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Hi neighbors,
As many of you know, Ofelia Torres passed away on Friday after battling a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Just three days before her passing, a judge ruled that her father is conditionally entitled to cancellation of removal, offering him a pathway to remain in the US permanently.
Ofelia’s life was a powerful demonstration of courage, conviction, and deep love for her family and community. She stood bravely for what was right, even in the face of unimaginable challenges, and successfully fought to have her father released. Please keep her family, loved ones, and the Lake View High School community in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. The family’s GoFundMe page remains active. In keeping with Ofelia’s wishes, any funds not needed by her family will be donated to other families impacted by ICE activity.
Earlier this week, we lost another hero in Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr, one of our city’s and our country’s preeminent voices on civil rights and human rights. For decades, Reverend Jackson spoke truth to power—nudging, cajoling, and at times fighting other leaders to ensure that our poorest and most marginalized communities received the respect and resources to which they were entitled. In doing so, he inspired and nurtured generations of leaders to dream big and act courageously.
Thank you to all of the neighbors who joined us for our monthly Ward Night this Wednesday. We had wide-ranging conversations—from the City’s fiscal challenges and newer City laws around coach houses, to CTA bus service and the possibility of adopting ranked-choice voting for municipal elections.
And please mark your calendars for our upcoming Ward Night at AJ Hudson’s. We’ll be handing out LV2 passes and watching Women’s College Basketball games.
I hope you all have a restful weekend. If you’re looking for something to do, consider swinging by the annual Lunar New Year Parade (happy year of the horse!) at Argyle and Sheridan tomorrow at 1pm.
In addition, my office is hosting an artist development workshop at Sulzer Library tomorrow from 1pm to 2 pm. This will be a great opportunity to connect with other local artists and representatives from the City’s Department of Cultural Affairs regarding local funding, residencies, and other opportunities!
Finally, I’d like to wish a Blessed Lent and Ramadan Mubarek to all of our neighbors who are celebrating.
Yours in service,
Ald Matt Martin
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Watch Women's College Basketball with Alderman Martin
Wednesday, March 18th
Join Alderman Martin for the first night of Women's March Madness at AJ Hudson's (3801 N Ashland).
We'll have the games on the TV. This is the perfect opportunity to meet the Alderman, root for women's sports, and enjoy a terrific local business.
RSVP
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New Affordable Condos Approved
2137-47 W Irving Park Rd
Ald. Martin has decided to support the zoning change for the construction of a 4-story, 24-unit condo building with ground floor commercial space.
The building will include family-sized condo units, including 2 highly affordable units for families making less than $50,000 per year.
Learn more
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Lunar New Year Parade
Saturday, February 21st
Join Uptown United on Argyle Street as they continue the annual tradition of celebrating the Lunar New Year in Uptown!
To welcome the Year of the Horse, the Lunar New Year Parade will kick-off at 1 PM from Argyle & Sheridan. It features 20+ local community groups, cultural institutions, dancers and performers!
Learn more
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St. Andrew Fish Fry
Friday, February 20th
Those observing Lent are invited to attend St Andrew's Fish Fry this Friday from 5 PM to 8 PM. You can order a fish basket or mac n cheese both served with fries and coleslaw.
Learn more
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Northside Restaurant Week
Begins Thursday, February 26th
North Side Restaurant Week is a great way to explore cuisine and fine dining at restaurants throughout our diverse communities. Enjoy flavors spanning the globe - from Argentinian, French, and Italian to Serbian, new American classics and more.
Restaurants in Lincoln Square, Ravenswood, Albany Park, Edgewater, Irving Park, Northcenter, North Park, and Rogers Park will show off their wide range of dining options throughout the week with special prix fixe menus to enjoy.
Learn more
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Town Hall: People's Gas Hikes
Tuesday, February 24th
Gas bills are rising across Chicago — but why, and what can we do about it? In January of 2026, Peoples Gas proposed raising rates once again. This increase, if granted, would raise monthly gas bills by an average of $10.60 per month.
Join your neighbors on February 24th at 6:30 PM at Dank Haus for an informative and action-focused evening hosted in collaboration with the Greater Rockwell Organization, Heart of Lincoln Square, Ravenswood Neighbors Association, and other local neighborhood groups.
Learn more
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Teen Summer Internships: Lincoln Park Zoo
Apply by March 9th
Lincoln Park Zoo is accepting applications for paid summer interns who work on conservation projects alongside zoo researchers. Applications are due by March 9th. Visit their website to learn more about the roles and their requirements.
Learn more
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Apply: Artist-in-Residence
Lycee Francaise de Chicago is seeking a creative collaborator to become an artist in residence next school year. The LFC is particularly interested in partnering with an artist exploring textile and fiber arts or ceramics, but will consider any artistic project. All disciplines are welcome. The most inclusive project—involving the most students and grade levels (from pre-K to Grade 12)—will be selected.
Apply
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Donate: Help Lane Tech Student Attend Conference
Help Ellie, a student at Lane Tech, attend an upcoming writing conference at the University of Connecticut. Ellie is a proud tutor at Lane’s writing center where she tutors all grade levels in writing. She's been passionate about writing for a very long time, and hopes this conference is an opportunity to share her love for writing and tutoring.
Donate
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New Bookstore: Partners in Crime
4105 N Lincoln Ave
Welcome Partners in Crime bookstore! This is a mystery and romance bookstore with a strong indie artist presence, inspired by the owners' love of true crime, romance, and mystery novels. They'll also carry children's titles. The store is just a few blocks away from Coonley Elementary.
Learn more
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Pottery of Protest Exhibition
Saturday, February 28th
Lincoln Square Pottery Studio hosts its annual Pottery of Protest Exhibition from 6 PM to 9 PM. Come for the catharsis of a collective scream, stay for the insightful art!
Artists have donated hand-made vessels to be part of our Buy-A-Cup Benefit. Each purchased cup can be filled with chef-made Champurrado (a Mexican spiced hot drink) or other libations. The studio will donate funds from the benefit to a local Albany Park (Chicago) grocery collective. This neighborhood group provides food and essentials to residents in need.
Learn more
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Resources for Businesses
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CTA Winter Small Business Connection, February 25th, Learn more
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Park District Concession Management RFP, Due March 3rd, Learn more
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Women's Small Business Symposium, March 5th, Learn more
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Apply to be a Ribfest Vendor, Learn more
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Cook County Assessor Jobs, Learn more
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Meeting: Community Violence Outreach Work
Monday, February 23rd
Learn about community violence intervention and how outreach workers intervene to prevent violence before it occurs at the upcoming 19th District Council meeting.
You'll also be invited to share concerns you are seeing related to public safety in your community.
RSVP
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Alert: Air Bag Theft in Lakeview
The 19th District Police issued an alert regarding a series airbag thefts in Lakeview. Specifically, the thefts target Honda vehicles by breaking the driver side window and removing the airbags from the steering wheel console. The thefts occurred between February 15th and 17th, and the offenders are described as one to two males.
Residents are encouraged to pay special attention to suspicious person(s) lingering in the area. Victims should call 9-1-1 immediately. Vehicles owners can purchase an anti-theft device that lays over the center of the steering wheel.
Learn more
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Missing Person: Bob Mann
Please note a missing person alert for the Edgewater and Uptown area. Bob Mann was last seen on February 18th at 9:20 AM while wearing a Black North Face hooded parka, green and olive pants, Blue Chicago Cubs baseball cap, white sneakers, and carrying small brown book or folder.
If you see him, please call 9-1-1 and his wife Karen at 312-656-2766.
Learn more
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Public Hearing: Lead Service Line Replacement
Friday, March 6th
The Department of Water Management will hold a virtual public hearing from 10 AM to 11 AM to receive public comment regarding its intent to apply for loans from the Illinois IEPA for Lead Service Line Replacement.
Learn more
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Apply to be an EcoFest Vendor
Saturday, May 30th
We're accepting applications for EcoFest 2026 vendors, which will take place on Saturday, May 30th from 10am-2pm at Welles Park. As you may know, EcoFest is an annual celebration of our community's commitment to sustainability, where we showcase nonprofits, small businesses, and other vendors doing environmental work citywide.
Apply
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Food Sustainability and Leadership Training
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is offering a unique training focused on the sustainability of our local food system. They'll examine critical issues like food access, sustainable agriculture, and how to lower the greenhouse gas emissions associated with our food.
This 8-week course will be held in person at the Nature Museum this spring. Classes will be held on Tuesday evenings, April 7- May 26, from 6pm-8pm. Community Hour 5pm-6pm.
Learn more
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This Week
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Black History Month at Music Box Theatre, February 23rd, Learn more
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Meet the Beatles in Hamburg, February 26th, Learn more
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Revere Park Bingo Night, February 26th, at Burning Bush at 6 PM
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Ravenswood Work Center Open House, February 26th, Learn more
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Northside Restaurant Week, February 26th, Learn more
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Upcoming Weeks
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Gospel Brunch for Common Pantry, February 28th, Learn more
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Andersonville Health and Wellness Open House, February 28th, Learn more
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Scout Pancake Breakfast, March 1st, Learn more
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International Women's Night, March 2nd, Learn more
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Kiwani's Club St Patrick's Day Fundraiser, March 3rd, Learn more
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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:
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47th Ward Ald. Matt Martin
4243 N Lincoln Ave | 773-868-4747
Open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday
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