MESSAGE FROM ALDERMAN JIM GARDINER

Wishing you and your family the very best in the New Year. May God grant you peace of mind, health, and prosperity. Please celebrate responsibly.

Proudly Serving,

Alderman Jim Gardiner

TOP STORIES

What to know for 1st-ever 'Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest' event in Chicago

Is the crackdown on "teen takeovers" limited to appearances by , and their guests, or is it a New Year Resolution for the ?

Due to safety concerns, suggests that residents avoid using CTA public transportation after sundown until noticeable improvements are made.



Please celebrate responsibly and arrange for alternative transportation to and from festivities.

The is correct to demand CTA address safety concerns or face potential funding cuts.

Make safety a priority!

The State/Lake Loop Elevated station will temporarily close starting Monday, January 5, 2026.

Crews will work to replace one of the oldest stations on the CTA rail system with a modern facility designed to improve safety, accessibility, and comfort for all riders.

Please use the accessible Clark/Lake or Washington/Wabash stations, located within a few blocks of the State/Lake station. To transfer between the Red Line at Lake station and the Loop ‘L’ lines, use Washington/Wabash.

Our office will be closed in observance of New Year’s Day on Thursday, January 1st.

There will be no garbage collection on Thursday, January 1. Please ensure your garbage carts are accessible throughout the week to accommodate the holiday schedule.

Earlier this week, my mom celebrated another trip around the sun.

Your 7 children, 19 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren admire you more than words can adequately express.

Longtime family-operated Paterno’s Pizza getting new owners to carry on the tradition

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Looking for a great spot to celebrate New Year’s Eve? La Dolce Vita Cucina brings the flavors of Italy right to Portage Park. With a menu that blends classic Italian recipes with a modern twist, every dish is made with care using high-quality ingredients.



Rooted in Italy’s rich culinary traditions, La Dolce Vita Cucina is all about great food, welcoming hospitality, and community.

As we head into the new year, consider supporting this locally owned neighborhood restaurant while enjoying a memorable meal. Reservations are recommended, especially for New Year’s Eve.

5007 W. Irving Park

(773) 261-8284

Bottles & Cans Edgebrook is a premier neighborhood destination specializing in a wide selection of beer, wine, and spirits. With a strong commitment to community, the shop regularly hosts tasting events and offers a wine club for local enthusiasts looking to explore curated selections.

Stop in to browse, pick up something new, or stock up for your next gathering—right here in our community.

Cheers to ringing in the new year! Shop for your New Year's party and stock up on beer, wine, and spirits for every celebration.

6401 N. Central Ave.

(708) 320-2938

Now is a great time to pick up new tires at . Check out the specials Bob, Sandy and the crew currently offer.

Celebrate New Year’s 2025 at District House!

Join us for a DJ party starting at 9 PM with party favors and food. No cover charge.

📍 5722 W. Higgins Ave. | 📞 (773) 853-2359

RSVP as we capture the moment together and look ahead to a bright and prosperous 2026.

CHICAGO POLITICS

CPS Board approves property tax hike to close budget gap

Expose the corruption in Illinois

Hundreds of public employees investigated by the state of Illinois improperly took millions in PPP loans

Over $200,000 of taxpayer funds were used to prosecute while the City failed or refused to disclose exculpatory evidence related to the two-year investigation...

Cook County treasurer provides $2.3B in emergency funds to local governments

will not veto Budget

As and his allies believe collecting unpaid debt to the city disproportionately impacts Black and Brown communities, my colleague offers his take.

"To be paid by the City, and ignoring your debts to the city is insane." Alderman Desmon Yancy

"Roughly two CTA workers every week are subjected to assaults that put them in an ambulance or kill them. The Dec 15 CTA Safety Plan barely changes that status quo. That is unacceptable."

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is required to submit a plan to the , outlining measures to enhance public safety on public transportation.

According to FTA data, the CTA's violent crime rate is four times the national average, with four homicides occurring over the past 18 months.

Furthermore, assaults against riders on CTA property have increased by 150% over the last five years.

THRIVING IN WARD 45

Drop off your Christmas tree at Portage or Norwood Parks from Jan 3-17 to be recycled as mulch and used by residents, or local parks and schools.

“A Bump on the Leg” is a play inspired by the life of 45th Ward resident James Mallon.

Please see the flyer for details on this special one-time performance.

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.

MATURING RESIDENTS IN THE 45TH WARD

Chicago Seniors Connected

The City’s Chicago Seniors Connected program offers a wide range of virtual, telephone, and in-person activities designed to help older adults stay engaged and connected—especially during the holiday season. While this time of year can be joyful for many, it can also feel isolating for others. Chicago Seniors Connected ensures that no senior has to feel alone by providing meaningful opportunities for social connection, enrichment, and support throughout December and beyond.

WARD 45 RESOURCES

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.

❄️ You Name a Snowplow — Chicago’s Favorite Winter Tradition Returns!

The Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation (DSS) is bringing back its fourth annual “You Name a Snowplow” contest, and residents are invited to get creative once again!

Submit your best snowplow name idea at Chicagoshovels.org by January 10, 2026. After submissions close, 25 finalists will be selected, and residents will vote for their favorites in February. The top six names will be featured on snowplows—one in each of Chicago’s six snow districts.

This fun, citywide contest highlights Chicago pride while celebrating the hardworking DSS crews who keep our streets safe all winter long.

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 

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

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

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

TBD

Beat 1622

Dunham Park

4638 N. Melvina

TBD

Beat 1623

16th District Police Station

5151 N. Milwaukee

TBD

Beat 1624

Portage Park

4100 N. Long

TBD

Beat 1731

Kilbourn Park

3501 N. Kilbourn

TBD

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.