MESSAGE FROM ALDERMAN JIM GARDINER | | All are welcome to attend tonight’s meeting on Thursday, March 5th at 6:00pm at the Portage Park Senior Satellite Center, located at 4100 N. Long Ave. CDOT (Chicago Department of Transportation) will be discussing a proposed new network of bikeways in the Portage Park community. Residents are encouraged to attend and learn more about the proposal. | | |
Proudly Serving,
Alderman Jim Gardiner
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New bike lanes, greenways proposed for Jefferson Park, Portage Park on Chicago’s NW Side
FULL STORY HERE
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Early voting began on Monday, March 2nd. You may vote at any Early Voting location citywide. If you prefer to vote closer, please consider the following sites:
- Kolping Society, 5826 N. Elston Ave.
- Roden Library, 6083 N. Northwest Hwy.
- Kilbourn Park, 3501 N. Kilbourn Ave.
- Hiawatha Park, 8029 W. Forest Preserve Dr.
- North Park Village, 5801 N. Pulaski
For those who wish to vote by mail, please click the link below.
CHICAGO BOARD OF ELECTIONS
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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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1 killed in fiery 5-vehicle crash on Kennedy Expressway on NW Side
FULL STORY HERE
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Chicago Fire to break ground on stadium at The 78 site in South Loop
FULL STORY HERE
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Illinois' second-largest school district announces new start times for several schools
CLICK HERE FOR FULL STORY
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Bank demands repayment from elder fraud victim robbed of thousands by caregiver
FULL STORY HERE
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Alderman Gardiner had the honor of welcoming Dolly Yonan to the
Centenarian Club as she celebrated her 100th birthday. Congratulations to Dolly
on this incredible milestone!
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Join Chicago Public Library as they celebrate Women's History Month. Throughout the month of March, CPL will offer events to highlight the contributions of women through literacy, education, and performing arts. This year’s theme: “Women’s Stories: Women as Memory Keepers” honors women as preservers of history, culture and community.
CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS
| | WOMAN-OWNED BUSINESSES IN THE 45TH WARD | | |
OPT Vision Studio is a full-service eye care clinic located in the Jefferson Park community. OPT Vision Studio features a modern office equipped with the latest innovative eye care technology to ensure patients receive the highest level of care. As an independently owned and operated practice, OPT Vision Studio is proud to serve the Jefferson Park community. Dr. Gabrielle M. Drewniak was born and raised in Chicago and is deeply committed to caring for the community she calls home. They proudly stand behind the quality of their services and products while focusing on building lasting relationships with every patient who walks through their doors. The clinic offers a wide selection of stylish frames designed to meet a variety of tastes and needs helping patients look and feel their best for years to come. They specialize in comprehensive eye care for patients of all ages, providing personalized attention and high-quality service in a welcoming environment.
Be sure to support this outstanding local business right here in Jefferson Park!
5371 W. Lawrence Ave., Suite 1
312-525-9621
optvisionstudio.com
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Looking for a welcoming spot to grab a bite, catch a game, or spend time with friends and neighbors? Corral House, a beloved neighborhood bar and grill in Gladstone Park, is the place to be. With its warm, traditional western theme, owners Maria Speciale and Dave Canavan bring the spirit of the open range right to our community.
The menu features fresh, locally sourced ingredients and hearty, home-style meals with bold flavors. Whether you’re stopping by for a casual lunch, a family dinner, or a night out with friends, you’ll enjoy great drinks, good music, and a friendly, inviting atmosphere.
At Corral House, it’s about more than just food—it’s about creating moments and bringing the community together.
5527 N. Milwaukee Ave.
708-967-2182
corralhousebarandgrill.com
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March is Women’s History Month, and the 45th Ward is proud to highlight women-owned businesses in our community, including A Taste of the Philippines 🇵🇭, a wonderful local restaurant right here in Jefferson Park.
Alderman Gardiner recently interviewed owner Kathy, and you can watch the reel below to learn more about her story and the business.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE INTERVIEW
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Ald. Brendan Reilly aims to oust Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle
CLICK HERE FOR FULL STORY
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The CTA has until March 19th to make necessary adjustments to ensure rider safety and essential federal funding.
CLICK HERE FOR ALDERMAN GARDINER INTERVIEW
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Chicago's mayoral election is exactly 1 year away, and here's the current field
FULL STORY HERE
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City of Chicago overcharged residents for city stickers, other parking violations for years: judge
FULL STORY HERE
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Exclusive: Chicago Park District pitches $630 million plan for a post-Bears Soldier Field
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE
| | Local business owners are invited to join Alderman Gardiner and our local Chambers of Commerce for a 45th Ward Business Networking and Information Session with the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection. Space is limited—please register to attend. | | |
Gateway Lounge at Copernicus Center
5216 W. Lawrence Ave, Chicago
Gateway Social Dancers | $10 at the Door
Join us every week (days subject to change) at the Gateway Lounge for an open, welcoming night of social dancing for everyone. The Gateway Social Dancers (Formerly the White Eagle Dancers) bring together a fun mix of oldies, line dancing, country, swing, and more, all spun by a DJ to keep the floor moving all night.
Whether you’re an experienced dancer or just looking to have fun, this is a relaxed, friendly atmosphere where all are welcome—come solo or bring friends.
No pressure. No lessons required. Just great music, good people, and a full dance floor.
CLICK HERE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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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
| | 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
April 1st
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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
March 31st
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Beat 1731
Kilbourn Park
3501 N. Kilbourn
March 10th
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Beat 1624
Portage Park
4100 N. Long
March 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. | | | | |
