Chicago Park District Children Summer Camp Program

In accordance with the USDA federal regulation, the Chicago Park District Will participate in the Summer Food Service Program in conjunction with summer day camp. Lunches and/or Snack will be provided for enrolled children.

Registration for day camp will begin online April 20, 2009 and in park locations April 25,2009. We encourage the community residents to register for summer day camp programs. Please visit our website at www.chicagoparkdistrict.com or call 312-742-PLAY for more information on your nearest park location.

In accordance with the Federal law and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a compliant of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW. Washington, D.C 20250-9410 or call 800-795-3272 or 202-720-6382 (TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

City of Chicago Summer Job Program for Youth 2009 

As Alderman I'm pleased to inform you Mayor Daley's Youth Ready Chicago Program (Kid Start). This program will offer summer jobs, apprenticeships and internships, is now available for you at http://www.youthreadychicago.org/ through May 29, 2009.

If you are between the age of  range is from 14-24 we encourge you to apply online, and can also explore the website for valuable information on resume writing and interview tips.

The summer youth employment opportunities are offered through Mayor Daley's Youth Ready Chicago Program and are provided by several partners. All partners use the online application but each have their own hiring criteria and selection procedures. This year partners include:

• After School Matters
• Chicago Housing Authority
• Chicago Park District
• Chicago Public School
• Chicago Transit Authority
• Department of Family and Support Service
• Humboldt Park YEI
• Rogers Park YES
• Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities

Last year's summer job program, more than 40,000 youth applied for 23,000 available jobs.

The application deadline is May 29, 2009.

Questions about Mayor Daley's Youth Ready Chicago program for to the summer Jobs, Call the Hotline at 887-587-WORK (9675) or to http://www.youthreadychicago.org/.

Chicago Cleaning & Green

Chicago 2016 Olympic Week In America

Come Out and Play! Chicago Park District offers Summer Day Camps 

The Chicago Park District will begin registering for their Summer Day Camps. Online registration began on April 20th and you can register at all park locations beginning April 25th. The Chicago Park District provides each of their camp participants with lunches and/or snacks. For more information please visit their website at http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/, or call 312-742-PLAY.

This is the sixth year Alderman Cardenas has held the Bike the Boulevard and each year it continues to get bigger and better! Alderman Cardenas is calling on the 12th Ward to come out and bike. Can't bike? Not a problem, we will be having refreshments, food, and goodies as well as representatives from City agencies and other useful companies in attendance.  And the best part of all, bring in your registration form to enter into a raffle in which we will be raffling over 30 bikes! After this long winter, we all want to get out and enjoy the city's summer events. So come out and bike, or just come out and enjoy the all the day's events.  This event will take place on Saturday May 30, 2009 at the Home Depot Parking Lot on 4555 S. Western Boulevard from 9am to 2pm. See you all at the Home Depot and remember "A Family that Pedals Together, Stays Together!" 

Tax Services in City of Chicago

1. Westside Technical Institute

    2800 South. Western Avenue

    From: 8:30am - 11:30am

    March 14, 21, 28, 2009

    April 4, 11, 2009

2. Benito  Juanrez Community Academy

    2150 South Laflin Street

    From: 8:30am - 11:30am

    March 14, 21, 28, 2009

    April 4, 11, 2009

3. WIC Food Center

    5332 S. Western Avenue

    From: 8:30am - 11:30am

    March 14, 21, 28, 2009

    April 4, 11, 2009

4. WIC Food Center

    2400 South Kedzie Avenue

    From: 8:30am - 11:30am

    March 14, 21, 28, 2009

    April 4, 11, 2009

4. Piotrowski Park

    4247 W. 31st Street

    From: 8:30am - 11:30am

    March 14, 21, 28, 2009

    April 4, 11, 2009

5. Instituto Del Progreso Latino

    2570 S. Blue Island Avenue

    Mon, Wed, and Thurs

    From: 5:30pm to 8:00pm

    Sat - From: 10:00am to 1:00 pm

    March 4 to April 15, 2009

Alderman Cardenas supports 
the Western Avenue Corridor Beautification Plan

The project will beautify the Western Avenue Corridor and provide a sense of pride for its residents.  The community identify features will proudly be displayed at intersections to recognize the community's unique contribution to Chicago.

It will definitely be a nice attraction along the annual Bike the Boulevard Event route.  The project will promote more positive development within the community.  It will attract more businesses to the community.  Furthermore, the ornamental street light will promote safety within the community.  The safe median/ bike trail/ loops can aid in promoting healthy living by inclining residents to make use of the trails for routine exercise, especially with the sidewalk and Designated Bike-R-O-W.  The space also provides an area for families to spend recreational time together for all seasons.

            In addition, the beautification project will not only enhance Western Avenue/ Western Boulevard and the median area, businesses and other spaces within the area will be used more effectively and made attractive with all its greenery.  This will be done by following a specific design and detail for the sidewalks along the corridor.  Furthermore, there are specific plantings for perimeter landscaping.

            With this plan, some areas that are traditionally zoned for commercial used may be zoned for commercial and/or mixed use zoning.

            Lastly, the enhanced curb radii and bump-outs will create a safer traffic flow.  Also, traffic lanes on Western Avenue and Western Boulevard will be used more effectively and efficiently.

            Therefore, with the beautification process look forward to all the great development that will enhance the community and the lives of the wonderful people within it.

Chicago Botanic Garden announces Annual Job Fair

On Wednesday, March 11, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. the Chicago Botanic Garden, located at 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe, IL, will hold its Annual Job Fair. This year, there will be over 170 seasonal openings that last anywhere from 4-8 months. The Chicago Botanic Garden invites you to stop by and learn about their career opportunities as well as their spring/ summer seasonal positions. For more information please visit the Chicago Botanic Garden website at ww.chicagobotanic.org/jobs. Resumes can be e-mailed to employment@chicagobotanic.org.

Alderman Cardenas Urges Seniors to Use Direct Deposit to Protect Your Money and Identity 

What would you do if someone stole the monthly check you depend on?

Each month about 12 million Social Security and other federal benefit checks are mailed, many of them to senior citizens. Criminals know when these checks arrive in mailboxes. They also know that each month most seniors venture out to cash or deposit their checks.

In fact, while paper checks make up only 20 percent of the total number of Social Security payments, they account for more than 90 percent of reported problems. In fiscal year 2007, nearly 60,000 Treasury-issued checks - $56 million in estimated value - were fraudulently endorsed.

What can seniors do to protect themselves? The U.S. Department of the Treasury is urging people who receive Social Security and other federal benefits to sign up for direct deposit and avoid becoming a victim of identity theft, endorsement fraud or robbery.   

"Seniors can outsmart these criminals. Signing up for direct deposit is easy, and it is the safest, most convenient payment option," said Alderman George A. Cardenas a partner of Go Direct, a national campaign co-sponsored by Treasury and the Federal Reserve Banks to encourage all federal benefit recipients to switch to direct deposit.

Enrolling in direct deposit can offer much-needed peace of mind to seniors, people with disabilities and others who rely on Social Security. Direct deposit eliminates the risk of stolen checks and forged signatures and helps protect people from identity theft. It also gives people more control over their money and allows immediate access to funds from virtually anywhere.

It's easy for Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients to sign up for direct deposit. They can call the Go Direct toll-free helpline at (800) 333-1795 or sign up at http://www.godirect.org/.

If you have any additional questions regarding this program, please contact the 12^th Ward Public Service Office at (773) 523-8250 or ward12@cityofchicago.org.

City Clerk del Valle Offers Free Assistance with Student Aid     Applications: Students May Be Eligible For More Than $10,000!

City Clerk del Valle and Ladder Up partner to assist students and families with the FAFSA application

Once again, City Clerk Miguel del Valle is partnering with Ladder Up (formerly the Tax Assistance Program) to provide free assistance for individuals filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Beginning February 3 prospective college students and parents are encouraged to visit City Clerk del Valle's office in Room 107 of City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St., on Tuesday evenings from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. to receive one-on-one assistance to complete the FAFSA form. This free service will be offered every Tuesday evening at City Clerk del Valle's office through April 14. No appointment is necessary.

The FAFSA form is required for all students seeking grants, work-study opportunities, or student loans. Students interested in attending a university, community college, or technical program may be eligible to receive more than $10,000 in grants for their higher education.

"Every year, thousands of dollars of financial aid marked for students is unclaimed because students do not complete and submit these forms," said City Clerk del Valle. "Some people assume they are not eligible because of their income level; while others may be intimidated by the application's worksheets - but the reality is most students are eligible for some form of financial aid and help is available. I strongly urge anyone planning to enroll in college to take advantage of the services offered by Ladder Up," added City Clerk del Valle.

FAFSA form assistance at City Clerk del Valle's office is a free service that will be provided to anyone. There are no income restrictions for students and families who need financial aid form assistance. Students should bring the most recent copy of their tax return and any asset information they may have. if a student is being supported by his/her parent(s), the student should also have the tax return, Social Security Number (if applicable), and the birthdates of his/her parents. Therefore, it is recommended that parents accompany their student to the financial aid form session. http://www.chicityclerk.com/ - CITYCLERK

Alderman Cardenas Joins UNO and the Veterans Affairs in Naming Veterans for School Campuses

The United Neighborhood Organization (UNO) opened three new schools in the Archer Heights area of Chicago's southwest side named the UNO Veterans Memorial School Campus.  UNO and the Alderman Cardenas request your help in naming current or past U.S. Veterans that have served in the U.S. Armed Forces for the UNO Veterans School Campus Naming Tasks Force.  Three veterans' names will be chosen.  Two of the individuals' names will be selected for two grammar schools, and third individual's name will be chosen for UNO's first high school by Memorial Day 2009.  Also, each classroom will be named after a veteran, displaying the name and a brief history on the nominated veteran.

The Nomination Form is due by March 2009

You can access the nomination form at this link: http://www.uno-online.org/pdf/Nomination%20Form_5.pdf

Please Fax Completed Nomination Form to (312) 432-0077 Attn: Veterans Memorial Campus or Email it to VETERANS@uno-online.org.

Alderman Cardenas Joins Latinos United for Priorities in Education (LUPE) in Education Initiative

                                                                         

                                                                          Contacts:

For Immediate Release                                Vicky Tam        (312) 479-4515

February 4, 2009                                           Krista Shelton        

Latino Leaders Gather to Call on Ron Huberman, New Chief Executive Officer and the Chicago Public Schools Board of Education to Address Latino Priorities in Education

Latino students are now nearly 41 percent of the school population in Chicago with adropout rate of over 45%.  Yet Latinos represent 13% in teacher and principal positions.Chicago, Illinois - The Chicago Public Schools are the third largest school district in the nationwith over 400,000 students according to the most recent racial survey for CPS for 2008.  Statistics from 2007 indicate that the dropout rate among Latinos continues to be as high as 45 % despite the efforts to provide resources and other initiatives by the previous administration under Arne Duncan.

 

A new time has come to Chicago Public Schools under the new leadership of Ron Huberman, recently appointed by Mayor Richard M. Daley as the CEO. For the Latino community these are also considered times of significant challenges when district population is compared with Latino representation within the system. It is not a secret that during the most recent decade Latinos have been under represented.  According to the latest figures, Hispanics only represent
13 % of the staff in CPS. This trend has to change!

 

Latinos not only face lack of representation but also suffer a dramatic and continuous dropoutrate of 45% among other issues. This is indeed a key factor linked to youth in general. "It is completely unacceptable that Latino students continue to be denied the opportunities for higher education, fairness on funding and the benefits of other resources needed at an early age to keep them in school," said Carlos M. Azcoitia, founder of Spry Community Links High School.

Under the new administration, priorities should include a closer look at the disparity of leadership, and serious and consistent efforts to reach out to every single student in the system. "Latinos have been very patient waiting for changes, better opportunities and a serious commitment from the CPS administration. We are quickly becoming a forgotten minority,"

said Alderman George Cardenas.

 

Elected officials, community leaders, organizations, parents and students gathered outside City Hall, Wednesday, February 4, 2009, to express their commitment and willingness to engage in an action plan to improve the school system and its image. Serious efforts from the new school administration in complying with the No Child Left Behind federal act is a priority. Recognizing the need for more Latino representation and leadership is also expected in order to achieve an inclusive equal opportunity system with higher

test scores, and a reduction in dropout rates.

 

No more promises; this is the time for results.

City of Chicago Ticket Amnesty December 1, 2008 through February 14, 2009

Two Ticket Booting Begins February 15, 2009 For Delinquent Parking and Red-light Tickets Older Than One Year.

City of Chicago Ticket Amnesty For Parking and Red-Light Tickets:

• Get 50% off penalties for tickets issued before January 1, 2007 when you pay your tickets in full;
• Get your boot, tow, and storage fees waived on a previously booted vehicle if your vehicle is no longer in the City's possession;
• Get your default fees waived if you previously defaulted on a payment plan;
• Avoid collection costs added to your ticket amounts after the amnesty ends;
• Enter a payment plan during the amnesty, and avoid booting for two delinquent tickets, and collection costs added to your ticket amounts after the amnesty ends;
• On-line ticket amounts will reflect the amnesty discount so why not pay on-line?
  

EZ Pay Discount

• Beginning December 1, 2008, get a $1.00 discount on payments made at the Chicago EZ Pay Stations;
• Seventeen locations throughout the City. Click here for locations;
• Seven locations open seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day year round;
• Instructions offered in both English and Spanish;
• Stations accept cash, credit card and check payments for a variety of City bills including:
• parking/red-light tickets,
• water bills,
• most City taxes,
• a variety of City permits,
• and administrative notices of violation that do not require hearings.  

District Block Clubs Conventions in the 12th Ward

CAPS has scheduled Block Club Conventions for District 009 on

August 30th ,11:00a.m.-1:00p.m. at McKinely Park (2210 W. Pershing) and for District 010 on July 12th at 9:30-11:30am at Douglas Park (1401 S. Sacramento). For all residents interested in block clubs, either exisiting or potential this a great chance to assemble your club and attend these conventions.

12th Ward and Water Department working on new project

Alderman Cardenas wants to inform the community of infrastructure improvements that will be taken place over the next few months. The Alderman also wants to let you know that the 12th Ward Office is well aware of these improvements and will be paying close attention to them and working closely with the Water Department, and you, the resident, to make sure the projects run quickly and efficiently. Specifically, a new water main will be installed on W. 43rd St. from South Rockwell to South Western Boulevard.  These neighborhood improvements are necessary and help keep the 12th Ward modern and running smoothly.   Please feel free to contact our office at any time for questions or concerns regarding these improvements.

City of Chicago Treasurer to hold Small Business Expo

City Treasurer's Office will be holding a Small Business Expo on Friday, August 1st, 2008 at the New UIC Forum located at 725 West Roosevelt Road. The Expo provides a unique and exiciting opportunity to connect each particpant to lender and government agencies. In addition, workshops are offered to assist in planning, marketing and financing a small business. Every year the City Treasurer focuses on a distinctive theme and our theme for this year is franchise enterprise. We will have workshops that explore the opportunities and challenges that come with being a franchisee. Workshops will also be offered in Spanish. More information can be found on the City Treasurer's website.  

 Paying your City of Chicago Water Bill

The City of Chicago Department of Water Management would like the residents of Chicago to know that they are understanding of the current tough economic times, but these tough times have brought on a rise in deliquent and unpaid water bills. That being said the Department of Water Management is willing to work with any and all residents to help facilitate the on time payment of their bill in order to avoid any interruption in service.  Below is a list of places in which you can pay your water bill and if you go to the city of Chicago Water Management website you will be able to find ways in which to lower your water bill. 

Help our city go green by picking up your CFL bulbs today

The 2008 Smart Bulb Program in partnership with the 12th Ward Public Service Office is offering CFL Lightblubs (maximum of 4 bulbs per household) for households in the 12th Ward. By using a compact fluorescent lightbulb, you can elminate 1,800 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions over the life of the bulb and also save money on your next light bill. In order to recieve the bulbs come into the 12th Ward Public Service Office located on 2458 W. 38th St., sign the Take 5 Pledge and recieve up to 4 lightbulbs for your household.

1000 Healthy Kids & Families Campaign  

On Saturday, June 21^st, a large group of community partners and Resurrection Health Care will participate in an effort to enroll 1,000 children in the Illinois All Kids health insurance program. Hundreds of volunteers will be stationed from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at enrollment locations throughout the Chicago area to assist state-certified agents in helping families apply for All Kids insurance coverage as part of the 1000 Healthy Kids and Families Campaign.  This campaign is the beginning of a long-term effort to try to eliminate the plight of uninsured children in Illinois.

In Illinois, every child is eligible for some form of public health insurance. However, an estimated 376,000 Illinois children still are not enrolled in All Kids and therefore have only limited access to quality health care.  If approximately 1,000 children were enrolled in the All Kids program every day, all children in Illinois would have health care coverage in one year.

The 1,000 Healthy Kids & Families Campaign aims to galvanize health care providers, churches and community organizations around the state to advocate for long-term solutions to the health care coverage crisis and to continue enrolling eligible children and families into public health programs. Below is a link to find out more information and also the locations in which children can be enrollment.

http://www.1000healthykids.org/programs/healthy_kids_campaign.cfm

12th Ward 

Alderman George Cardenas

Invites you

Come purchase your Residental
and City Parking Stickers

Thursday, July 2, 2009

10:00am to 5:30pm

2458 W 38th Street

(12^th Ward Public Service Office)

The Chicago Vehicle Sticker sales season is just around the corner.  The Office of the
City Clerk Miguel Del Valle and Alderman George Cardenas are joining together to
make it more convenient for you to purchase your city sticker.

For more information on the sticker event please contact our office at

12^th Ward Public Service Office
2458 W. 18th Street
Chicago, IL 60632
(773)523-8250  Office
(773)523-8440  Fax
http://www.12thwardnews.com/

  Museums this Summer!

*See Chicago's sites for FREE this summer!*

The following museums are offering free admission to their campuses on the  dates listed below:

                *Adler Planetarium*

*http://www.adlerplanetarium.org

Free Admission: June 15-20

*Art Institute of Chicago*

Target Free Summer Evenings: Thursdays and Fridays from 5:00-9:00 p.m.

(From Memorial Day to Labor Day)

*Chicago** Children's Museum

*http://www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org

Kraft Free Family Night: Thursdays 5:00-8:00 p.m. (Free Admission for

Everyone)

Target Free First Mondays: First Monday of every month: Free admission only

for ages 15 and under.

**

*Museum** of Contemporary** Art

*http://www.mcachicago.org

Free Admission: Tuesdays

*Museum** of Science** and Industry *

Free Admission: June 17-22

*Shedd Aquarium*

*http://www.sheddaquarium.org

Free Admission: June 15-20

*Please note that parking and special attractions may require additional

fees. *The Office of Student Involvement is not responsible for any changes

in the museum schedules. Please check the websites above to plan your

visits.

 

  City of Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation Unveils Different Color "No Parking Signs"

TEMPORARY STREET SWEEPING SIGNS TO BE COLOR CODED Monday -Blue, Tuesday -Red, Wednesday-Yellow, Thursday -Green, Friday -Orange Beginning April 1st the Chicago Department of Streets & Sanitation will take a new, higher visibility approach to posting temporary no parking signs for street sweeping on residential streets. Rather than putting up the familiar orange temporary no parking signs to caution motorists not to park on that side of the street when street sweeping will take place, the new temporary signs will have a similar look but will now be color coded for the day of the week that sweeping will take place. Monday will be Blue, Tuesday will be Red, Wednesday will be Yellow, Thursday will be Green and Friday will be the familiar Orange Sign. This will make our signs easier to see and will cut down on confusion over the day in question. Since we already have our residential sweeping schedules posted online, these signs will act as a final required reminder not to park at that site when we plan to sweep.

To view these schedules and our new signs, or for additional information, visit our homepage at www.cityofchicago.org/streetsandsan .

12th Ward Alderman George Cardenas - Residential and City Sticker Sales

The Chicago Vehicle Sticker sales season is just around the corner. The office of the City Clerk Miguel Devalle and Alderman George Cardenas are joining together to make it more convenient for you to purchase your city sticker.

12th Ward Public Service Office

2458 W. 38th Street  

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

9:00 am-5:00 pm

For more information on the sticker event please contact our office at:

Location: 12th Ward Public Service Office

              2458 W. 38th Street  

              Phone: 773-523-8250

              Fax: 773-823-8440 Fax:

              Web: http://www.12thwardnews.com/

Smaller Passenger (P) under 4,500 Ibs......................$ 75.00

Larger Passenger (LP) 4,500 Ibs or more.................. $120.00

Senior (S) (65 and over)..........................................$ 30.00

For more information

Click on the link listed below

http://www.chicityclerk.com/licenses/2008%20Price%20Chart.pdf

Affordable Neighborhoods Expo

Mayor Richard M. Daley, 12th Ward Alderman George A. Cardenas, and The Chicago Department of Housing Present the 2008 Affordable Neighborhoods Expo:

Intrested in Buying a Home in Chicago ?

Learn How the City of Chicago Can Help !

Want to Know How Can You Prevent Forclosurer?

• Meet with Realtors, lenders, contractors and more
• Discover City-sponcored mortgages and home repair loan
• Forclosure prevention services and financial counseling

Saturday, April 26 - 10am - 2pm

Southwest Region Expo

Maria Saucedo Academy, 2850 W. 24th Blvd.

(Enter the Parking lot on 23rd Pl.)

Expo Is Free of Charge

Weatherization kits will be provided

to attendees while supplies last

For more Information

Call 311 or visit www.cityof chicago.org/housing

 The City of Chicago - Opening the Affordable Living

Cook County Board of Review reopens property tax appeal process

With some Chicago homeowners recieving higher property tax bills then last fall, Mayor Daley has asked that the Cook County Board of Review reopen the appeals process. The Cook County Board of Review has agreed and will hold a special appeals period from March 17,2008 and March 31,2008. During this period property owners can file an appeal by contacting the Board of Review directly at:

Cook County Board of Review

County Building, Room 601

118 North Clark Street

Chicago, Illinois 60602

(312) 603-5542

http://www.cookcountyboardofreview.com/

In addition to the Cook County Board of Review, the Chicago Tax Assistance Center (CTAC) staff are avaiable at the address below between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday to provide assistance filling out the appeals forms:

The Chicago Tax Assistance Center

City Hall, Room 100

121 North LaSalle Street

Chicago, Illinois 60602

(312)744-1000

Join the Chicago Department of Consumer Services for Nation Consumer Protection Week-March 4-7

The Chicago Department of Consumer Services will have an informational booth setup on the 1st Floor Lobby of City Hall from 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. on March 4th to 7th. During this week the Department of Consumer Services will be informing the public on ways to Prepare, Prevent, and Protect againist consumer fraud. Some of the main topics will include learning how to avoid: home repair fraud, mortgage fraud, indentity theft, immigration theft, and internet fraud. For more information, visit their website at www.cityofchicago.org/consumerservices or call 311.

Cook County Board of Review
Appeals Period Open for South Chicago Township 

The Cook County Board of Review has currently opened the appeal process for South Chicago Township all property owners in this township are urged to file their appeals. The appeal period runs from January 7 - February 11, 2008. Should you have any questions please contact us. 

In order to assist homeowners in township of South Chicago, Alderman Cardenas along with Commissioner Joseph Berrios, Cook County Board of Review have put together a Property Assessment Appeals workshop. This workshop will provide details on the appeals process. Cook County will be present to assist in filling out appeals forms. The event will be taking place Thursday, January 24, 2008 at Our Lady of Fatima, 3845 S. California Av. from 6:00 - 8:00pm.

Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) and Chicago Department of Water Management's would like to invite you to the Prime and Subcontractors Networking Session.

CDOT and DWM is providing a  forum for prime contractors to meet some of the many MBE and WBE companies doing business  in the Chicago area. In this one-on-one setting. participants can also learn more about each other -- contracting needed services offered, areas of expertise, and the like. You can also learn more about city contracting opportunities in the coming year for CDOT and DWM projects.

CDOT and DWM are confident this session will build on the success of past city outreach efforts, including  CDOT - sponsored  networking session held last year. Chicago has strong track record of promoting minority - and woman- owned businesses, and we are committed to doing even more. CDOT and DWM hope you'll be able to attend this important event. 

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

10 a.m. - noon

South Shore Cultural Center

7059 S. South Shore Drive, Chicago

• Learn more about bid packages
• meet potential general contractors
• Learn more about subcontractoring opportunities 

Concrete  Asphalt  Water/Sewer  Landscaping  Electrical

Architectural   Earthwork

For more information: call CDOT at 312-744-3600 or Email cdotnews@cityofchicago.org

O'Hare ModernizationProgram

City of Chicago Constuction And Aviation Industry Job Fair

Alderman George Cardenas would like to notify the 12th ward residents, to get the first opportunity to apply and attend this job fair for  O'Hare Modernization Program (OMP) and the Chicago Department of Aviation (DOA) will co-sponsor a City of Chicago Constuction and Aviation Industry Job Fair on

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

8:00a.m. - 1:00p.m.

Donald E. Stephens Convention Center

5555 N. River Road, Rosemont,IL  

The City of Chicago Constuction And Aviation Industry Job Fair is an  Opportunity for job Seekers to meet  with firm currently providing Services to O'Hare, Midway or on the OMP in variety Of Professions. Last year, more than 650 job seekers were on hand to meet with over 50 companies companies, city department and trade associations. We anticipate an even greater turnout this year.

Additionally, representatives from the Chicago Department of Human Resources will be atending to assist job seekers interested in applying for Positions with the City of Chicago.

For More Information Contact Cathy Kwiatkowski OMP Coordinator of Special Projects at 773-462-7320

Department of Aviation Residential Sound Insulation ( Contractor Open House on Opportunitie to bid )   

Alderman A. George Cardenas would like to imform small business owner and City of Chicago certified M/W/DBE/ACDBE firm on contracting opportunities with the Chicago Airport System.

Anticipated Annual Purchase & Installation :

30,000 + Window, 115,000 + Window Trim, 6,800 + Prime & Storm Doors, 200 + A/C Systems.

Trades Involved In Residential Sound Insulation:

Carpenters, Electricians, Sheet Metal Workers, Laborers, Drywall Installers, Tapers, Painters.

Annual Contracts:

The City of Chicago annually will be advertising for bids on 300-500 home unit price contacts for the folllowing work.

• Midway- 1,000 homes
• Ohare - 500- 1,000 homes

When:

10:00 A.M. - 11:30 A.M. Thursday, October 4th, 2007

Where :

Aviation Administration Building, Blue Landings Break Room, 2nd Floor, 10510 West Zemke Road, Chicago IL 60666.

CTA Fare Changes And Bus Route Eliminations, Due to Insufficient State Funding. (Effective on September 16)

TYPES

Cash - No Transfer $2.50 (Bus)

           NO Transfer $3.00 (Rail)

Alderman George Cardenas and other local dignitaries join in Fifth Third Bank celebrating the grand opening of the McKinley Park Branch

On Friday, August 17th marked a symbolic day for both the McKinley and Brighton Park communities as the ribbon cutting of the new McKinley Branch Bank took place signaling the official opening of the McKinley Park Branch. The arrival of Fifth Third Bank is just one more sign that this area is developing and best of all is providing financial options to all the residents in the community. Fifth Third is definitely a welcomed addition! 

The Firth Third Bank McKinley Park Financial Center is located on 1950 W 33rd Damen (corner of Damen and 33rd Street). This brand new full-service facility is equipped with ample parking, a three lane drive thru, and a team of bilingual professionals that are fluent in Spanish and Cantonese. Services include everything from checking/savings, mortgages/loans, investments, and safety deposit boxes.

El centro bancario de Fifth Third Bank en McKinley Park esta ubicado en el 1950 W 33rd St (en la esquina de la calle 33 y Damen). Esta nueva sucursal cuenta con un amplio estacionamiento, un drive thru, y un equipo de profesionales bilingues. Los servicios incluyen todo, desde cuentas de cheques/ahorros, hipotecas, prestamos personales/auto, inversiones, y cajas de seguridad.

Chicago Public Schools In Ward Have Been Improved

Alderman George would like to share the great news to our residents, regarding the schools in the ward have done an excellent job on the standardized tests!  Citywide over two-thirds of public schools improved this year. Last year, over 95% improved and over the past 6 years the system as a whole has come a long way towards closing the achievement gap with the State of Illinois.  Local schools test results below:

Chicago Low-Priced Gas Station In our Neighborhood

Alderman Cardenas and the City Of Chicago would like to introduce you to the new Low-Priced Gas Hotline: (312) 742-4GAS or log on to the web site  www.cityofchicago.org/consumerservices

• Enter your zip code or the zone to find the lowest priced gas station.
• Received the result of the gas station s offering the lowest prices in your zone reported by consumers.

Chicago of Public Health (CareVan) to visit

Alderman Cardenas would like to inform our resident regarding to the schedule for the Chicago CareVan. The CareVan is a joint venture of the Chicago Department of Health and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois to bring immunization services directly to schools, Head start and Child Care centers, and community events. The hours of operation may vary daily, so check the schedule to confirm hour of service. The CareVan services are available to any child who is in need of immunizations. Please note that families seeking immunization services may be referred to any of the locations listed on the schedule.

To see these days of event in our ward, you may click on the calendar of our site.

For more information or further schedule details you may also call (312)746-6122 or 311.

  Illinois Department Of Labor Passes New Minimum Wage Increase

Alderman Cardenas would like to inform you that the General Assembly passed and Governor Blagojevich signed into law SB1268 (Public Act 941072) which increases the state minimum wage from $6.50/ hour to $7.50 /hour effective July 1, 2007. The minimum wage will increase by an additional .25 in each of the following three years to $7.75 on July 1, 2008; $8.00 on July 1, 2009: $8.25 on July 1, 2010.

Alderman George A. Cardenas Launches 12th Ward Youth Initiative

Alderman’s Cardenas philosophy is, “OUR CHILDREN, OUR FUTURE and only by working together as a Community can we improve our way of life in our Communities”.
The Alderman’s goal is to reach out to all Youth, and assist them in reaching their full potential, by providing them and their families with Tools, through Education, Intervention, Guidance and Community Awareness, as well as to restore the Balance of Justice by building Bridges and Partnerships with Communities, Churches, Schools, Law Enforcement Agencies and Community Organizations. For more information contact Sarita Villarreal, Youth Outreach Coordinator at 773/523-8250.  

Block Parties

As summer nears and festivities begin, Alderman Cardenas would like to remind the residents of the 12th Ward that Block Party applications may be picked up at the Public Service office. Reservations for the jumping jack, the Canine Unit and Fire Engine, are on a first come, first serve basis. So be sure to visit the Public Service Office for these forms.