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Reminder: 45th Ward News and Community Updates

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Summary

Alderman Jim Gardiner’s 45th Ward newsletter focuses on summer safety reminders and ongoing Chicago Police investigation efforts tied to a criminal sexual assault case in Portage Park; it also promotes local community events, including a “Support the Police Rally.” It also directs residents to resources for infrastructure help (via the ward office and ChiStreetWork) and provides ward beat meeting dates for public safety updates. Other major items are citywide/civic announcements such as Illinois lawmakers approving a bill limiting students’ cell phone use in class, and a local business/community support roundup (e.g., YMCA free memberships for teens, a church repurposing proposal for a new high school, and a food pantry relocation).

Email from Alderman Jim Gardiner

MESSAGE FROM ALDERMAN JIM GARDINER

With the school year coming to a close, I want to wish all of our students, teachers, and families a safe and enjoyable summer.



Take time to enjoy our parks, libraries, community events, and everything that makes the 45th Ward a great place to live. As you do, please remember to stay alert, follow traffic and pedestrian safety rules, wear helmets when biking or scootering, and look out for one another.


Enjoy your well-deserved break, make great memories, and have a wonderful summer!

Proudly Serving,

Alderman Jim Gardiner

TOP STORIES

The 45th ward will continue to work closely with the Chicago Police Department until an individual is arrested and convicted of criminal sexual assault against two children in Portage Park.



Detectives are actively investigating all leads to attain our objective of bringing the perpetrator of this vile and disgusting act to justice.


Any information can be shared at 079correspondence@chicagopolice.org or

(312)492-3810 or Alderman Jim Gardiner at Ward45@cityofchicago.org or

(773)853-0799.

FULL STORY HERE

It was great to see the Northwest Side community come together in support of our first responders, especially our Police Officers.



Thank you to everyone who joined us for this year's Support the Police Rally and helped make it another successful event celebrating the men and women who work every day to keep our neighborhoods safe.

YMCA to give free memberships to Chicago teens during summer


FULL STORY HERE

Islamic Community Center of Illinois looking to buy former OLV church and convent to open new high school


FULL STORY HERE

Joined Hands Food Pantry moving from OLV in Jefferson Park to St. Bartholomew in Portage Park


FULL STORY HERE

45-year-old John Lang has been charged with sexually assaulting a woman in LaBagh Woods on Chicago's Northwest Side last weekend.

FULL STORY HERE

FULL STORY HERE

Congratulations to Angelo and Chris as our local favorite Bust Outs!


Located at Elston and Foster, Bust Outs has become known for its chef-inspired menu, Chicago-style favorites, specialty dogs, burgers, Italian beef, and creative “L”-themed sandwiches that celebrate Chicago’s neighborhoods and transit lines.



A big thank you to everyone who attended the Windy City Hot Dog Fest and supported our local businesses. Be sure to stop by Bust Outs and try the People’s Choice Award-winning hot dog for yourself!

The Peoples Champ Frank "The Tank" Wach, 72, showed up and showed out at this year's Six Corners Hot Dog Festival.

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Located in the heart of Portage Park, Uppie Yuppy is a family-owned business built by neighbors who wanted to create a safe, welcoming space for local children and families. Since opening in July 2023, Uppie Yuppy has become a popular gathering place where kids can play, learn, and stay active through inflatables, playrooms, and engaging classes. As Portage Park residents themselves, the owners are deeply committed to the neighborhood and take pride in providing a fun and safe environment where families can connect, celebrate, and create lasting memories together. Whether it's a day of play or a special celebration, Uppie Yuppy offers party packages for groups of all sizes, making it easy for local families to come together and enjoy memorable moments right here in the community.


4835 W Irving Park Rd.

773-986-4292

Home - uppieyuppy.com

For residents seeking trusted, family-friendly dental care close to home, Drs. Costis & Associates have been a valued part of the Gladstone Park community. The practice is dedicated to serving families and individuals with personalized, compassionate care.



The team at Drs. Costis & Associates believe that a healthy smile is an important part of overall wellness and takes pride in building lasting relationships with patients of all ages. By combining quality dental care with a warm and welcoming environment, they strive to help neighbors achieve and maintain healthy, confident smiles for years to come.


5456 N. Milwaukee

773-631-5693

CHICAGO POLITICS

Bears stadium saga now appears to be pointing straight toward Indiana


FULL STORY HERE

Treasurer’s study finds sprawling and ‘murky’ tax impacts from Illinois megaprojects plan to benefit Bears


FULL STORY HERE

Mayor's new human relations chair hopes to build bridges to Jewish community


FULL STORY HERE

FULL STORY HERE

Illinois lawmakers approve bill limiting students’ cell phone use in class


FULL STORY HERE

Who Is Flying With the Chicago Mayor’s Office?


Click the link to see the 45 guests traveling with the Chicago delegation to Rome for meetings with Pope Leo XIV.


CLICK HERE TO SEE THE 45 GUESTS

Mayor Johnson brushes off concerns on CTU dues defeat ahead of possible reelection campaign


FULL STORY HERE

Why I Voted No on the Ordinance: One Standard for All


CLICK HERE TO WATCH ALDERMAN GARDINER'S SPEECH AT CITY COUNCIL

Chicago police officer beaten, teeth knocked out in McKinley Park attack


FULL STORY HERE

FULL STORY HERE

Letters: Here’s how Chicago and the CTA can attract more bus riders


FULL STORY HERE

CPD Superintendent on teen takeovers: teens, parents must be held ‘accountable’


FULL STORY HERE

THRIVING IN WARD 45

Residents of the 45th Ward who need assistance with infrastructure-related concerns are encouraged to contact our office at (773) 853-0799 or ward45@cityofchicago.org.


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: ward45@cityofchicago.org

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.

Looking for a “SLOW DOWN” or “CLEAN UP AFTER YOUR DOG” sign?

Stop by the 45th Ward Office to pick one up.

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

Senior Services


The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services offers a wide range of programs and resources to support older adults across the city. Services are designed to meet the diverse needs of seniors—whether they are active and independent, living in long-term care facilities, or in need of additional assistance at home.



From wellness programs and social activities to home-delivered meals and in-home support, these services are focused on helping older adults maintain their independence, health, and quality of life.


CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

WARD 45 RESOURCES

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 City of Chicago is now accepting applications for its Community Development Grants (CDG) program, which supports local businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations with funding for projects that create jobs and strengthen our neighborhoods.


Small and Medium grant applications are open now, with a deadline of August 14, while Large grants are accepted on a rolling basis. Small grants can cover up to 75% of eligible project costs, with awards up to $250,000.


Interested applicants are encouraged to attend an informational webinar or review available resources before applying.



Click here for more information and to apply.

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

July 1st

Beat 1622

Dunham Park

4638 N. Melvina

June 10th

Beat 1623

16th District Police Station

5151 N. Milwaukee

June 30th

Beat 1731

Kilbourn Park

3501 N. Kilbourn

July 2nd

Beat 1624

Portage Park

4100 N. Long

June 24th

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

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


Harvest Christian Center Chicago Food Pantry

Address: 4020 N. Tripp Ave.

Phone:  773-685-4222

office@hccChicago.org

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 ward45@cityofchicago.org