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45th Ward News and Community Updates

Relevance: 1/10
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Summary

No zoning, development, housing, transit, or budget meetings or policy changes were highlighted in this issue. Alderman Jim Gardiner reported on the detention hearing related to the murder of firefighter Michael Altman, the postponement of funeral services, and the wake proceeding, while honoring the fallen firefighter with banners outside his office. Additional community updates included the return of the Jefferson Park Sunday Market, a business spotlight on Katherine Anne Confections, a new play at Edge of the Wood, beat meeting schedules, and various volunteer and resource opportunities for residents.

Email from Alderman Jim Gardiner

MESSAGE FROM ALDERMAN JIM GARDINER

Nora Altman gave birth to a baby daughter today. By God’s grace, both mom and baby are doing well.


Due to the delivery, funeral services for Michael Altman will be postponed until further notice. Our office will share updates as additional details become available.



Please note that the wake at St. Rita will proceed as scheduled this evening.

Proudly Serving,

Alderman Jim Gardiner

TOP STORIES

Banners were placed outside Alderman Gardiner’s office in honor of fallen

Chicago Firefighter Michael Altman.



Click here to watch Alderman Gardiner’s message honoring Firefighter Altman

Alderman Gardiner attended the detention hearing for the individual charged in connection with the murder of Chicago Firefighter Michael Altman and is providing an update following the proceedings.

 Watch the update from the detention hearing

A dome over Soldier Field? Architect throws ‘Hail Mary' to keep Bears in Chicago


FULL STORY HERE

FULL STORY HERE

Jefferson Park Sunday Market makes its return on Chicago’s Northwest Side


CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Katherine Anne Confections has become a true neighborhood gathering spot since opening its expanded space in 2023. More than a chocolate shop, it offers a cozy place for neighbors to connect over espresso drinks and house-made pastries, while enjoying a constantly rotating selection of sweets, truffles, and caramels. Beyond the treats, Katherine Anne Confections brings the community together through hands-on experiences like truffle-making classes, chocolate pairings, and seasonal events that make every visit feel special.


With Easter approaching, consider supporting this local favorite by picking up something sweet to share with family and friends.


3653 W. Irving Park Rd. 

773-245-3948

https://www.katherine-anne.com

Spring is in the air, and it’s the perfect time to support a local business. Be sure to visit The Catalina Plant Co., proudly serving the Jefferson Park community, and explore their handpicked selection of tropical plants, cacti, succulents, rare finds, and air plants.


Whether you're looking to brighten your home, add some greenery to your business, or pick out a thoughtful gift, stop in and see Chris—who is always happy to help neighbors find the perfect plant.


5920 W Lawrence Ave. 

312-476-9873

The Catalina Plant Co.

Congratulations to Face to Face!



Face to Face, located at 5683 N. Milwaukee Ave., has been named the Best of 2025 Jefferson Park Award Winner in the Facial Spa category, based on verified Google Reviews and certified by BusinessRate.


This recognition is well deserved and reflects the great care and service they provide to their clients every day. Thank you for continuing to be such a valued part of our community!

CHICAGO POLITICS

CHA Commissioner Debra Parker accused of defrauding the public housing agency


FULL STORY HERE

The 45th Ward offers its heartfelt condolences to the Gorman family and victims of preventable violence that plagues our city.


-Alderman Jim Gardiner


CLICK HERE TO WATCH ALDERMAN GARDINER'S SPEECH

What we know about the suspect in the killing of 18-year-old Loyola University Chicago student


FULL STORY HERE

Johnson Defends Proposal to Give Area Around United Center $55M Tax Break


FULL STORY HERE

Mayor Johnson’s administration undergoes major shake-up


FULL STORY HERE

Another high-level Chicago city official out amid major shakeup


FULL STORY HERE

FULL STORY HERE

Mayor Brandon Johnson vetoes bid to halt wage hikes for tipped workers in Chicago


FULL STORY HERE

FULL STORY HERE

FULL STORY HERE

FULL STORY HERE

82-year-old man beaten on CTA station stairs in South Loop


FULL STORY HERE

FULL STORY HERE

Trump admin steps up pressure on Illinois over CTA crime concerns


FULL STORY HERE

CTA brings in Cook County sheriff’s police to patrol trains as it looks to appease feds


FULL STORY HERE

THRIVING IN WARD 45

The Jeff Award-winning branch of Edge of the Wood returns with a new twist on William Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing directed by Resident Artist Herb Metzler.


Shakespeare’s modestly titled play is the forebear of Hollywood’s classic screwball comedies. Set in post-WWII America – and featuring period slang, references, and swing tunes – this production is a nostalgic homage both to the Bard and to the genre he inspired.


The 19-member acting ensemble from throughout Chicago includes Resident Artists R. Scott Purdy, Janet Rourke, Chris Toft, Adrienne Grove, and Stephen Oberhardt.


Performances run March 27-April 12.  For more information and to purchase tickets go to edgeofthewood.com.


Edgebrook Community Church

 6736 N Loleta Ave

Hosting a Clean & Green event in the 45th Ward? Our office is here to help.

Reach out to us at (773) 853-0799 or [email protected] for assistance in coordinating tools and resources for your clean-up.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

April 1st

Beat 1622

Dunham Park

4638 N. Melvina

April 8th

Beat 1623

16th District Police Station

5151 N. Milwaukee

March 31st

Beat 1731

Kilbourn Park

3501 N. Kilbourn

April 2nd

Beat 1624

Portage Park

4100 N. Long

April 22nd

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

APPLY HERE

DETAILS HERE

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]


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