their team is dedicated to helping pets live happy, healthy lives.


By combining traditional veterinary medicine with holistic approaches, TLC First Animal Hospital focuses on the overall well-being of every pet they care for. From routine visits to surgeries and specialized care, their goal is to provide high-quality veterinary services in a warm and welcoming environment.



What truly makes them special is the way they treat both pets and owners like family. From the warm hello at the front desk to the treats waiting for four-legged visitors, TLC First Animal Hospital continues to be a trusted neighborhood resource for so many local families.

6468 N. Milwaukee Ave.

(773) 631-0706

www.tlcfirst.com

In the heart of the Edgebrook neighborhood, Edgebrook Cycle has been a trusted community staple for more than thirty years, helping families, commuters, and cycling enthusiasts stay connected through the joy of riding. This family-owned bike shop is more than just a place for repairs and new bikes it is a welcoming neighborhood hub where friendly service and expert care keep generations of local riders coming back. Edgebrook Cycle offers high-quality bicycles at reasonable prices, along with exceptional customer service that has kept generations of local families coming back. Their knowledgeable team of mechanics carefully assembles every bike and provides dependable repairs and maintenance, from quick flat tire fixes to full overhauls, ensuring riders can safely enjoy. With summer right around the corner, now is the perfect time for neighbors to stop by for a tune-up, repairs, or a safety check to make sure their bikes are ready to enjoy the trails and streets of our community all season long.


6450 N Central Ave.

773-792-1669

www.edgebrookcycle.com


CHICAGO POLITICS

City Council members want Johnson to tackle replacing ShotSpotter

FULL STORY HERE

Mayor Johnson determined to block Bears' move to Arlington Heights


FULL STORY HERE

CTU threatens to sue CPS over unpaid stipends for dozens of athletic directors


FULL STORY HERE

City Council committee backs banning sweepstakes machines over Mayor Johnson's objections


FULL STORY HERE

Obama Presidential Center: Invite-only soft opening held Monday; tickets go on sale this week


FULL STORY HERE

‘Does not work': Cook County State's Attorney decries electronic monitoring system as broken


FULL STORY HERE

THRIVING IN WARD 45

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Residents of the 45th Ward who need assistance with infrastructure-related concerns are encouraged to contact our office at (773) 853-0799 or [email protected].


Click here to see how Alderman Gardiner is addressing

infrastructure concerns in the 45th Ward.

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

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]

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.

Looking for a “SLOW DOWN” or “CLEAN UP AFTER YOUR DOG” sign?

Stop by the 45th Ward Office to pick one up.

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.

MATURING RESIDENTS IN THE 45TH WARD

Senior Services


The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services offers a wide range of programs and resources to support older adults across the city. Services are designed to meet the diverse needs of seniors—whether they are active and independent, living in long-term care facilities, or in need of additional assistance at home.



From wellness programs and social activities to home-delivered meals and in-home support, these services are focused on helping older adults maintain their independence, health, and quality of life.


CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

WARD 45 RESOURCES

If you experience water in your basement during storms, please file a service request with 311 Chicago.


These reports allow the Chicago Department of Water Management to inspect sewer infrastructure and help the City track flooding locations. This data is important for prioritizing improvements and may support assistance through (FEMA)

Federal Emergency Management Agency if a disaster is declared.

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

The City of Chicago is now accepting applications for its Community Development Grants (CDG) program, which supports local businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations with funding for projects that create jobs and strengthen our neighborhoods.


Small and Medium grant applications are open now, with a deadline of August 14, while Large grants are accepted on a rolling basis. Small grants can cover up to 75% of eligible project costs, with awards up to $250,000.


Interested applicants are encouraged to attend an informational webinar or review available resources before applying.



Click here for more information and to apply.

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

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 6150 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

WARD 45 SAFETY NEWS

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

June 3rd

Beat 1622

Dunham Park

4638 N. Melvina

June 10th

Beat 1623

16th District Police Station

5151 N. Milwaukee

May 29th

Beat 1731

Kilbourn Park

3501 N. Kilbourn

June 4th

Beat 1624

Portage Park

4100 N. Long

May 27th

CLICK HERE TO FIND YOUR BEAT

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

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


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

MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOLS

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

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

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

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]