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Hi neighbors,
Throughout this week, my thoughts have been with the loved ones of CPD Officer John Bartholomew, who was shot and killed last Saturday at Swedish Covenant Hospital, with the other officer who was shot and seriously injured, and with the health care workers who were at the Hospital when this horrific shooting occurred. A truly awful day for our Lincoln Square community and our entire City.
On Monday, the Mayor appointed David Glockner to be Chicago’s next Inspector General. Mr. Glockner spent 30 years as a federal prosecutor with the local US Attorney’s Office and the Securities & Exchange Commission. Currently, he serves as a senior official at Exelon (the parent company of ComEd) focusing on regulatory compliance, audits, and risk management. I look forward to meeting with him in the coming weeks to learn more about his background and his vision for strengthening the Office of Inspector General.
In recent years, I’ve regularly heard from nonprofit affordable housing developers that it’s become increasingly challenging to build affordably priced homes in our city. Notably, the Illinois Housing Council estimates the various City regulations and processes add over $1 million to the cost of an average affordable housing development. In response, I introduced an ordinance seeking to speed up departmental reviews and reduce burdensome design requirements. Earlier this week, I met with senior officials at the Department of Housing to discuss revisions to the ordinance and hope to pass it later this year.
Yesterday, I had a blast joining Lake View High School students, educators, and alumni at their annual spaghetti dinner. A highlight was talking with three members of the girls softball team, which is having a terrific season and gearing up for a playoff run.
I also want to acknowledge May Day today, which holds special significance in Chicago. In cities across the world, workers began honoring May Day after Chicagoans died protesting for an 8-hour work day. This year, many are honoring May Day by refusing to shop – as a protest to Trump’s extreme immigration agenda and to the war in Iran.
I hope you all have a restful weekend. If you’re looking for something to do, consider swinging by Martyrs’ tomorrow (Saturday) between 1pm and 4pm as local group the Q Brothers celebrate their newest family-friendly album release. And on Sunday between 10am and 3pm, Bunny Ears Art House will be celebrating its 3rd anniversary with free arts, crafts, and play.
Finally, I’m thrilled to share that the Lincoln Square Farmers Market will be kicking off their 2026 season this Tuesday coming morning! Swing by anytime between 7am and 12pm, and note that the Market will be returning to their longstanding home at the corner of Lincoln and Leland.
Yours in service,
Ald Matt Martin
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Free Ukulele Lesson with Ald Martin
Thursday, May 21st
Take a free ukulele lesson with Alderman Martin at Old Town School of Folk Music!
Our office is partnering with Old Town for this fun event to bring together neighbors and spotlight our amazing arts and cultural institutions. Afterwards, you're invited to stay for a social hour at Old Town's bar serving beer and N/A options.
Anyone 15 years or older can register. Space is limited, so make sure to reserve your spot.
RSVP
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EcoFest Recycling Guide
Saturday, May 30th
Did you know you can recycle +80 items at EcoFest? You can recycle or reuse tons of items that aren't accepted in a blue bin.
Make sure to review our EcoFest recycling guide to see which items you can save from the landfill. Here's a small sampling.
- Children's Clothing
- Latex Paint (for a fee)
- Bedding
- Cords and Chargers
- and much more
Visit our website to find the full lists of accepted items.
Learn more
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Lincoln Square Farmers Market
Begins Tuesday, May 5th
The Lincoln Square Farmers Market re-opens next week, beginning on May 5th. You can drop by on Tuesday morning or Thursday evenings.
We're excited that the farmers market will return to its permanent location in the parking lot at Lincoln and Leland.
Don't miss your chance to support local food growers, pick up fresh produce, and buy unique goods.
Learn more
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The Volunteer Fair
Sunday, May 3rd
Get involved in your community and leave inspired to take action! Whether you're passionate about protecting the environment, mentoring youth, or advancing social justice, there's an organization that needs you! In addition to 20+ super rad local organizations, you can connect with others in your community who are passionate about building a better Chicago.
Learn more
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Chicago River Day
Saturday, May 9th
Join Friends of the Chicago River for their largest volunteer stewardship day of the year. Volunteers improve our rivers and public spaces by cleaning up harmful litter, mulching trails, and removing invasive plants. After the event, volunteers come together to celebrate their hard work at after parties at Burning Bush Brewery and the Ford Calumet Environmental Center at Big Marsh Park.
Learn more
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Neighborhood Yard Sales
Have stuff you don't need? Don't throw it away! Give it a new life.
Community-wide yard sales are approaching. You can sign up to participate or save the date to hunt for hidden treasures.
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Get Help Paying Heating and Cool Bills
With temperatures rising, people will soon start needing to cool their homes — leading to higher energy bills. Do you need helpaffording your utility bills? Income eligible households can apply for assistance with gas, electric, and water bills. You might save between 5% and 83% on your monthly bill.
Learn more
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Virtual Webinar: Social Security
Wednesday, May 13th
The Office of U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth kindly invites Illinoisans to a Virtual Social Security Webinar on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, from 2:00 pm-3:00 pm CT.
This is an opportunity for constituents to hear directly from Social Security Administration representatives on topics including retirement benefits, disability benefits and how to access online accounts. Attendees must register at the link below.
Learn more
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Reopening: Irene's Finer Diner
2012 W Irving Park Rd
Irene's Finer Diner is reopening this weekend after experiencing a major fire! Stop by to enjoy their breakfast classics, specialty pancakes, and skillets.
If you frequent Irene's Bagels on Montrose, there's even more good news. Now that the kitchen is open at Irene's Finer Diner, they'll be able to expand the menu at Irene's Bagels.
Learn more
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The Eco Flamingo Featured on PBS
4750 N Rockwell
The Eco Flamingo, our local zero waste store, was recently featured in at TV segment about preserving our planet. If you've never been, it's a great time to stop by to pick up kitchen staples or household essentials like laundry and dish detergent. Just bring your own container. They prioritize plastic and package free products!
Watch feature
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Resources
Business
Workforce
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Foster Beach Clean Up
Sunday, May 17th
Did you know 86% percent of litter collected on Great Lakes beaches is composed of plastic? Plastics break down into toxic microplastic particles that make their way into the Great Lakes, a source of drinking water for 40 million people.
You can do your part to protect our Great Lakes by joining volunteers at Foster Beach from 9 AM to 11:30 AM for a beach clean up.
Sign up
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Notice: TreeKeepers Pruning Trees
Thursday, May 7th
47th Ward TreeKeepers are trained volunteers who care for the local tree canopy. They will be pruning trees on Thursday, May 7 from 10 AM to 1 PM between Lawrence, Damen, Winnemac, and Ravenswood.
They're removing dead and obstructive branches and shaping the crown of smaller trees to optimize the tree canopy. If you have questions or concerns, please contact TreeKeeper Mary Honda at marylhonda@gmail.com.
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Walk Winnslie Trail
Saturday, May 2nd
Meet at 5003 N Ravenswood at 9 AM to walk the Winnslie Gardens. This is a great way to stay connected to nature and the community. The walk begins with a brief update on the Winnslie Expansion Area. Then, they'll take a short walk to point out progress and key design and construction decisions shaping the project.
RSVP
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Town Hall: Screens & Education Technology PreK-8
Tuesday, May 5th
Join School Board Member Karen Zaccor for a town hall about screens and the use of technology in PreK-8 classrooms.
During the town hall, you'll hear from experts on the developmental impacts of screen use. You will also have an opportunity to share input to shape CPS policy recommendations.
RSVP
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Teachers: Food Education Fellowship
Pilot Light is excited to launch the application for their Food Education Fellowship! PreK-12th grade teachers with 2 years of experience can apply until May 25th.The fellowship includes:
- Regular collaboration with a partner in the food space
- Sliding scale reimbursement to chef partner to bring a hands-on demo to the classroom
- $2,000 stipend for participation and evaluation + sliding scale reimbursement for classroom materials (based on your classroom size)
- $500 for a student-led advocacy project
Learn more
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Survey: Early Childhood Programs
Every Child Ready Chicago is working to ensure every child in Chicago enters kindergarten ready to succeed. They’re asking parents and caregivers for feedback to improve their outreach and communication efforts.
Take the survey
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Western Brown Line Construction
CDOT's construction of the Western Plaza is continuing as scheduled. LAZ Parking will be reinstalling meters in the parking lot today, May 1st. Paint work has started, with the bike lane markings scheduled to be completed this week. Next week we will see additional pavers, irrigation systems, shrubs, mulch, and light pole work.
Sign up for Updates
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Ashland Resurfacing
CDOT's work on Ashland from Lawrence to Foster is continuing as scheduled. Sewer work has been completed. In the following weeks, crews will begin concrete flatwork which includes ADA ramps, bump outs, and other curb and gutter work.
Sign up for Updates
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This Year: Upcoming Projects
- Water Main Replacement near Leavitt and Lawrence
- People's Gas Projects on Greenview from Roscoe to Grace
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This Week
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National Tennis Month at Welles Park, May 2nd, Learn more
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Q Brothers Album Release, May 2nd, Learn more
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Building Electrification Open House, May 2nd, Learn more
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The Volunteer Fair, May 3rd, Learn more
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Future Weeks
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Cornelia Arts Open Studios, May 15th-16th, Learn more
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St Andrew's Garage Sale, May 16th, Learn more
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Lincoln + Roscoe Art and Craft Fair, May 16th-17th, Learn more
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Mayfestiversary, May 23-24th, Learn more
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Follow the Money Webinar, May 26th, Learn more
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Northcenter Yard Sale, May 30th-31st, Learn more
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Porchfest Lakeview, May 31st, 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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