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48th WARD NEWS: JUNE 4, 2026
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Dear Neighbors,
You asked and we’re delivering! Due to ridership demand and as part of my office’s priority to increase access and connectivity throughout our neighborhoods and commercial corridors, we’re working with the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) to install 12 new Divvy stations throughout the 48th Ward! Thank you to the many 48th Ward neighbors who have engaged with our office on this topic.
We’re adding the following stations:
- Kenmore & Catalpa (estimated for July)
- Winthrop & Ardmore (estimated for July)
- Kenmore & Granville
- Broadway & Glenlake
- Clark & Catalpa
- Clark & Berwyn (adding capacity within the existing station’s footprint)
- Glenwood & Ardmore
- Glenwood & Devon
- Lakefront Trail North Trailhead at Hollywood Beach
- Foster Beach
These stations were recently installed in May:
- Winthrop & Sheridan
- Winthrop & Bryn Mawr
Getting bikes off of Sheridan Road sidewalks is a public safety priority for me and my team. We are advocating for geofencing Sheridan Road to prevent illegal cycling on our sidewalks. Geofencing technology slows electric scooters and bikes, eventually bringing them to a halt after they leave the service zone. If the geofencing along Sheridan Road is approved, Lime scooters, and Divvy bikes would not be able to operate when they reach the Sheridan Road sidewalks.
We are also working on adding more bike racks to Hollywood and Foster beaches. More on those projects coming soon!
Yours in community,
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Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth
48th Ward Alderwoman
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The 48th Ward is rich in LGBTQ+ history and culture. As the first queer Filipina to serve on the Chicago City Council, I'm honored to continue this proud tradition of queer joy and celebration, especially during June. Now more than ever, it's important that we come together in community and solidarity to push back against anyone who would have us keep our true colors hidden. We are a ward that loves and respects our neighbors, and rejects hate in all its many forms. Pick up one of these "no hate in 48" signs for your business or residence for free at the 48th Ward office while supplies last. Read more about the Chi vs. Hate Ordinance here.
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Vivent Health + TPAN Advocacy Town Hall
- When: Thursday, June 4 at 5pm
- Where: 5537 N Broadway
- Register online.
Join community members, public health professionals, elected officials, and more for a town hall to discuss the impact of health funding cuts and policy changes, then stay for light refreshments and fellowship. On Friday, join neighbors for a candlelight vigil for people impacted by these policy changes at 7:30pm at the AIDS Garden (3003 N Lakefront Trail).
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Celebrate Pride with Chicago Public Libraries
Chicago Public Library is thrilled to celebrate LGBTQIA+ Pride Month through events, book recommendations, exhibits, and more that honor all aspects of queer life, history and culture. Be a part of this Pride Month by attending a Drag Story Time, watching an LGBTQIA+ movie screening or picking up one of the beautiful coloring pages available at every branch. Click here to view all events, programs, and book recommendations, or see a list of 48th Ward events below.
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Celebrate Pride with the Chicago Park District
This June, the Chicago Park District is reaffirming its commitment to fostering a culture of respect, equity, and support for LGBTQIA+ individuals. Join them at an upcoming event to listen, learn, uplift, and come together in advocacy.
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Peirce Pride Parade
Thanks to the entire Peirce Elementary community for inviting us to kick-off Pride Month with them in style! These incredible students marched with signs showcasing the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community and reminding us that everyone is deserving of our respect, regardless of their identity. Thanks to the students, teachers, faculty, and parents, who came together for this celebration!
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DEVELOPMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE
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Emanuel Congregation / Fern Hill - Development Feedback Opportunity & Meeting Recap
On May 28, Ald. Manaa-Hoppenworth hosted a second community meeting to give neighbors the opportunity to hear directly from Emanuel Congregation and Fern Hill regarding revisions to the proposed redevelopment of the synagogue at 5948, 5965, and 5959 N Sheridan. Proposed plans can be viewed here and feedback may be submitted via our online feedback form until Friday, June 12.
Ald. Manaa-Hoppenworth and her staff welcomed neighbors and reviewed the aldermanic zoning change request process. We also reviewed the Planned Development process that this project must undergo if it is approved by the Alderwoman to move forward. The presentation slides can be viewed here. Andrew Degenholtz, Co-President of Emanuel Congregation, provided context for the proposed project. More project context can be found on Emanuel's website. Nick Anderson from Fern Hill Company and architect Jacob Wahler from Eckenhoff Saunders presented revisions to the proposed project based on community feedback received to date. See the presentation slides here.
After the presentation, the room was opened up for questions and discussion via an open house with presentation boards at each corner of the room.The open house format allowed for conversations and opportunities to directly ask questions of the development team and the 48th Ward office.
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Development Feedback Opportunity: 4940-42 N Sheridan
Feedback is open for a proposed zoning change from B3-2 to B2-3 at 4940-42 N Sheridan to allow for the conversion of this 2-story building’s ground-floor retail space into 6 residential units. The building has 7 existing residential units on the second floor. The ground-floor retail space has sat vacant for several years. Learn more on our blog and submit feedback here. Feedback for this project will close on Friday, June 12.
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Updates on Legalizing Coach Houses and Granny Flats
In September last year, Alderwoman Manaa-Hoppenworth voted alongside fellow City Councilmembers to legalize coach houses and granny flats citywide in all multi-family districts (RT and RM zoning) and commercial districts (B and C zoning). The updated ADU program also includes certain single-family residential districts (RS zoning) that have opted in.
The ordinance went into effect April 1 this year, expanding and making permanent an existing pilot program that the 48th Ward has been a part of since 2020. Over 55 homeowners have applied for ADUs in the 48th Ward since the pilot program began in 2020, with 5 applications already in the pipeline since the ADU program expansion went into effect in April. We’re proud to support this initiative that adds more diverse housing options to our neighborhoods. Find out if you’re eligible for an ADU by going to the newly updated City of Chicago ADU webpage.
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Visit the New Senn Nature Play Space
This week we cut the ribbon on the Senn Nature Play Space, one of our 2024 Participatory Budgeting winners! This project was designed by kids, for kids, and championed by Families Together Cooperative Nursery School based on the belief that children should have the opportunity for spontaneous, self-guided nature-based fun!
The moment the ribbon was cut, all the kids in attendance rushed onto the playlot to try out the mud kitchen, practice balancing on tree stumps and branches, and explore the open-roof fort. Each Nature Play Space in the city is unique to its community, and this one is no different. We look forward to seeing it continue to grow and change as future generations of kids leave their marks.
We want to extend a big thank you to Nature Play Specialist Sean for putting so much care and attention into this project and to all of the 48th Ward neighbors who advocated for its funding.
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Welcome Garuda!
We were honored to help cut the ribbon at Garuda Indonesian Authentic Streetfood, now open at 1046 W Argyle in Uptown! Garuda brings the rich and diverse flavors of Indonesia to your table. From traditional street food to comforting classics, every dish is crafted with authentic spices and served with passion and pride.
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Welcome Back Dulce de Leche!
Dulce de Leche is back at 1127 W Bryn Mawr! Stop by to say hello and pick up your old favorite or try one of their new summer refreshers!
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Submit Requests and Stay Informed with 311 and ChiStreetWork
For non-emergency city service requests, file a 311 report online, through the app, or by dialing 3-1-1. You can also search for and follow along with local city projects at chistreetwork.chicago.gov.
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CTA Survey for Riders with Disabilities
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) wants to hear from riders with disabilities about their experiences on transit. Click here to give your feedback. Participants can earn a chance to win up to $500 in prizes. The survey closes Monday, June 15.
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FY2027 Budget Engagement Roundtable
- When: Saturday, June 6 at 9am
- Where: Truman College (1145 W Wilson)
- Register online.
We want to hear from you! Join us at an upcoming FY2027 Budget roundtable to speak directly with city officials and share which services matter most to you, what programs should be prioritized, and where spending can be realigned. Free city resource fairs will be held prior to each event to give residents the opportunity to meet with staff from city departments and explore available services.
Building safe and affordable communities requires meaningful partnership with the people who call our city home. Register here or fill out an online survey here.
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Edgewater Yard Sale
Shop over 200 households, group sites, and business yard and sidewalk sales; you never know what treasures you will find! Participating households and businesses will be found between Foster/Clark/Devon/Sheridan. Don’t miss out on this long-running Edgewater tradition. Proceeds benefit Care for Real.
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Edgewater Satellite Senior Center June Calendar
The Edgewater Satellite Senior Center located at 5917 N Broadway is open Monday through Friday offering entertainment, fitness, resources, hot lunch, and more! Come by to take a yoga class, play board games with neighbors, or enjoy a meal. Call the center at 312-742-5323 with any questions.
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Edgewater Monday Market
- When: Mondays, June 1 - September 28
- Where: Broadway & Thorndale
- Learn more online.
Chicago’s ONLY Monday farmers market, featuring a diverse lineup of more than 40 vendors, is back! Stop by the Broadway Armory Parking lot to shop from over 40 local vendors. This coming Monday, June 8, come see our team at the 48th Ward table where we'll be chatting with neighbors and taking service requests.
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Join Us at Midsommarfest 2026!
Midsommarfest is an annual celebration of Swedish tradition in Chicago that takes place in the Andersonville neighborhood. It began as a parade in the 1960's and is now one of the most beloved street festivals in the city. This year, it returns to Clark between Foster and Gregory on June 12-14. Find tickets and more information online here. While you're there, come visit our team at the 48th Ward table.
Please note that the following streets will be closed Thursday, June 11 at 10am until Monday, June 15 at 6am:
- Catalpa West from Clark to Ashland
- Balmoral West from Clark to to alley
The following streets will be closed Thursday, June 11 at 11:59pm until Monday, June 15 at 6am:
- Clark Street from Foster to Gregory
- East side of Farragut from Clark to alley
- Berwyn East and West from Clark to alley
- Summerdale East and West from Clark to alley
- Balmoral East from Clark to alley
- Rascher East from Clark to alley
- Catalpa East from Clark to alley
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HomeGrown Purchase Assistance Program Opens June 8
The HomeGrown Purchase Assistance Program aims to help low and moderate-income Chicagoans achieve homeownership by providing direct financial support. The HomeGrown program will provide up to $70,000 in forgivable grants to eligible homebuyers who purchase a 1-2 unit home in Chicago. Applications for the HomeGrown program will open on Monday, June 8. Learn more about eligibility and how to apply here.
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Free Teen YMCA Memberships
Did you know that Chicago teens age 12-18 can get a free summer YMCA membership? The Get Summer Program is a new city partnership that aims to expand access to safe, welcoming spaces where young people can stay active, build community, and forge lasting connections while enjoying positive opportunities throughout the summer. Qualifying youth in the city with existing YMCA memberships will receive complementary memberships during July and August. Learn more online.
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Read the Chicago Park District's 2025-2030 Strategic Plan
Throughout 2025, neighbors from throughout the city have shared their vision for the future of our city’s public park spaces. At over 100 hours of town halls, focus groups and community meetings and through interviews and surveys, more than 10,000 Chicagoans let the district know what they’d like to see in their community's parks.
The Chicago Park District used this public feedback, along with Parks staff input, to craft a new strategic plan that will act as its North Star for the next five years, 2025-2030. The strategic plan consists of a new mission and vision, along with refreshed values and goals. Read it online here.
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Lakefront Parking Restrictions June 4-5
The Chicago Police Department has informed our office of large youth gatherings planned for Foster Beach on June 4 and 5, 2026. Out of an abundance of caution, parking restrictions will be in place along the lakefront from Lawrence to Foster on June 4 and June 5 from 2pm-10pm, and the Dusable Lake Shore Drive off-ramps at Lawrence and Foster will be closed. “No Parking” signs will be posted. If your vehicle is towed, call 311. CTA buses are expected to operate on their usual routes. Neighbors can expect an increased police presence in the area.
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Senn High School Pedestrian Safety Investments
Our office has secured $1.4 million in funding for pedestrian safety improvements at Senn High School and the neighboring streets. This project was a close collaboration between the 48th Ward office, the Senn High School administration, neighbors, and the Complete Streets team at the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT). 48th Ward neighbors voted to allocate $250,000 towards a raised intersection at Ardmore and Glenwood as part of Participatory Budgeting 2024.
The work will begin as soon as Friday, June 5. The improvements include the following:
- Raised intersection at Thorndale and Glenwood
- Raised intersection at Ardmore and Glenwood
- Bump-outs at Glenwood and Rosedale
- Raised cross-walk at Greenview and Thorndale
During construction, the intersections will be closed and a detour set up. Temporary “No Parking” signs will be periodically installed as required. Learn more on our blog.
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Bryn Mawr / Sheridan Water Main Update
The Department of Water Management (DWM) is replacing the water main along the north side of Bryn Mawr from Kenmore to Sheridan and along the west side of Sheridan from Bryn Mawr to Foster. This project is a $2.8 million investment to replace water main pipes that are over 120 years old. The project is still in Phase 1 along Bryn Mawr between Kenmore and Sheridan. Work on the Sheridan water main has not yet started.
The contractor has stopped working on site along Bryn Mawr due to utility conflicts. The Dept. of Water Management (DWM) is currently working with the design team to formalize a change in location of the new water main along Bryn Mawr. DWM anticipates resuming work as soon as the design change is complete, and the design change is currently estimated to be complete by the end of the week.
“No Parking” signs will be posted on both sides of the street during construction hours (7am-4pm). Parking will be allowed outside of work hours and on weekends. Local traffic may be limited during work hours due to staging of trucking and the movements of other machinery needed to perform the work. No permanent lane closures or water shutdowns are anticipated at this time.
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Sheridan Resurfacing Meeting Recap
The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) is resurfacing Sheridan between Montrose and Foster to fix the wear and tear on the street. This project incorporates pedestrian safety improvements including curb extensions to increase pedestrian safety and visibility at intersections and paint-and-post bump outs at T-intersections for traffic calming. Last week, we hosted a public meeting with CDOT and the 46th Ward to go over construction details and timelines. Click here to review the meeting slides.
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48th Ward alley apron after resurfacing
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Concrete Schedule
The following concrete work is scheduled for June 2026 (weather permitting).
Sidewalk Repairs: Over the last three years, we have increased sidewalk repairs by 11%. During Participatory Budgeting, neighbors voted to allocate an extra $100,000 towards sidewalk repairs; we will be working with Access Living and Project Sidewalk to identify and implement additional repairs. The following sidewalk repairs are scheduled for June 2026 (weather permitting).
- 4910 N Sheridan
- 4920-4922 N Winthrop
- 4949 N Broadway
- 5255-5257 N Magnolia
- 5210-5220 N Glenwood
- 5334 N Wayne
- 5333-5339 N Wayne
- 5352 N Lakewood
- 5515 N Wayne
- 5431 N Lakewood
Bump Outs: Neighbors near Foster and Wayne raised safety concerns about this intersection, which led to a traffic study, and the recommendation of bump outs at Foster & Wayne. 48th Ward neighbors voted to fund this project during Participatory Budgeting 2025. Construction is expected in June 2026.
Alley Aprons
- 1341 W Catalpa
- 1329 W Berwyn
Curb & Gutter
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CTA Construction Activity Notices
Please review the following construction notices from the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). To sign up for alerts near you, click here.
ALLEY CLOSURES
Alley east of 5657 N Broadway from Hollywood to Bryn Mawr
- Monday, June 1 - Monday June 8
- Work Activity: Alley Reconstruction
East of the tracks from Ardmore to Thorndale
- Friday, May 29 - Monday, June 15 (weekdays)
- Work Activity: Embankment Fencing Installation
East of the tracks from Hollywood to Ardmore
- Friday, May 29 - Monday June 15 (weekdays)
- Work Activity: Mountable Curb Install
SIDEWALK CLOSURES
Bryn Mawr Ave near the CTA station
- Friday, May 29 - Monday, June 8 (weekdays)
- Work Activity: Alley Apron & Sidewalk Reconstruction
Broadway & Hollywood
- Friday, May 29 - Tuesday, June 10 (weekdays)
- Work Activity: Sidewalk Reconstruction
- Bus Impacts: Bus stop will be relocated to North of the intersection at Hollywood.
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2026 Construction Blog
It's construction season! See the image above or visit our blog here to review construction projects planned for the 48th Ward in 2026. Note that dates are subject to change. Have a question about one of the projects listed? Call us at 773-784-5277 or send an email to [email protected]. You can also search for and track the progress of local projects via ChiStreetWork.
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Beach Safety Reminders
It's beach season! Stay safe by paying attention to the Flag Warning System, staying near lifeguards, swimming in groups, and following other beach safety guidelines from the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC).
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20th District Council Monthly Meeting
- When: Monday, June 8 at 6pm
- Where: Japanese American Service Committee (5700 N Lincoln)
- No RSVP required.
Are you interested in public safety? Looking for a way to get involved in community safety initiatives? Attend your next local district council meeting and join the conversation! Each district council is made up of three people elected by their community to build stronger relationships with police. The more people who participate in this vital community policing process, the more effective it can be. Thank you for working with us to build a safe and healthy neighborhood where we can all thrive.
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Volunteer & Employment Resource Fair
- When: Tuesday, June 9 from 9:30am-1:30pm
- Where: NE Levy Senior Center (2019 W Lawrence)
- No RSVP required
Are you an older adult wanting to share your special skills or needing to find volunteer/employment opportunities due to recent SNAP changes? If so, visit this volunteer and employment resource fair! Obtain information, resources, and giveaways from various vendors. Box lunches will be provided at a $2 suggested donation.
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CIRR Immigration Briefing
- When: Tuesday, June 9 at 1pm
- Where: Virtual
- Register online.
The Chicago City Council’s Committee on Immigration & Refugee Rights (CIRR) invites you to join this monthly Immigration Briefing virtual series to ensure we all understand the changes to immigration law occurring at the federal level and their practical effects on Chicagoans. This meeting will cover changes that may be brought by presidential actions, congressional actions, federal agency policy changes, and judicial actions. We know that immigration issues are broad and often complicated to understand so we’re partnering with immigration attorneys to provide insight.
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Train the Trainer: Emergency Family Planning
- When: Wednesday, June 1 from 12-1pm
- Where: Virtual
- Register online.
This training on the Family Emergency Plan is designed to empower city aldermanic staff, organizations, and other advocates to help immigrant families develop emergency care plans for their children. The session will focus on the importance of having a family emergency plan, how to make a plan, and which documents are considered important.
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Park Cleanups and Support for Unhoused Neighbors
Our office continues to work closely with the Department of Streets and Sanitation (DSS), the Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS), and the Chicago Park District, and community partners to support compassionate, coordinated responses to encampments, litter, and debris in public spaces.
In June, there are four cleanups planned for lakefront areas in and near the 48th Ward including at the East and West Meadows and Margate Park. These efforts are part of a broader city process that pairs cleaning efforts with outreach and service coordination. Through ongoing work with DFSS and outreach partners, 140+ individuals have been placed into housing in the 48th ward, with over 8 housed just this year.
Alderwoman Manaa-Hoppenworth is actively monitoring this issue including by personally attending cleanups and outreach efforts. Our office will continue working with City departments, the Park District, service providers, and neighbors to ensure these efforts are handled in a thoughtful, consistent, and proactive way. Visit our blog to learn more about our approach and to find out how you can get involved.
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Letter of Support for Fair Compensation of CPS Lunchworkers
Ald. Manaa-Hoppenworth signed onto a letter urging the CEO of Chicago Public Schools (CPS) to provide better pay, adequate staffing, and improved overall working conditions for lunch workers who are currently the lowest paid employee group within CPS. Despite the magnitude and importance of this responsibility, staffing has been reduced significantly over time, placing an increased burden on the remaining workers. The result is increased stress, longer hours, and unsustainable workloads.
Students deserve fresh, nutritious meals prepared with care, not the bare minimum made possible by chronic understaffing. Fair compensation is not a luxury. It is a necessity. Investing in these workers is an investment in the health, dignity, and success of Chicago’s students. Read the full letter on our blog.
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CLICK HERE to opt in to receive occasional crime alerts from our office. If you're having trouble with this link, you can also opt in by re-subscribing HERE and checking the box at the bottom of the form. Doing so will not alter or double your existing newsletter subscription.
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CHECK OUT THE 48th WARD CALENDAR
Never miss an event! See the calendar on our website for more exciting things happening in the ward. Fill out this form to have your own event listed.
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WHERE IN THE WARD IS LENI?
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It’s block party season! Thank you to Edgewater Glen neighbors for the invite to the Edgewater Glen Summer Social. We enjoyed the bands, food truck, bouncy house, and more! A big shout out to all of the organizers who work hard to build community year round! To invite Leni to your summer event or block party, complete this form.
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The Edgewater Townhome Condo Association stopped by the office for a Fireside Chat with Leni. We had a great conversation about construction projects, lighting on Berwyn, Enterprise cars, and more! To invite Leni to a Fireside Chat with your building or condo association, use this form.
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Happy Birthday to Ruby Smith who turned 106 this year! Ruby holds the record for the oldest 48th Ward neighbor, and one of the oldest residents of the City of Chicago! We will be honoring Ruby Smith in city hall with a resolution. If you or a family member are turning 99 or more this year, let us honor you in city hall! Reach out to [email protected].
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We closed out AANHPI month with a day filled with art, food, music, community, and culture in the heart of Asia on Argyle. The event included live music from Ben Huynh (DJ), Kristofer & Friends, and the Greg Jung Jazz Trio, along with community activities, informational tables, interviews, and more. This event was a celebration of the creativity, entrepreneurship, and cultural contributions of AANHPI communities while supporting local artists, small businesses, and community organizations. A big shout out to HAIBAYÔ Cafe and all of the organizers!
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