#85 FREE, FUN & CHEAP
January 8 – February 5, 2022
Events, Information & Opportunities
Editor’s Note: As we edit numerous e-mails for this report, please send us your contributions in the body of an email as text (not as a link or attachment). If there is a specific issue, event or petition (usually a request for funds as well) that is important to you and you would like it included, you may send your contributions to us in the “Contact” Section of this site. We want to include what is important to you: Who-what–when–where-why-how much-contact & COVID information.
If any of your affiliate groups are hosting events, please send them to us.
Indoor Vaccine Mandate Begins Jan. 3
Effective Monday, January 3, 2022, any individual 5 years of age or older will be required to show proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to dine indoors, visit gyms, or enjoy entertainment venues where food or drink are being served. Learn more about the Chicago Vaccine Requirement here.
VAccine Card Holders available at Large CVS for $1.99
Sun. 9 Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
Tue. 11National Milk Day; Kiss A Ginger Day
Wed. 12 iHeartRadio Music Awards
Thur. 13 Orthodox New Year
Fri. 14National Hat Day
Sun. 16Religious Freedom Day;
Mon. 17 Martin Luther King Jr.
2022-Cassius Clay Day-State Of IL -17
Tue. 18 Bishvat -Starts Mo17 sunset
Wed. 19 National Popcorn Day; National Hug Day
Fri. 21National Pie Day
Sun. 23 International Day of Education
Mon. 24 National Compliment Day; National Peanut Butter Day; Robert Burns Night
Wed. 26Commemoration Victims of the Holocaust
Thur.27Data Privacy Day
Mon. 31National Hot Chocolate Day
https://tvtropes.org › AudioPlay
Yet Another Partridge in a Pear Tree is an audio play written by Brian Sibley and performed by Penelope Keith, subtitled as “cautionary tale for Christmas”
HOLIDAYS & CELEBRATIONS
16- B’Shevat, Jewish; World Religion Day, Baha’i
17-Martin Luther King, Jr.Day–Third Monday-many closings
Day of Service & Reflection -suggestions already sent
11:00 a.m., Dream and Rebuilding Our Society Today
Weiss Hospital-W.I.S.E.
Join our keynote speaker, local author and invited guests as they share ideas on following the message of Martin Luther King, Jr. as he advocated “Healing and Rebuilding the Broken Community”. The program will include presentations, poetry, and an exhibit of children’s artwork.
Keynote Speaker Peggy Ann Griffin is an Adult Educator, Composition Instructor, Community Organizer, Religious Educator, Social Service Worker, Author, Curriculum Writer, and Researcher. Her philosophy resonates that high expectations are highly contagious and yield high achievements. Education is an exchange from which everyone involved receives benefits.
GET ORGANIZED MONTH
An organized home leads to an organized mind and a better way of living.
The four steps: 1) purge, 2) design, 3) organize, and 4) maintain.
Barbara Reich demonstrates how to solve organizing problems that may pop up in the future – from knowing when and how to keep financial papers to how to digitally organize the family’s photographs. …have file drawers where there were piles of papers, shelves where there were piles of ???, and drawers where there were piles of clothes
Starting from scratch, setting up and labeling bins, boxes, and more….move to a new apartment. Barbara reallocated the closet space and made sure that every drawer and closet looked fabulous. Determine what to keep, what to store, and where everything should be placed.
Find a “Barbara “for you in Chicago
Other tips from Simple Living for Seniors
-out of season –out of sight
-heavy things low, light things high
–point of first use:
Kitchen
put sugar & creamer with coffee machine, cereal; glasses next to sink with water, and vitamins, meds-not in steamy bathroom; potholders next to stove, storage containers with lids-or toss-repurpose
-best way to store in freezer or “frige” to minimize food waste
Any Room or Space
-start on out side of room & work in-one drawer, cabinet at time-just like dusting or floor cleaning-start high & work low
-handle things once:-keep( point of first use-how do you work-rignt to left-then put it there
-give away-throw away-then do it
Papers
The Container Store
-top in rolling storage under desk or table-see top of file folder right away-instead of digging into file cabinet
-Color code-files or labels; Green-financial; Blue-medical, Purple-personal; Red-emergency info-POA’s , 5 Wishes
References On-Line-videos
Hoarding
Understanding Hoarding | CJE.net
https://www.cje.net › events › understanding-hoarding
Understanding Hoarding. Presented by Barbara Sarasin, Geriatric Care Manager for CJESeniorLife
Twist-Channel 66.6 TV Broadcast
9-10 am “Clean This House” show. Different decluttering , reorganizing & staging your space. programs all day.
DISCOUNTS & DEALS
All MONDAYS-All YEAR- Senior Save 25% OFF All Day
Mount Sinai Hospital Resale Shop
2902 N Clark St. Chicago, IL 60657. Lakeview · (773) 935-1434
10:30am-7pm, Accepts Credit Cards, Difficult Parking, Packed in-narrow aisles-quality goods. Supports Hospital
– Walgreens OLDER ADULT DISCOUNT-First Tuesday of the Month
offers Balance Rewards/myWalgreens members age 55 and older a discount on all regularly priced merchandise in-store and online. Save 20%in-store and online on select brands. If you’re shopping online …lok up more information.
We’re Living on the Cheap-Consult for other Events, Discounts
Cheap is a member of Living on the Cheap, a network of websites published by frugalistas, journalists and consumer advocates. Find practical advice on saving money on groceries, travel and shopping, plus tips from our experts on how to live the good life for less at Living on the Cheap.
Register for the January 12th, 2022 session.
Structured B2B Speed Networking on Chicago’s NorthSide
NorthSide Networking was created to bring expanded business networking to the Northside Chicago neighborhoods of Edgewater, Rogers Park, Lakeview/Roscoe Village, Uptown, and West Ridge. Events are held 5 times per year and the host rotates between the five areas. The success of these events is due to the participation of community businesses and word-of-mouth of past participants sharing within their networks. For information email
to northsidenetworkinggroup.com
HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
COVID-19 exacts serious death toll in older adults Statistics from the CDC indicate that 75% of US residents who have died of COVID-19 illness were age 65 or older. The data show that one out of every 100 older Americans has succumbed to the disease.Full Story: The New York Times (12/13)
Study finds 3 HF risk factors for older adults with diabetes Higher measures of body mass index, waist circumference and fat mass were associated with a greater risk of heart failure in older adults with diabetes but not in those without diabetes, researchers reported in the journal Circulation. “The mechanisms through which obesity may predispose to incident HF include greater antecedent development of HF risk factors and direct effects of obesity on cardiac structure and function,” researchers said.Full Story: Healio (free registration)/Cardiology Today (12/10)
Health Bill Errors – Healthcare professionals estimate that 80% of medical bills contain errors. That’s a staggering statistic. I recently got a $95 charge reversed, when an unnecessary fee was added to my annual doctor’s visit. Even though sorting through billing statements takes time and patience, check your medical bills for inaccuracies or unnecessary charges. – Eve Becker, Editor Chicago Health Magazine
Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body Tue., January 25 at 6:00 p.m. For centuries, we’ve known that the health of the brain and the body are connected. But now, science is able to provide insights into how to optimize our physical and cognitive health as we age. Join us to learn about research in the areas of diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity and social engagement, and use hands-on tools to help you incorporate these recommendations into a plan for healthy aging. This program is presented by the Alzheimer’s Association. To register, email mkelly1@chipublib.org. Chicago Park District at www.chicagoparkdistrict .com . Check out their virtual activities
Galter Life Center https://galterlifecenter.org/fitnessclasses/details/eat-move-lose Eat-Move-Lose Free Virtual Info Session Occurs: Tuesday, January 25, 2022 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM · Member Price: Free · Non Member Price: Free Join us via Zoom to learn about our motivating and supportive group program for people looking to focus on weight loss. The 12-week program includes group nutrition classes and workouts. Next session begins on February 8 (in-person at Galter LifeCenter) – we’d love to have you join us! Eat-Move-Lose Nutrition Class · Member Price: Free · Non Member Price: Free
POLICY AND PERSPECTIVE
Senate passes bill to delay Medicare cuts in 2022 The US Senate joined the House in passing legislation to delay a nearly 10% cut in Medicare payments scheduled for 2022. The bill also includes raising the debt ceiling through a simple majority vote.Full Story: FierceHealthcare (12/10)
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment timeframe of January 1 – March 31 you can do one of these:
Switch to a different Medicare Advantage Plan with or without drug coverage
Go back to Original Medicare and, if needed, also join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan
If you switch Medicare Advantage Plans or go back to Original Medicare with or without a Medicare drug plan, your new coverage will start the first day of the month after your new plan gets your request for coverage. Keep in mind, if you go back to Original Medicare now, you may not be able to buy a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policy.
You can reach out to our SHIP Counselor at 773-564-5666 to schedule your appointment.
18 Jan. @ 11:30 am – Honoring Spiritual & Faith Traditions In Planning for Dignified Care: THE GIFT OF FIVE WISHES®
There are many things in our life that are out of our hands. The Five Wishes® document gives you a way to control something very important—how you are treated if you get seriously ill. It lets you say exactly what you want. Once completed and properly signed it is valid under the laws of most states. Five Wishes® is the first living will that talks about your personal, emotional and spiritualneeds as well as your medical wishes. It lets you choose the person you want to make health care decisions for you if you are not able to make them yourself. It protects your family if you become seriously ill because they won’t have to make hard choices without knowing your wishes. Learn more about THE GIFT OF FIVE WISHES®.
*** Please contact 773-564-5666 to obtain The Five Wishes Document.
Ellen Hoekstra RN CHPN is a registered nurse with over 38 years of nursing experience in critical care, case management, and hospice education. Ms. Hoekstra earned her CHPN (Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse) distinction in 2010. In her current role as Community Educator with Seasons Hospice & Palliative Care, she has had the privilege to educate thousands of healthcare professionals and community members on a variety of topics relating to End of Life Care.
EZRA Multi Service Center holds many online ZOOM classes throughout the month. They have exercise classes, health classes, mental health groups, and even cooking classes. If you are interested in participating in any of these programs, contact Sarah at 773-467-3861.
FOOD
Dept. Family & Support Services-Golden Diner-All Locations Pick up Only, Cold to-go dining of box lunches
Monday – Friday 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM
If anyone has questions, they should contact the director, Debra Northey at dnorthey@catholiccharities.net.
(312) 742-5187 Office
(312) 742-5323 Lobby
47TH WARD FREE SR. BLDG BUS TO MARIANO’S BEGINNING JAN. 5 19, and beyond
Handicap accessible bus will shuttles seniors every other Wednesday to 1800 W. Lawrence location=adjacent to LA Fitness
Sponsored by Alderman Martin, Mariano’s and Busbavk Charter Bus Service. Call office for scheduled time in your area of the ward
Eating avocado every day can improve kidney function, eye health, skin health, and help many other organs in our body. Read The PerfectWAY for more details
GIRL SCOUT COOKIE ORDERING-NOW
For FEB-March Delivery: If you don’t know a Girl Scout, go to girlscoutcookies.org to find a local troop in your area.
LUCKY FOODS FOR THE NEW YEAR-
ORTHODOX New Year is JAN. 13-CELEBRATE WITH
Black-eyed peas, greens and cornbread
The power of three cannot do you wrong as dishes that are made with these ingredients are said to bring pennies, dollars, and gold. All three should be served and eaten together. Black-eyed peas bring pennies, Greens for dollars, and Cornbread is for gold.
1) GREENS
are a favorite and fabled addition to New Year’s tables across the South. Given their resemblance to paper cash, greens are said to bring wealth and prosperity to all who enjoy them.
2) CORNBREAD
Golden color-like coins
3) BLACK EYED PEAS
Another Southern Tradition, black eyed peas are said to bring you prosperity- round coins- in the new year
4) PORK
Pigs are a lucky New Year’s Eve food because pigs move forward when they eat. They are also rotund, symbolizing a fat wallet ahead. And the meat itself is fattier than other cuts of meat, making this New Year’s Eve food both tasty and a symbol of prosperity.
5) FISH
Fish is believed to be a lucky New Year’s Eve food because fish’s scales resemble coins, and they swim in schools, which invokes the idea of abundance. Plus, before they become a New Year’s Eve food, fish swim forward, which represents progress.
6) NOODLES
Long noodles, long life. So-called Longevity Noodles symbolize longevity: in fact, they are longer than normal noodles and uncut. The longer, the better.
That’s the wisdom behind the many Asian cultures that encourage celebrating the new year with a piping hot bowl of noodles Doubling down on your luck with noodles and pork, another lucky food said to bring prosperity,
7) DUMPLINGS
On the day before the Chinese New Year, families will gather to make jiaozi. The dumplings are shaped like gold ingots—the currency used in ancient China—so eating them as a New Year’s Eve food will bring financial luck. Try making your own healthy steamed dumplings.
8) ROUND CAKES
Round and ring-shaped cakes are considered good luck in many cultures. Ring-shaped cakes—sometimes with trinkets baked inside—are a symbol of coming full circle, making them a perfect New Year’s food. This tradition stems from the Greeks, who make a traditional Vasilopita for New Year’s Eve with a hidden coin baked inside. If you get the piece with the coin, you’ll have good luck for a year- such as Epiphany-Three King’s Day-Jan 6.-with coin baked in.
9) RICE
Yes, rice! Although this is more of an Asian side dish, rice has always been a symbol of wealth and abundance. Oriental superstitions call for having a full bin of rice by the strokeof midnight to ensure that you will never find yourself lacking food on the table the whole year.
10) ORANGES & HONEY
The Chinese stock up on these fruits during the Lunar New Year celebration to call in the winds of fortune and prosperity. In the Chinese vocabulary, the word for Mandarin orange is “kam” – which is a homonym for gold. Mandarin oranges are one of the main symbols of Chinese New Year. Stick with fresh mandarins, not the canned stuff—the fruit itself is said to bring prosperity, and having one with the stem and leaf attached will bring a long life and fertility.
Bring in an extra dose of gold with honey to sweeten up your orange juice or your fresh bowl of fruits.
11) SAUERKRAUT
According to German and Eastern European superstition, ringing in the New Year with a heaping plate of sauerkraut means wealth, and the Pennsylvania Dutch have kept up that tradition. The more you eat thisNew Year’s Eve food, the bigger your bankroll!
12) LENTILS
Italians traditionally would eat lentils for the New Year’s Eve dinner. In the past, Romans would give a leather bag of the legumes, in hopes that they would turn into gold coins. Try cooking yours into a sweet potato lentil stew. Or double up on your luck and cook these lentils with another New Year’s Eve food: pork.
13) SOFT PRETZELs
German-Americans eat a glazed soft pretzel on New Year’s. It’s believed that eating a soft pretzel brings good luck into the new year
10) Tamales
a traditional Mexican dish many families eat throughout the holiday season. They symbolize generations of familial bonds, as families typically gather to help each other make this delicious holiday dish.
Care for Real
New Monday food distribution 4 to 7 pm evening hours, shifted from the morning hours .
For more information on their hours here in Edgewater and Rogers Park, look at this flyer.
Hamburger Night-American Legion Tattler Post 973
Last Friday of the Month 28-Jan. 6-9pm
Check facebook for updates due to Covid
Chicago Restaurant Week Friday, March 25 – Sunday, April 10
Post Mardi Gras & Shrove Tuesday ( to be shriven/rid of rich food, fats)
During Lent -40 days -March 2-April 14;
17 .St. Patrick’s Day;
19-St. Joseph’s Day;
ENTERTAINMENT
ART INSTITUE
They are opening the year by offering free admission to all Illinois residents every weekday—now through March 17, 2022. During this time, visitors will not only be able to encounter their magnificent new Tiffany window and immerse themselves in our critically acclaimed exhibition of Barbara Kruger’s work, but beginning February 11, they can experience a brand-new installation of a longtime favorite, ancient Egyptian art. They welcome you all to experience these immersive, powerful installations.
Filming in the Neighborhood
12- between Marine Drive and 922 W Carmen 11 am to 7 pm
Click here for more information
Edgewater Village
Their mission is to engage and support older adults by offering a wide variety of engaging events. Send an email to edgewatervillagechicago@gmail.com, 773-382-0764 to receive their weekly newsletter. “Collecting Holiday Cards” Check out more of their programming at www.evchicago.org.
Plan ahead
Chicago Theatre Week Feb. 17 – 27, 2022.
https://chicagoplays.com › chicago-theatre-week
Experience the thrill of 100 live theatre performances for just $15 or $30 (or less!)
SPOKEN WORD
Tallgrass Writers Guild Open Mic
Sat., January 22 at 1:00 p.m.
The TallGrass Writers Guild cannot be stopped, so we’re holding another open mic! We’ll start off with a featured performer and follow it up with a lively open mic. We’re holding the program through Zoom, so if you’d like to join in remotely, send an email to jnowak@chipublib.org, TO send you a link.
MUSIC
CSOtv ▶ CSO Sessions Episode 25: Fanfare
FREE
This program of triumphant music by American composers, featuring musicians from the CSO brass and percussion sections, heralded the return of live concerts at Symphony Center in May of 2021. Works by Aaron Copland and Samuel Barber paint the sounds of traditional fanfare and chorale with modernist colors, and themes by Michael Tilson Thomas, Leonard Bernstein and Gunther Schuller reflect the electric influence of jazz and film music
CIVIC ORCHESTRA
January 16 at South Shore Cultural Center
January 18 at Symphony Center
.REGISTER FOR FREE TICKETS
Premiered in 1953 after the death of Joseph Stalin, Shostakovich’s Tenth Symphony bursts with menacing march rhythms, chilling whispers and triumphal defiance. The music is often heard as a reckoning with the brutalities of Stalinism but also as the composer’s sigh of relief. Rossen Milanov conducts this thrilling program, which also features Sarah Kirkland Snider’s Something for the Dark, a bold and colorful meditation on resilience
SCP Special Concert ▶ January 22
One of jazz’s most revered musicians, Branford Marsalis collaborates with the innovative Orpheus Chamber Orchestra for a program that explores the intersection of jazz and classical, from Debussy’s jazz-inspired Rhapsody to a newly commissioned work by Courtney Bryan that uses Bizet’s famous themes from Carmen.
Music, Memory and Older Adults Presented by: ITA and Elderwerks January 26, 2021 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM How the brain processes music, the impact of music on memory and in accessing one’s memories and the role trauma plays in memory. READING WANT TO BE PUBLISHED? |
Long Overdue
It’s a place for authors, readers, editors, artists, and designers to come together and move their stories from ideas to finished books.
…a tie between our monthly newsletter and our Instagram page (shoutout to Annie Cerovich!). If you enjoy this newsletter and know someone who might enjoy it as well, let us know, we’ll make sure to add them to our subscriber list.
And check out our website – Long Overdue Books. Long Overdue Books is a community for creating books.
Next newsletter – Aiming for either January 18th or the 19th. In the meantime if you have any questions, ideas, stories to tell, you can reach Cal the Librarian at – library@longoverduestories.com
SULTZER REGIONAL LIBRARY Book Displays
Our January book displays are celebrating so many months. Do you want to be creative? Next month is Creativity Month! Do you want to know how to clean up after yourself when you’re done being creative? It’s National Organization Month, too! And when it’s all done, when you’re tired and hungry and suffering from the winter cold, you can always relax and celebrate Soup Month. However, if you’re tired of all these official months, you can throw our petty conventions to the wind and live deliciously with our book display on witches.
Books by Women
FOURTH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Please note there is a new Zoom link for the 2020-21 season.
January 11, 2022 Nine Tailors (A Lord Peter Wimsey Mystery), by Dorothy Sayers
A corpse is found in the courtyard. A cozy mystery by the famous detective Lord Peter Wimsey.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83423430084?pwd=dldIakw2REREVnBvMXp4WnB3TGUrUT09
Instructions on Using Zoom
You can join by Zoom video call if your computer has a camera and microphone, or by calling in on any type of phone.
Simply click on this address in your browser: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83423430084?pwd=dldIakw2REREVnBvMXp4WnB3TGUrUT09
You will see a dialog box that has a button, Open zoom.us, click it.
Then you will see another box that says “Join with Computer Audio,” and click that.
In the lower left corner of the screen click on Start Video.
If you want to call in with just audio, you can use a phone and call:
1 312 626 6799 You will be asked for the meeting ID – 834 2343 0084 followed by a pound sign, #. The automated voice will ask you to enter a code, 549928, then the # sign again.
Dial by your location
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
Extra Tips!
Use the Chrome browser if possible. Zoom works better on that browser.
Find as quiet a space as possible.
Position yourself so you do not have bright light behind you. Video calls work better if your face is well-illuminated and the camera is not fooled by bright light behind you.
Find the ‘mute audio’ button to the lower left on the Zoom screen and mute yourself between times you wish to speak. The Zoom app will ‘zoom’ to the person making noise, or a clinking coffee cup or any background noise, and that can interrupt the speaker.
Adult Book Club
The Kingdom by Jo Nesbo
Wed., January 12 at 7:00 p.m.
Nothing goes better with the dark, cold winter than a helping of Nordic Noir. The Kingdom follows two brothers as they contend with the sordid history of their small mountain town. For a delightful discussion of dirty deeds and dastardly decisions, all from the safety of Zoom, email jnowak@chipublib.org to register for the program.
Great Books Club
The Octopus by Frank Norris
Thu., January 13 at 6:00 p.m.
Absalom, Absalom! by William Faulkner
Thu., January 27 at 6:00 p.m.
Come enjoy the classics over Zoom with our online Great Books Club. Listen to classics expert Peter Amberson as we pore through some of the most renowned books in the literary canon. Email jnowak@chipublib.org to join in the fun.
KATHLEEN BELEW
Assistant Professor of US History and the College belew@uchicago.edu
Faculty Affiliate, Center for the Study of Race, Politics, and Culture
Faculty Affiliate, Center for the Study of Gender and Sexuality
Democracy Initiative Faculty Working Group
FIELD SPECIALTIES
Twentieth-century United States, violence, militarization, women and gender, cultural history, race and racism
Author
Bring the War Home: The White Power Movement and Paramilitary America, 2018
uses previously classified FBI documents and vivid personal testimonies to explore how white power activists created a vast and influential social movement through a shared, post-Vietnam story about betrayal by the government.
She has spoken about this project and its findings in a variety of media,; research has feature prominently in documentaries such as Homegrown Hate: The War Among Us (ABC) and Documenting Hate: New American Nazis(Frontline) and additional forthcoming projects and published in main stream publications
Other Books
A Field Guide to White Supremacy, 2021
“Lynching and Power in the United States: Southern, Western, and National Vigilante Violence from Early America to the Present,” History Compass 12, no. 1 (January 2014), 84-99.
ARTS & CRAFTS
Virtual Painting
PBS WTTW 11.3 – “Create”
12:30-1pm Fridays-Paint with Jerry Yarnell
Greeting Card Crafts
Chicago Public Library Edgewater Branch and Edgewater Village Chicago, volunteers shared the joy of giving 541 holiday cards to individuals in senior living residences in Edgewater, Andersonville, Uptown, and Rogers Park. Following last years success, we’re repeating the project this year for other holidays. If you would like to take part, please email Katherine Linehan (klinehan@chipublib.org) for more information. In partnership with Edgewater Village Chicago-contact them for what & where they are accepting now)
Levy Senior Center North Wall Mural
Northeast (Levy) Senior Center, 2019 W Lawrence Ave.
Virtual Community Meeting Register at bit.ly/LevyForum
6 p.m. January 19
It will help shape the vision for this mural! Feedback will be shared in the call to artists.
The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), in partnership with 47th Ward Alderman Martin.
Stitching Ladies
Emanual Congregation (5959 N Sheridan Rd)
Tuesdays, from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, except for the first Tuesday of each month where meetings are held over Zoom
All ages and religions volunteer their time and knitting and crocheting skills to craft handmade gifts for those in need or ill. All are welcome to join when able. Also, donations of fabric and yarn are always appreciated.
To request or suggest items or for more information, contact Sandy Pakin, the Stitching Ladies coordinator, at rsvp5959@gmail.com
HOUSING
Sidewalk Shoveling
Under the Chicago municipal code, property owners and occupants are responsible for keeping sidewalks clear of snow and ice. The city mandates that a 5-foot clearance must be made along the sidewalk in order to ensure safety for all pedestrians and especially for those in wheelchairs, with strollers, or with assistive mobility devices. Click here for more Snow Removal FAQs.
Reduce the use of sidewalk salt
This winter, remember to limit your use of sidewalk salt to help reduce water pollution. According to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD), a 12-ounce coffee mug holds enough salt for 10 sidewalk squares. Remember to sweep up any extra salt to save it for next time. Read more from MWRD here.
Ice melts can also be harmful to pets’ paws and contain calcium chloride, which can be corrosive. Eplore pet-friendly options or alternatives such as sand or beet juice. Read more from ASPCA here.
Free Smoke Detectors
Check all of your smoke detectors and install new batteries to those that need it. Currently, Ward office has smoke detectors available for neighbors who do not have one in their home. Please email us at harry@48thward.org to claim a smoke detector.
FREE Legal Services
Documents You Don’t Think You Need – Until You Do
Presented by: Dutton Casey & Mesoloras, P.C.
January 12, 2021 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Estate planning is needed for all of us, regardless of income and assets. This session will discuss what basic legal documents you need, types of trusts that might be beneficial for you, and much more.
Make sure your documents are up to date: POA- financial & medical, Five Wishes, POLST- how you want to be treated
The Chicago Bar Association provides this information on free legal service programs for people in Chicago’s Cook County. (click link below for more info)
There are almost forty free legal programs which offer such services if you qualify based on your income.
To see a listing of all these program’s locations and areas of service, send an email to Young Legal Services division of the bar yls@chicagobar.org
and request a of “Where to go for Legal Assistance in Chicago.”
Some of the larger legal service providers are as follows:
The Legal Assistance Foundation of Chicago handles all matters except class actions, criminal, environmental, real estate, probate and tax. Their general intake number is (312) 341-1070.
- Chicago Volunteer Legal Services has many neighborhood offices, and handles all matters except criminal, civil rights and environmental. They can be reached at (312) 332-1624.
- Chicago Legal Clinic has offices in Pilsen, Roseland, Austin and South. Their number is (773) 731-1762. They handle all issues except civil rights, immigration and tax. They can help you even if you do not qualify for free services by giving you services based on the amount you can pay.
- The Legal Aid Bureau handles only family law matters. Their number is (312) 986-4200.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Forum
A recording of the meeting sponsored by 44th & 46th Wards can be found by clicking here. The forum did bring out helpful information from the 19th Police District and the State’s Attorney about police force deployment, prosecutions, safety tips and more.
CAPS Beat Meetings Return in January
The 2022 CAPS beat meeting schedules for police beats. View the district webpages to see more recent crime data and communications from the local district. 18TH, 19TH, 20TH AND 24TH comprise most of our participants.
“Know Your Rights”
campaign to help build trust with communities and be more transparent about its policies dictating interactions with the public.
The campaign includes a website that outlines CPD policies and practices, how residents may get involved with shaping policies, and resources for residents, including how to file a complaint with the Civilian Office of Police Accountability.
View the CPD Know Your Rights website here to learn more.
ENVIRONMENT
City Launches Climate Action Plan: Share Your Feedback
The City of Chicago is taking bold climate action toward a healthier and a more sustainable future. The City is in the process of updating its climate goals to reduce carbon emissions with a strong focus on increasing household savings, advancing environmental justice, and improving community health.
With historic investments coming in 2022, the City would like to know what is most important to you and your community. Share your thoughts today on the Chicago Climate Action Plan.
Repair Cafe Returning!
Sulzer Library starting 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, January 8.
Repair Cafe meets the second Saturday of the month.
Currently, there are two general fixers joining us. Stay tuned to our Facebook page for announcements of new coaches as they join our efforts to keep good stuff out of landfill.
In prior years, the repairs most in demand involved rewiring lamps, declogging vacuum cleaners, and reattaching pieces of broken fixtures. If you’re generally handy with such types of repairs, please reach out. We’d like to add them back to our repertoire. If you’re interested in being a repair coach, please email darasalk24@gmail.com.
TRANSPORTATION
CTA Red Purple Modernization Project Updates
Other Construction Activity and Community Impacts
1/3-1/29: Daily Alley Closures –
Alley behind 4700 – 4748 N. Winthrop Ave
1/10-2/5: Intermittent Alley Closures –
Alley behind 5700 – 5758 N. Winthrop Ave
See below for resources on getting connected to receive construction alerts, view archived footage of community meetings, and other information about this once-in-a-lifetime project for our community:
Sign up for RPM construction alerts
With the urgency of a climate catastrophe bearing down our necks, and at a time of intense political division, both liberal and conservative organizations have come together and agreed on five actions that Congress can enact right now to get Americans back to work and on a path toward a better future for all:
Clean The Air: Deploy zero-emission school and transit buses, electrify ports, and add EV charging stations at public and non-profit gathering places.
Save Money on Energy: Weatherize and solarize homes, schools, and businesses.
Cool Off: Plant trees and conserve forests.
Expand Public Transit: Invest in more convenient and frequent service to increase low-emission transportation choices and better access to jobs and services.
Support sustainable and regenerative agriculture: Reward farmers for long-term emissions reductions and sustainable farming practices.
These common-sense help build healthier communities, green jobs, safer homes, and a clean energy future for all.
Avoid Driving with this Accessory if You Are Above Age 60
Written by: Michael Harper
1).Wear the Right Type of Glasses
2). Eyesight Alterations Over Time
In addition to your peripheral sight, other aspects of your vision also bear the brunt of old age. Over time, the size of your eyes will decrease, and the lens in your eye socket will thicken: cataracts.
With age, your visual impairments will only increase. Some common problems you should mentally prepare yourself for include:-Muscular degeneration, Dry eye, Glaucoma Diabetes-associated retinopathy, Retinal detachment
3). The Challenges You Might Face Due to These Disorders
First, however, it’s essential to understand the capacity to which you will be affected. The loss of peripheral vision and weak eyesight can impact different aspects of driving, including:
Your ability to estimate the distance, your perception of road signs,Glare adaptation and color differentiation
All these changes might affect your confidence, and you might have to opt for driving lessons for adults with anxiety.
CITIZENSHIP
Heart of Lincoln Square Neighbors Annual Meeting
Wednesday, 6pm January 26
American Legion Tattler Post, 4355 N Western. Register here.
Mingle with neighbors, vote for incoming board members and learn more about how you can get involved! HOLS is run by a small group of volunteers and are looking for more volunteers to join the board. If you’re interested in joining the board, click here to apply by the end of day Sunday, January 23.
Amend: The Fight for America
2021 | TV-MA | 1 Season | LGBTQ Documentaries
Will Smith hosts this look at the evolving, often lethal, fight for equal rights in America through the lens of the US Constitution’s 14th Amendment.
Starring:Will Smith, Mahershala Ali, Laverne Cox
Creators:Robe Imbriano, Tom Yellin JOIN NETFLICKS TO VIEW
Brent Leggs: How Can Seeing Black History As American History Begin To Make Amends?
GOVERNMENT
Help ACLU Defend Voting Rights
by urging your senators to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act (VRAA).
Imperative that Congress vote on Social Security in 2022
The last time Congress expanded Social Security was when Richard Nixon was president. Unless this Congress addresses the crisis by expanding Social Security, too many Americans will be unable to retire without a drastic and precipitous drop in their standards of living. It pays for every penny by requiring the highest paid earners to contribute to Social Security at the same rate as the rest of us.
– Expanding Social Security will strengthen the economy and create jobs. Because the vast majority of Social Security’s 65 million beneficiaries are low or moderate income, they tend to spend their benefits immediately in the local community in which they live. Social Security is especially important to rural communities, which tend to be older.
In short, Social Security is a solution. Protecting and expanding Social Security’s modest benefits is wise policy and represents the will of the people. It will improve the economy, create jobs, and add substantially to the security of working families.
By Social Security Works
Secretary of State
All locations-Closed Until Jan. 18
ID’s- expire March 31; Free State ID’s for Seniors
Change of address, Voter Registration for 2022 June 28 Primary Election
GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Legislature will now meet virtuallyWith 2022 around the corner, I want to know what issues matter most to you. Out of these options, what do you hope to see Congress address in the new year? Curbing gun violence Defending voting rights Economic recovery Eliminating student loan debt Ending the COVID-19 pandemic Fighting the climate crisis Lowering healthcare costs Protecting abortion access Other (tell me your answer at quigley.house.gov/contact)
9th CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT-REP. JAN SCHAKOWSKY “Plan & Pans”Video https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/videos/jans-plans-pans (December 5, 2021)
FEBRUARY
Feb. 1: AARP Northside Community Group (Website: https://aarpnorthsidecommunitygroup.com/)
Meets the First Tuesday of Month-12:30pm Feb. 1-Conversations with Corey B. Brooks, Pastor of New Beginnings Church of Chicago and founder and CEO of Project H.O.O.D.-Helping Others Obtain Destiny. He has become a leading voice and presence in the fight against the violence gripping Chicago’s poorest Neighborhoods. New-Members, email to Request ZOOM Joining Information to: northsideaarpcommunitygroup@gmail.com (Members will automatically receive the ZOOM joining information on the day before the meeting date, in this case that will be Monday, January 31, 2022)
Volunteers needed to Promote Northside AARP Community Group for new year email to: https://aarpnorthsidecommunitygroup.com/5-Argyle Lunar Year of the Tiger Celebration 12noon-4pm 1pm-Parade kick-off at Argyle and Winthrop featuring 30 local community groups, cultural institutions, dancers and performers! Local pop-ups with family-friendly activities Click here to learn more.
Northside AARP Community Group 