4th of July; Kids Clothing Donations

Hi neighbors,

Recent severe storms in Chicago have underscored how important our Bureau of Forestry is. Earlier this week, I had an in-depth conversation with Jim Sheehan, the Deputy Commissioner in charge of the Bureau. Forestry crews are continuing to work at a feverish pace to remove all of the leftover branches, limbs, and stumps, and will be transitioning back to their normal, non-emergency work soon. We also discussed the Bureau’s new grid-based approach to inspecting and trimming trees, which has tripled the number of trees that the Bureau trims annually.

If you live in an older 2-flat or single family home in our community, there’s a good chance you have a lead service line. You should also know that the City offers free lead testing — all you need to do is request a lead-testing kit via 3-1-1. And if you request one, make sure you closely follow the direction to ensure you receive accurate results.

I hope you all have a cool and safe July 4th holiday weekend. Please note that our office will be closed tomorrow, July 3rd in observance of the holiday. If you’re looking for something to do, consider swinging by the North Center 4th of July Parade at the North Center Town Square on Saturday between 10am and 11am. 

Please take care not to set off fireworks without following the Fire Department’s precautions. Doing otherwise could cause fires that injure others, damage property, and leave pets feeling miserable. If you want something that involves fireworks, on Saturday at 10pm, officially sanctioned fireworks will be set off over Lake Michigan from Navy Pier. 

Finally, a long-time youth leader in our community, Ana “Rey” Lopez-Alcantar, was seriously injured in a recent car crash and has a very long road to recovery in front of them. I got to know Rey in 2019 when they joined our office’s inaugural Youth Council, where they provided passionate and thoughtful perspectives on a range of issues facing neighborhood youth. If you’re able, please consider supporting their long-term treatment and care.

Yours in service,

Ald Matt Martin

Office Closure. City of Chicago offices are closed on Friday, July 3rd in observance of the 4th of July. Please call 3-1-1 or email [email protected] to submit requests.

Clothing Donations: Winter in July

It's the hottest week of the year, but it's time to pull out your old, cozy winter clothes. We're getting a jump on winter by accepting new and gently used kids' winter gear.

Many young Chicagoans don't have access to the clothes they need to make it through the cold winter months. Here's a list of items we're accepting until the end of July:

• Kids Winter Coats
• Kids Snowpants
• Kids Waterproof Winter Boots
• Waterproof Gloves and Mittens
• Hats, Ear Warmers, and Balaclavas
• Scarves

Electronics Recycling and Shredding Day

Saturday, July 18th

Our office is hosting a Community Recycling Day with MWRD President Kari Steele's office on Saturday, July 18th from 9am-11am in the Northcenter Jewel Parking Lot (4250 N Lincoln).

We'll be accepting paper to shred, medicine, and electronics. There is no need to register, folks can simply show up.

Learn more

North Center 4th of July Parade

Saturday July 4th

Start off your 4th of July right! Decorate your bike, wagon, stroller or scooter and join the parade around the North Center Town Square!

After the parade, cool down by running through the Fire Hydrant Sprinkler and enjoy a refreshing Kona Ice treat! 

Learn more

Square Roots

July 10th - 12th

Square Roots brings together the best of Lincoln Square, Chicago, and beyond, with a great lineup of live music, family fun, local restaurants and vendors, local craft beer, cocktails and much more! Your gate donations support music scholarships, farmers markets, holiday decorations, street planters, artist residencies in public schools… and festivals like Square Roots!

Learn more

Movie in the Parks: Welles Park

Friday, July 10th

Pull up a lawn chair and enjoy a movie in the park! At Welles Park around sundown (or 9 PM), you can enjoy a free screening of Arco. In 2075, a girl discovers a mysterious boy from a distant future where time travel exists. As she shelters him, she helps him find his way back home in this poetic tale of childhood and imagination. The movie is in French with English subtitles.

Learn more

Leave the Fireworks to the Professionals

The Chicago Fire Department wants to remind everyone that fireworks are banned statewide, and that the City of Chicago also bans sparklers and bottle rockets. 

The injuries incurred every year range from minor burns to devastating and life-changing injuries that include loss of fingers, damage to eyes, and fatalities. 

Residents and visitors are encouraged to take advantage of the many fireworks shows put on by venues such as Navy Pier and countless professional displays in the area. Leave the fireworks to the professionals. 

Learn more

Donate: Venezuelan Earthquake Victims

This weekend, BienMeSabe (1637 W Montrose) is collecting essential supplies to support families affected by the recent earthquake in Venezuela. If you’re able, please stop by and drop off any of the requested items, including first aid supplies, non-perishable food, and hygiene items.

Learn more

North Center Summer Concert Series

Starts July 8th

The Northcenter Chamber of Commerce's annual Summer Concert Series returns in 2026! Join us for free music and fun on Wednesday nights at the North Center Town Square. Bring a chair, invite your neighbors, and get to know some new ones every week!

Learn more

Makers at the Market

Thursdays in July

Makers at the Market returns this summer as a curated outdoor marketplace featuring local artists, makers, and creative entrepreneurs alongside the beloved Lincoln Square Farmers Market. It's the perfect opportunity to discover one-of-a-kind finds while supporting small businesses and independent creators.

Learn more

Lost Language Sauna Moving

Current Location Closes after July 3rd

Lost Language Sauna in Ravenswood is moving to a new home in the neighborhood. As they're building out their brick and mortar, they are leaving their current location and their last day will be Friday, July 3rd. You can learn more about their move below.

Learn more

Resources

Workforce

• Social Services Career Trainee, Learn more
• Cook County Assessor Hiring, Learn more
• Greater West Town Job Training, Learn more

Listening Session: Green Infrastructure

Join neighbors to discuss and provide feedback on the city's Green Infrastructure Strategy. Once finalized, the plan will use our natural systems to manage stormwater more effectively to reduce the burden on traditional sewer systems and mitigate urban flooding.

RSVP

Movie Night: The Plastic Detox

Monday, July 27th

Join us on Monday, July 27, at Sulzer Library for an evening exploring the growing science behind microplastics and their impacts on human health and fertility. We'll watch selected clips from Netflix's The Plastic Detox, followed by a panel discussion with scientific experts who will explain the latest research and answer your questions.

This event is part of Plastic-Free July and is presented in partnership with Organizing Plastic Alternatives (OPA).

RSVP

Chicago Climate Week

July 18th-25th

Chicago Climate Week is coming to Chicagoland July 18–25, 2026. As Chicago's first community-led, distributed Climate Week, it brings together events hosted by nonprofits, businesses, universities, community groups, government agencies, and residents across the region. Whether you're climate-curious or deeply involved in the space, Chicago Climate Week offers opportunities to learn, connect, celebrate, and take action.

Learn more

Firefighter for a Day

Firefighter for a Day is a free, hands-on career exposure program designed to introduce youth and young adults to careers in fire service, including opportunities as firefighters and paramedics.

Participants can expect to:

• Use fire service tools and equipment
• Engage with virtual reality fire service training equipment
• Learn hands-only CPR and Stop the Bleed basics
• Learn about Narcan and emergency response awareness
• Ask questions and connect directly with firefighters and paramedics

Learn more

Scam Alert: Fake Charity Fundraising

Scammers are approaching individuals and claim to be raising money for charity, youth sporting events, gun violence victims, and for funeral expenses. They ask for a small donation, and once they have your phone, they charge thousands more than you intended to give. Do not hand your phone to someone you don't know, and if you choose to donate, review the amount before confirming payment.

If you're a victim of this scam, please call 9-1-1 once it's safe to do so.

Western Brown Line Construction

CDOT continues addressing their final touches required for project completion in the plaza and surrounding area.

CTA's work on the Western Brown Line Station and bus turnaround are progressing as scheduled. CTA's construction in the bus turnaround is projected to finish by mid-July, with final touch ups completed thereafter.

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Ashland Resurfacing

The bulk of the Ashland Arterial Resurfacing project is nearing completion ahead of schedule! To date, all concrete work including curb, gutter, and sidewalk replacements have been completed. Medians have also been installed. 

CDOT installed the first layer of asphalt in early June and has been working to complete all necessary patches and utility structure adjustments prior to the installation of the second layer of asphalt. Though originally scheduled to be complete by the end of July, the construction team has informed us that the second layer of resurfacing will start ahead of schedule by the end of next week and should be completed, weather permitting, by mid July.

Once CDOT has installed the second layer of asphalt, they will work on pavement markings, signage, raised crosswalks, concrete bus pads, and will sod impacted parkways. We anticipate that these finishing touches will be complete by the end of August. 

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This Year: Upcoming Projects

• Water Main Replacement near Leavitt and Lawrence
• People's Gas Projects on Greenview from Roscoe to Grace

This Week

• Northcenter 4th of July Parade, July 4th, Learn more
• Winnemac for All 4th of July, July 4th, Learn more

Next Weekend

• Southport Arts Festival, July 10th-12th, Learn more
• Square Roots, July 10th-12th, Learn more
• Movie at Welles Park, July 10th, Learn more
• TGNC Family Beach Day, July 12th, Learn more
• Andersonville Vintage Market, July 12th, Learn more
• Graceland West Garden Walk, July 12th, Learn more

Future Weeks

• Paint Bouquets & Sips, July 17th, Learn more
• Paper and Electronics Recycling, July 18th, Learn more
• Greater Rockwell Garden Walk, July 18th, Learn more
• Ravenswood on Tap, July 18th-19th, Learn more
• Queen of Angels: Let's Play, July 18th, Learn more
• Fulton Market Grand Prix (Volunteers Needed), July 26th, Learn more
• Feel Good Fest, August 8th, Learn more

Community Job Boards

Looking to work locally? Many of our local chambers of commerce offer job boards to help highlight openings at local businesses. Find more information at the following links:

• Andersonville
• Lakeview/Roscoe Village
• Lincoln Square/Ravenswood
• Northcenter
• Greater Ravenswood