Electricity Costs; Restaurant Week

Hi neighbors,

In last week’s newsletter, I shared that Catholic Charities was planning to close the North Center senior satellite center on March 31st. Thanks in large part to the advocacy of hundreds of neighbors, Catholic Charities is changing course: several days ago, it publicly committed to for the “foreseeable future.” 

While I’m heartened that the center will stay open past March, many unanswered questions remain. What does “foreseeable future” mean, and could Catholic Charities simply close the center later this year or next year? Will all the services that are currently available remain in place? And will all seniors be able to access the center, even if they don’t live at St. Vincent DePaul, the Martha Washington, or one of the other senior buildings at the North Center Senior Campus. I will be meeting with leadership from Catholic Charities early next week and will keep you updated.

On Wednesday, the City Council approved two police misconduct settlements totalling $23 million. One of the settlements concerned misconduct allegations relating to protests that took place in the summer of 2020 following the murder of George Floyd, and the second related to an unauthorized car chase that killed a bystander. The City Council also debated but ultimately declined to vote on an ordinance codifying CPD’s existing ability to issue a dispersal declaration in response to illegal gatherings including, but not limited to, disruptive youth gatherings.

In addition, the City Council instituted regulations for intoxicating hemp products that include a 21 year old age limit for purchase. Beginning in April, intoxicating hemp products will only be available for purchase at existing cannabis dispensaries (for edibles) or businesses that are permitted to sell alcohol (for beverages). Topical creams, ointments, and pet products are exempt from these place-of-purchase regulations. 

I hope you all have an enjoyable weekend. If you or someone you know is struggling to stay warm, please note that the City is operating across our ward and beyond—including our park district field houses, police district stations, senior centers, and nearby Truman College.

Finally, my office is hosting a town hall to discuss and what we can do in response next Thursday the 29th at 6pm at Sulzery Library. And the day before, on Wednesday the 28th at 6pm at Martyrs’ (3855 N Lincoln Ave), we’ll be , who will be leaving our office after seven years of phenomenal service to our community. Feel free to swing by and wish him well!

Yours in service,

Ald Matt Martin

Petition: Save the Northcenter Senior Center

The Northcenter Senior Center is at risk of closing. Last week, Catholic Charities placed flyers on residents door informing them that the senior center will be closing in March.

After a public outpouring of support, they say they'll continue to operate the center without city funding, but without any details.

Please continue to sign our petition to keep the Senior Center open.

Meet the Alderman

Thursday, February 19th

Want to chat with the Alderman about a neighborhood issue? Happenings at City Hall? Or just want to get more involved in your community?

You're invited to schedule a 10 minute appointment with the Alderman during our upcoming Ward Night.

Please note that the Alderman will not meet about zoning changes during ward night.

Chicago Restaurant Week

Until Sunday, February 8th

Chicago Restaurant Week is underway until February 8th. This 17-day celebration of Chicago’s award-winning dining scene is one of the most anticipated culinary events of the year.

This year, diners can enjoy special prix fixe menus at a record-breaking 550+ restaurants across the city, including local favorites like Il Milanese, Tala House, and Kraken Sushi.

Taste of Ravenswood

Friday, February 6th



Enjoy a night sampling Ravenswood's top restaurants, brewers, and spirit makers for a fantastic, one-night-a-year experience. The Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce is bringing you the neighborhood's top restaurants, brewers, and spirit makers for a fantastic, one-night-a-year experience.

Each chef will offer dishes that highlight the range of flavors you can find in Ravenswood, and each brewery/distillery will be pouring drinks that are made right here in our beautiful neighborhood. You can use the promo code TASTE26 to get $5 off your tickets.

Coffee & Cocoa Crawl

Saturday, February 7th

The Andersonville Coffee & Hot Cocoa Crawl returns as a part of Fika Fest! Each route invites you to explore specialty offerings that may include coffee, hot cocoa, bakery items, and more!

Folks are encouraged to drop off puzzles during the check in for the Great Andersonville Puzzle Exchange, happening at the Swedish American Museum on the following day, February 8. Stop by 5706 N Clark during your trip to pick up your favorite boxes of Girl Scout Cookies!

Apply: Affordable Housing in Lakeview

New affordable apartments in Lakeview are available for lease for certain income eligible individuals.

• 2 Bed/2 Bath - 3431 N Ashland - Call 312-883-5503
• Multiple 2 Bed/2 Bath - 3605 N Ravenswood - 773-290-1053

You can find information about the rents and eligibility for the Ashland unit in the flyer attached.

These units were made available through ARO program, which requires a certain percentage of new units in large developments be designated as affordable.

Avoid the Fee: Get Your REAL ID

Beginning on February 1st, airline travelers who do not have REAL ID-compliant identification will be required to pay a $45 penalty before boarding a domestic flight. To make it easier for Illinoisans to get a REAL ID, the Secretary of State's office is:

• Offering new Saturday walk-in hours at the downtown REAL ID Supercenter (191 N Clark) from 8 AM to 4 PM
• Adding 500+ Saturday appointments to 15 Chicago and suburban DMV facilities already open on Saturdays from 7:30 AM to 12 PM

Summer Civic Internships for Graduating High School Seniors

The Mikva Challenge Summer Fellows places youth into paid summer fellowship positions in the offices of city, county, state and federal lawmakers for 30 hours a week, for 6 weeks between June and August. 

Fellows are paid $17 per hour and participate in a Mikva professional development cohort.

Loba Pastry 10 Year Anniversary

Sunday, February 1st

Celebrate 10 years of Loba Pastry + Coffee with a preview of Loba’s upcoming aperitivo offerings, plus oysters from their friends at Motorshucker and DJ sets.

Andersonville Health and Wellness Open House

Saturday, January 24th

The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce (ACC) presents its inaugural Explore and Restore: A Health, Wellness and Service Open House on Saturday, January 24, 2026 from 10 am – 2 pm throughout the neighborhood’s historic business district.

From physical and mental health to home design, financial planning, downsizing and self-care, Explore & Restore is an opportunity to connect with local businesses, ask questions and explore new ways to care for yourself and your space in 2026.

Resources for Businesses

• Uptown Social Media Mastery, January 26th,
• Small Business Taxes 101, February 9th,
• Northcenter SSA #38 Rebate Programs,

Safety

Public Meeting: Officer Wellness

Wednesday, January 28th

This month’s 19th District Council meeting will focus on officer wellness, featuring a conversation with Dr. Robert Sobo and the 19th District clinician, as well as 25th District Council Member Angelica Green, who will share efforts she is leading to better support officers by addressing the high suicide rates within CPD and lessons from other cities.

Mobile Crisis Team for Mental Health Crises

Experiencing a mental health crisis? Be prepared in case you or someone you know needs immediate support. Lutheran Social Service's Mobile Crisis Team offers free, confidential help 24/7 and can come to you anywhere on Chicago’s north and northwest sides.

Call 833-610-5774 (press 1) to speak with a trained professional who can help guide next steps. If your business or organization would like crisis cards to share—or if you’d like one for yourself—please contact [email protected] to arrange a drop-off.

Survey: Better Buses on Western Ave

This past fall, as part of the Bus Priority Corridor Study, CTA and CDOT held three in-person public meetings and an online webinar to introduce the public to bus priority concepts for the following corridors:

• Pulaski Road (from Peterson to 87th)
• Western Avenue (from Howard to 79th)
• Cottage Grove Avenue (from 35th to 115th)
• Fullerton Avenue (from Grand/Nordica to Halsted)
• 55th Street/Garfield Boulevard (from Cicero to S. Hyde Park)

Understanding that not everyone was able to join one of these meetings, they are collecting additional community feedback through an interactive, online activity that gives a brief overview of the project and invites participants to weigh in on a few key questions.

Native Gardens Workshop

Thursday, February 5th

Do you want to beautify the neighborhood and help us fight climate change and the loss of biodiversity? Plant a native garden with the support of the Ravenswood Neighbors Association! 

Due to popularity of the program, there is a waitlist, and for the first time, they'll be offering info sessions! Please RSVP for one of the sessions. Priority for planting a garden in 2026 will be given to those who attend a session. 

• Thursday, Feb. 5 (7am-8:30pm) at All Saints Church, 1757 W Wilson
• Saturday, Feb. 21 (10am-11:30am – location TBD 

New: Soft Plastics Recycling with WasteNot

WasteNot has launched a new soft plastic recycling service for businesses and organizations in Chicago. This program accepts soft plastics that cannot go in Chicago’s standard recycling bins.

Winnslie Parkway Garden Presentation for Seniors

Wednesday, January 28th

Join the Levy Senior Center for a talk about the Winnslie Parkway Garden and the role of urban green space in Chicago neighborhoods.

Mark Weber will share plans for expanding the parkway south from Ainslie to Lawrence Avenue, tripling its length and creating a continuous half-mile garden corridor from Lawrence to Foster by connecting with Christy Gardens. Construction is expected to resume in spring 2026.

Upcoming Weeks

• Tattler Post Burger Night, January 23rd,
• Utility Town Hall, January 29th,
• Alcohol-Free Cocktail Tasting Event, January 29th,
• Bands for Bell, January 30th,
• Catholic School Mass Honoring Veterans, January 30th,
• Fundraiser Benefiting Artists with Disabilities at Martyr's, February 5th,
• Taste of Ravenswood, February 6th,
• National Girls in Sports Day, February 7th,
• Coffee and Cocoa Crawl, February 7th,
• Lunar New Year, February 21st,
• Black History Month at Music Box Theatre, February 23rd,

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: