I am writing this letter the day before Halloween and 6 days before the election.  By the time you read it, your kids will have recovered from eating all of their trick or treat candies and we will know who will be our next President, and who will control the Senate and Congress (in the absence of prolonged post-election objections and claims of system errors or worse.) God help and bless us all!

During our last meeting we discussed proposals to expand the Mayfair Branch Library, the proposed relocation of Relativity Textiles from Lawrence to Pulaski Avenue, efforts to address migrant and homeless issues in Gompers Park, and a proposal to co-sponsor with Mayfair Park Advisory Council the installation of a small garden at the south-east edge of the Park to commemorate the substantial and continuing community work by long-time activist Wally Eliasen. 

Please plan to attend our next Zoom meeting at 6:30pm on November 14 when we will continue discussion of the foregoing items. We can also expect election commentary from Congressman Mike Quigley and Alderman Samantha Nugent. We will also discuss final preparations to host our Annual Holiday Celebration scheduled to be held in the Mayfair Park Fieldhouse beginning 6:00pm on December 12. This year’s Celebration will again feature a free all-ages dance performance, with Thwack Dance Company performing Christmas Oratorio. After the performance we will again gather in the Fifth Province Pub at the Irish American Heritage Center to celebrate Mayfair with fellow residents. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

2024 Meeting Schedule

Mayfair Civic Association meetings are generally held on the second Thursday of every month. No meetings are held in January, July, or August. These are the remaining dates for 2024. These are suggested meeting dates and topics, subject to any comments you may provide, but will be followed in the absence of alternative suggestions. Our Board generally meets quarterly as determined by Board members.

November 14 Annual Party Planning

December 12 Holiday Party

Wanted: The MCA is looking for a treasurer and membership manager

If you or someone you know has accounting skills and would like to get more involved and contribute directly to your neighborhood, Mayfair Civic Association is looking for a new treasurer and membership manager. Those interested can contact MCA President Ron Duplack at rduplack@rieckcrotty.com. Thank you for your support!

Membership Meetings

Here are some details from recent meetings of the Mayfair Civic Association.

Thanks to the neighbors, as well as to the offices of Alderman Nugent for Ward 39, Representative Mike Kelly for District 15, and Congressman Mike Quigley for attending.

Updates from Congressman Quigley

Dana Fritz from the office of Congressman Mike Quigley was in attendance for the September 12 meeting and gave us the following updates:

• The Congressman is currently the ranking member of the House Transportation and Urban Development Committee and is hoping to chair the committee in the new Congress if things go well in November.
• In case you missed it, in May the Congressman requested $2MM for the Weber Spur Trail, which would allow progress on the project to continue. A planned 1.7-mile stretch of the trail that would run through parts of Sauganash, Peterson Park, Mayfair and Jefferson Park has been delayed for years (Nadig Newspaper, June 12, 2024).
• The Congressman’s office is currently looking at the FY25 budget and earmarks, targeting similar things to last year, including police vests, fire trucks, and fire department equipment.

Updates from State Rep Mike Kelly

Katie El-Ali from the office of State Rep Mike Kelly provided updates during the September 12 meeting. They’re working with Alderman Nugent to address the homeless encampment at Gomper’s Park. Veto session begins in November after the election, see here for the calendar.

If you have ideas for new legislation that you think would be helpful for the district or thoughts on existing bills that haven’t been voted on yet, Representative Kelly is always willing to hear ideas. Their office has gotten a lot of calls about bills that are already voted on, but it would be better to know if people agree or disagree about parts of a bill before voting, so they can consider that information in their vote.

To track Illinois legislation, the following websites are used throughout the State: ilga.gov and legiscan.com/IL:

Here are direct links for legislation that Representative Kelly has either introduced or sponsored: ilga.gov, legiscan.com.

Constituents can also contact the Representative’s office in order to find out more information on any legislation that they may have learned about. They may not have the answer immediately, but will do their best to get the information requested in a timely manner.

Homeless encampment at Gomper’s Park

There is a homeless encampment at Gomper’s Park. While there was a large migrant group not too long ago, the current residents are not migrants. Some encampment residents are suffering from mental illness and drug addiction. At the encampment there has been public drug use, large piles of garbage, and other issues. theft of electricity from the Salvation Army, a tent that has caught fire, and a general feeling in the community that it’s not safe to be in the park.

For more information on this issue and how to get involved, see Reviving Gompers Park: A Community Call to Action later in this issue.

Mayfair Fest

Jon Litwin, President of the Mayfair Park Advisory Council, said this year’s Mayfair Fest went very smoothly in terms of setup and teardown. The three local bands that played were great, and people enjoyed the beer that was donated to sell by Maplewood, though it was difficult getting through the alcohol permitting process for the event. Thanks to Mayfair Park Advisory Council and volunteers for putting together such a wonderful event for the neighborhood to enjoy.

From Mayfair Park Advisory Council:

Endorsement of NRC forest grant application

At the September 12 meeting, MCA President Ron Duplack mentioned that he received a letter from James O’Reilly of North River Commission asking for an endorsement of their application for the USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry grant. Their project aims to “encourage the growth of our tree canopy in commercial corridors, vacant lots, and private properties within Mayfair and the entirety of the Albany Park area.” Duplack said that there was no downside to the grant. He noted that the area is in need of improved tree coverage after losing many ash trees from the emerald ash borer, and we could always use more trees. Following discussion, it was agreed that support should be provided. A copy of the letter is provided here.

Relativity Textiles owner looking to purchase wallpaper factory

At the September meeting it was mentioned that Erin Minckley, local artist and owner of Relativity Textiles, was looking to buy a local wallpaper factory that Minckley uses to print her designs. After 50 years in operation, the owner of Artisan Handprints (4234 N Pulaski Rd) has retired and his wallpaper printing factory has gone out of business. Minckley has started a GoFundMe to help fund purchasing the property. The following is the press release about the initiative to purchase the property:

For questions or updates on this initiative, contact Erin Minckley at erin@relativitytextiles.com or 312-350-5406.

Annual holiday party

Plans for the annual MCA holiday party on December 12 were discussed in October and we decided to do something similar to last year, with a performance by Thwack Dance Company at the Mayfair Park field house (4550 W Sunnyside Ave). Last year, Thwack did a great job performing to a Christmas oratorio with an Elizabethan style. After the dance performance, people can gather at the Fifth Province pub at the Irish American Heritage Center (4626 N Knox Ave). If you have thoughts on this, you can send them to Ron Duplack at rduplack@rieckcrotty.com or share them at the November meeting. Final details will be shared as the date approaches.

Assessing community use of Mayfair Branch Library

On October 7 there was a community open house at the Mayfair Branch Library (4400 W Lawrence Ave) to discuss possibilities for enhanced library services in the neighborhood. The event was focused on gathering community input on how people use, or would like to use, the library. Alderman Nugent was in attendance along with representatives from the Public Building Commission of Chicago, Chicago Public Library, and the Department of Fleet and Facilities Management.

MCA meeting attendees discussed the possible expansion of the current branch location into the rest of the building, which includes two currently-vacant storefronts on its west side. The building is relatively new (built in the past 25 years) and thought to be in good condition.

Questions were raised about what prompted the initiative, where the money would come from, the anticipated demographics of the users, and what features were common or popular in libraries today; the following articles were found related to this topic:

• ALA study on how Gen Z and Millennials use public libraries
• Pew Research study on what people want from their library

If you have ideas on this, you can send them to Alderman Nugent’s office at 773-736-5594 or via email at Ward39@CityOfChicago.Org.

The following are some highlights from Alderman Nugent’s newsletters and other communications.

Firefighter safety

In early October, I introduced an ordinance designed to help protect firefighters as they respond to fires in buildings with skylights and other roof openings. After firefighter Lt. Andrew “Drew” Price tragically died from falling through a roof opening while responding to a fire in Lincoln Park, Alderman Marty Quinn and I began working on ways to prevent this from happening again. The ordinance requires openings on flat roofs, like skylights and light shafts, to be covered or protected, rather than remaining open. It was an honor to have Lt. Price’s wife, Lara, speak in support of the ordinance. The ordinance unanimously passed the City Council on October 9, 2024.

City Council budget hearings

City Council Budget Hearings begin the first week of November. During this two-week process, Department Commissioners and leadership appear in front of council members to present their budgets and answer questions. These budget hearings are all a part of the proposed 2025 Budget by Mayor Johnson. You can find the 2025 Budget Forecast here: Mayor Johnson’s 2025 Budget Forecast.

Visit and Subscribe!

Visit https://aldermannugent.com/ to subscribe to Alderman Nugent’s newsletter and learn about what she’s doing for the 39th Ward. My office is open Mondays from 9am to 7pm, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9am to 5pm and Fridays from 9am to 3pm. While the office is open for walk-ins, appointments are encouraged. We ask that everyone, regardless of vaccination status, wear a mask and maintain social distancing. Please reach out should you have any questions, comments, or concerns at 773-736-5594 or via email at Ward39@CityOfChicago.Org.

Reviving Gompers Park: A Community Call to Action

By Lynn Burmeister, Gail Beitz and Lisa Stringer

Introduction

Gompers Park, a cherished green space in our community, has become the center of a pressing issue. What began as a single tent has grown into a small encampment, raising concerns about safety, sanitation, and the overall well-being of both the unhoused individuals living there and the community members who cherish this natural oasis.

The Rise of the Encampment

For years, one unhoused individual called Gompers Park home, but over the past two years, the number of tents has steadily increased. By the summer of 2024, community concerns voiced during Beat 1712 CAPS meetings led to the formation of the Restore Gompers Park Coalition. Neighbors rallied together, determined to address the challenges facing both the park and people in the encampment.

The Coalition’s Mission

The Restore Gompers Park Coalition is committed to amplifying the voices of those living in the encampment and advocating for the park’s restoration. Our goal is to ensure that Gompers Park returns to a beautiful natural space for all to enjoy while also addressing the needs of the unhoused individuals who currently find shelter there.

Community Engagement

In a show of solidarity, the coalition launched a petition campaign, collecting 450 signatures. This grassroots effort demonstrated strong community support and was accompanied by a cover letter detailing the situation, along with photos and impact statements from neighbors, including children. These materials were submitted to the Mayor, Alderman Nugent, the Chicago Park District Board, and the Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS).

City Response and Solutions

The DFSS regularly visits the encampment to offer shelter and housing options. Unfortunately, many individuals have declined these offers. Through this process, we learned that an Accelerated Moving Event (AME) could provide rapid rehousing, connecting those in the encampment with apartments, counseling, job training, and mental health support. Those living in the tents are given 30 days to relocate to housing, either on their own or supported by DFSS, and vacate from the park.

This has proven to be very successful in getting the unhoused into housing (more info). The coalition, alongside Alderman Nugent, has been advocating for the city to schedule an AME for Gompers Park. Alderman Nugent has sent multiple letters to the Mayor about the issue (latest letter).

The Recent Community Meeting

In September, the Chief Homelessness Officer, Sendy Soto, met with the community, drawing over 250 attendees. Unfortunately, the meeting left many people feeling frustrated, as no concrete solutions were presented to address the community’s concerns. For more information on this meeting, see the article from Nadig Newspapers.

Ongoing Challenges

The challenges facing Gompers Park persist. A tent fire on October 7 resulted in no injuries, but the incident highlighted ongoing safety concerns (Nadig Newspapers article). Evidence of drug use, discarded needles, used sanitary products and unsanitary waste can be found throughout the park, affecting both the unhoused individuals and park visitors.

Conclusion and Call to Action

As we strive to reclaim Gompers Park, we invite everyone to join our efforts. Whether through advocacy, volunteering, or sharing information, your support is vital. Together, we can work towards a solution that honors both the dignity of those living in the encampment and the integrity of our beloved park.

Join our FB page for updates and how you can help our cause: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1413920399270944

The Restore Gompers Park Coalition has a GoFundMe page to help fuel getting an AME.  For a minimum of $15, we will deliver to you a Restore Gompers Park supporter yard sign asking for an AME.

In the Neighborhood

Walter “Wally” Eliasen recognized for decades of contributions to community

At Mayfair Fest on September 7, Walter “Wally” Eliasen was recognized by community leaders for his many contributions over the past 25 years, including involvement with the Mayfair Civic Association and Mayfair Park Advisory Council, cleaning up the neighborhood, maintaining public gardens, working with local businesses to raise funds for Park 593 and neighborhood beautification, among other things! MPAC President Jon Litwin said that Wally is the best volunteer MPAC has had since its inception. Wally, thanks so much for all that you do, this recognition is well-deserved!

See also:

• State Representative Mike Kelly’s post on Wally’s recognition
• Alderman Nugent’s resolution recognizing Wally

CAPS Meeting for Beat 1722

CAPS meetings for Beat 1722 are held on the 3rd Wednesday of each month. The next meeting is on November 20 at 6:30pm in the Community Room of the 17th District Police Department at 4650 N Pulaski. A full schedule of meetings for the year can be found here.

The primary purpose of the beat community meeting is to allow beat residents, other community stakeholders and police to discuss chronic problems on the beat and to engage in problem solving using the CAPS five-step problem-solving process. Beat community meetings provide an opportunity for police and community residents to exchange information about conditions in the neighborhood, to identify crime and disorder problems, and to develop strategies to combat those problems. The meeting also provides an opportunity for police and community to get to know one another.

For upcoming meeting info, or if you have questions or comments, please contact the CAPS office at 312-742-4588, or email caps.017district@chicagopolice.org. Learn about the Office of Community Policing at https://home.chicagopolice.org/community-policing-group/.

Chicago kids are back in school so be extra careful when driving through the neighborhood.

During the summer there was a lot going on in Mayfair. Just after our June meeting, Alderman Nugent announced that Mayfair Park basketball court improvements received Participatory Budget approval, paving the way for upgraded court space, pickleball courts and other enhancements. 

The Mayfair Branch Library hosted a Bollywood Indian Dance with the Old Town School of Folk Music and several special children’s events, including a June 15 event featuring a reading by Alderman Nugent and related Touch a Truck featuring a variety of City emergency vehicles that kids were able to see, touch and get into. The Branch also kicked off an adult late-night series with big band performance by The Fat Cats.

PEBA/SSA #79 hosted a series of musical performances at Clark Street Sports. It also co-hosted a ribbon-cutting for the Mayfair Mural on Lawrence with the 39^th Ward and Erin Minckley, of Relativity Textiles. Mayfair Park Advisory Council featured Films in the Park and co-hosted a neighborhood garage sale.

We hope you were able to attend some of these events. If not, don’t miss additional ones coming up very soon including: (a) a Japanese dance, drumming and theatrical performance by Asian Improv aRts Midwest, at 3:00pm on September 7 at 4875 N Elston Ave; (b) Mayfair Fest in Mayfair Park from Noon to 8:00pm on September 7; (c) a Flamenco Performance with Amanda Saucedo at 6:00pm on September 9 at the Mayfair Branch Library; and (d) a performance by Ballet Folklórico de Chicago in Mayfair Park at 2:00pm on September 14, to celebrate Mexican Independence Day and to kick-off Hispanic Heritage Month.

Please plan to attend our next Zoom meeting at 6:30 on September 12 which will address, among other things, efforts to preserve a wallpaper manufacturing facility that had operated for decades in Mayfair.

2024 Meeting Schedule

Mayfair Civic Association meetings are generally held on the second Thursday of every month. No meetings are held in January, July, or August. These are the remaining dates for 2024. These are suggested meeting dates and topics, subject to any comments you may provide, but will be followed in the absence of alternative suggestions. Our Board generally meets quarterly as determined by Board members.

September 12 Traffic & Parking	November 14 Annual Party Planning
October 10 Elections	December 12 Holiday Party

Wanted: The MCA is looking for a treasurer and membership manager

If you or someone you know has accounting skills and would like to get more involved and contribute directly to your neighborhood, Mayfair Civic Association is looking for a new treasurer and membership manager. Those interested can contact MCA President Ron Duplack at rduplack@rieckcrotty.com. Thank you for your support!

Membership Meetings

Here are some details from recent meetings of the Mayfair Civic Association.

Thanks to the neighbors, as well as to the office of Alderman Nugent for Ward 39 for attending.

During the June 13 membership meeting, attendees briefly discussed a variety of topics including new restaurant businesses in the area, local events, and neighborhood bumpout garden maintenance. The architect and lawyer for the 4606 N Kelso zoning variance request were also in attendance to answer questions and provide details on the proposed changes. Details on anything of note that was discussed can be found in this or past newsletter issues.

The following are some highlights from Alderman Nugent’s newsletters and other communications.

Participatory Budgeting Cycle 5 Results

I am excited to announce the community-selected infrastructure improvement projects that will be funded through the fifth cycle of Participatory Budgeting (PB) in the 39th Ward.

953 residents chose from 12 projects to improve our ward. Seven projects will be funded, within the $500,000 allotment. 

Thank you to the Participatory Budgeting Committee for their work and dedication to the process, and thank you to all the community members who submitted project proposals and ideas for improvements across the ward.

Visit and Subscribe!

Visit https://aldermannugent.com/ to subscribe to Alderman Nugent’s newsletter and learn about what she’s doing for the 39th Ward. My office is open Mondays from 9am to 7pm, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9am to 5pm and Fridays from 9am to 3pm. While the office is open for walk-ins, appointments are encouraged. We ask that everyone, regardless of vaccination status, wear a mask and maintain social distancing. Please reach out should you have any questions, comments, or concerns at 773-736-5594 or via email at Ward39@CityOfChicago.Org.

In the Neighborhood

Mayfair Park Participatory Budgeting project funded

The community selected the Participatory Budgeting Cycle 5 project proposal to renovate the Mayfair Park Basketball Court! Thanks to Alderman Nugent and the Participatory Budgeting Committee for all the work that goes into Participatory Budgeting. Congratulations to Mayfair Park Advisory Council for being selected, and thanks also to them for their persistence and hard work in making this project a reality.

Back to School Block Party at Park No. 593 was a hit

On Monday, August 19, Alderman Nugent held a back-to-school block party at Park 593 (4546 N Kedvale Ave). There was a backpack giveaway, live music, and raffles. The weather was beautiful and the event was well-attended. Representatives from area schools were available to answer students’ and parents’ questions about the upcoming school year. Thanks to Alderman Nugent for coordinating the event and to everyone that attended!

Celebrate Japanese Arts with Asian Improv aRts Midwest, Saturday, September 7

Mayfair Fest, Saturday September 7

Latin Dance Presentation at Mayfair Branch Library, Monday, September 9

Ballet Folklórico de Chicago at Mayfair Park, Saturday, September 14

Live music at Clark Street Sports

The Pulaski/Elston Business Association (aka PEBA, or SSA #79) is sponsoring a new summer music series: Live on Lawrence! The performances are in the parking lot of Clark Street Sports at 4506 W Lawrence. There’s one more performance left in the series. See details in the schedule below.

[CANCELED] The Quilt Connection hosts Holiday Sip & Shop

New restaurants in the area

There are a few new food places in the area that were discussed at the last MCA membership meeting.

CAPS Meeting for Beat 1722

CAPS meetings for Beat 1722 are held on the 3rd Wednesday of each month. The next meeting is on September 18 at 6:30pm in the Community Room of the 17th District Police Department at 4650 N Pulaski. A full schedule of meetings for the year can be found here.

The primary purpose of the beat community meeting is to allow beat residents, other community stakeholders and police to discuss chronic problems on the beat and to engage in problem solving using the CAPS five-step problem-solving process. Beat community meetings provide an opportunity for police and community residents to exchange information about conditions in the neighborhood, to identify crime and disorder problems, and to develop strategies to combat those problems. The meeting also provides an opportunity for police and community to get to know one another.

For upcoming meeting info, or if you have questions or comments, please contact the CAPS office at 312-742-4588, or email caps.017district@chicagopolice.org. Learn about the Office of Community Policing at https://home.chicagopolice.org/community-policing-group/.

Chicago schools soon let out for summer break, as do we following our June 13 meeting. At our last meeting, Congressman Quigley provided a report of House efforts to manage and operate despite continuing Republican chaos. He noted his committee’s application of infrastructure funds toward $95 million in highway, mass transportation and other capital improvements in the District and set asides for safety and other preparations for this summer’s Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

Alderman Nugent discussed the PB program status and PEBA’s/SSA #79’s work on Lawrence Avenue Bump-outs, gardens, etc. She said PB proposal submissions have concluded, and they are now requesting your vote to determine those with the most support and chance of success. See the PB Chicago website for Ward 39 and support Mayfair Park basketball court improvements! Alderman Nugent also noted that recently revived Weber Trail discussions are close to conclusion with the railroad and that she was close to confirming funding for development.

Hats off to those that battled the rain during the June 1 Mayfair Park Advisory Council Community Yard Sale. 

We will have the owner’s counsel available at our next meeting to discuss the development proposal for 4606 N Kelso. 

Although we will break for summer, there will be a lot going on in Mayfair. PEBA/SSA #79 are hosting musical performances every month from June through September at Clark Street Sports.

The Mayfair Branch Library is hosting many events this summer, including a Bollywood Indian Dance performance with Old Town School of Folk Music on June 8. It will hold several special children’s events including a June 15 event featuring a reading by Alderman Nugent and related Touch a Truck featuring a variety of City emergency vehicles that kids will be able to see, touch and get into. 

Many thanks to Chief Librarian Rebecca Berg for kicking things off on May 29, with the first Late Nite at the Library event featuring The Flat Cats. If you missed it, be sure to get to upcoming Late Nites, details of which are posted on the Branch website.   

Finally, thanks to PEBA/SSA #79, Erin Minckley, Relativity Textiles, and all the volunteers that completed the Mayfair Mural. Be sure to attend the formal dedication at 10:00am on June 27.

2024 Meeting Schedule

Mayfair Civic Association meetings are generally held on the second Thursday of every month. No meetings are held in January, July, or August. These are the remaining dates for 2024. These are suggested meeting dates and topics, subject to any comments you may provide, but will be followed in the absence of alternative suggestions. Our Board generally meets quarterly as determined by Board members.

June 13 Open	October 10 Elections	December 12 Holiday Party
September 12 Traffic & Parking	November 14 Annual Party Planning

Reminder: The MCA is looking for a new treasurer!

If you or someone you know has accounting skills and would like to get more involved and contribute directly to your neighborhood, Mayfair Civic Association is looking for a new treasurer. Those interested can contact MCA President Ron Duplack at rduplack@rieckcrotty.com. Thank you for your support!

Membership Meetings

Details from our recent meeting of the Mayfair Civic Association are included in the President’s Letter.

Thanks to the neighbors, as well as to the offices of Alderman Nugent for Ward 39 and Congressman Quigley for Illinois 5th District for attending.

Updates on 4606 N Kelso zoning variance request

See the earlier post for past discussions on this topic. The lawyer for the property owner was in attendance at the April 11 meeting and provided some additional details. The property includes 2 lots (4 & 5) and currently has a single 2-flat on lot 4, with an extended portion of the building that adds more space to a dwelling unit. The owner wants to divide the property into two and have two buildings on it. The current 2-flat on lot 4 of the property would not be in compliance with zoning regulations if they divide the property into two, because the lot size would change from 50’x125′ to 25’x125′, and zoning regulations require 5k square feet of land area for the square footage of a 2-flat.

The site plans were not yet available by the time of the meeting. The attendees agreed that the plans would serve as the basis for the zoning request approval, and would therefore need to be provided to the Civic Association before approval could be granted.

Since the meeting, the following site plan has been provided.

We will be discussing the plan during the June 13 meeting.

The following are some highlights from Alderman Nugent’s newsletters and other communications.

Voting now open for Participatory Budgeting Cycle 5

Our fifth round of Participatory Budgeting (PB) is now open for public vote! YOU can vote on how we will spend part of the 39th Ward’s infrastructure budget. Project ideas were submitted by the community, and our community representatives created a ballot of proposals. You can view these proposals below.

PB is a democratic process in which community members directly decide how to spend part of the public budget, also known as the “menu”. “Menu money” is ward-specific money that aldermen allocate to specific needs across the Ward.

Voting closes on Wednesday, June 12th at 11:59 p.m.

We have partnered again with PB Chicago, an initiative of the Great Cities Institute, for the PB Process. Visit the PB Chicago page by clicking the link, follow the directions to fill out the survey confirming your address and age, and then complete your ballot. Choose projects adding up to $500,000.

We are excited to see the outcome of this year’s PB cycle. Results will be announced on Wednesday, June 12th.

Visit and Subscribe!

Visit https://aldermannugent.com/ to subscribe to Alderman Nugent’s newsletter and learn about what she’s doing for the 39th Ward. My office is open Mondays from 9am to 7pm, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9am to 5pm and Fridays from 9am to 3pm. While the office is open for walk-ins, appointments are encouraged. We ask that everyone, regardless of vaccination status, wear a mask and maintain social distancing. Please reach out should you have any questions, comments, or concerns at 773-736-5594 or via email at Ward39@CityOfChicago.Org.

In the Neighborhood

Grand reveal of new mural at Relativity Textiles

Artist Erin Minckley, owner of Relativity Textiles, has completed her “Welcome to Mayfair” mural! There will be a gathering on Thursday, June 27 at 10:00am at 4221 W Lawrence, in the parking lot next to Relativity Textiles, to gaze at and celebrate the accomplishment.

For more info about the mural work, see the earlier post.

Live music at Clark Street Sports

The Pulaski/Elston Business Association (aka PEBA, or SSA #79) is sponsoring a new summer music series: Live on Lawrence! The performances will be in the parking lot of Clark Street Sports at 4506 W Lawrence. The performance schedule is below.

Mayfair Branch Library Program Schedule

The Mayfair branch of the Chicago Public Library has many fun programs planned for the summer! It’s located at 4400 W Lawrence Avenue. You can see the complete schedule of events at https://www.chipublib.org/locations/49/. Below are some of the events.

Indian Dance & Culture Workshop With Bollywood Groove
Saturday, June 8 at 2 p.m.

Celebrate Indian culture through stories, engaging facts and incredibly fun dance movements. For ages 2 and up. Online registration is required.

Family Dance Party
Tuesday, June 11 at 4:30 p.m.

Cha cha slide your way down to the library. Dance to some of your favorite tunes and try out some group dances.  For ages 2-13. Online registration is required.

Tales For Two’s & Three’s Story Time
Thursdays, June 13 – August 1 at 10:30 a.m.

Join as we share stories, songs and rhymes followed by a craft and open play. Recommended for ages 2-5. 

Touch-A-Truck
Saturday, June 15 at 10 a.m.

Join us for a fun story with our local alderperson, Samantha Nugent, followed by an exciting visit with community vehicles of different sizes and the people who drive them.   

For ages 2-13. 

Kid Crafternoon: Music Meets Art
Tuesday, June 18 at 4:30 p.m.

Join us as we design and make our very own album covers.  Recreate one of your favorite album covers or make a design of your very own. 

For ages 6-13. Online registration is required.

Rappin’ Ray Family Concert
Saturday, June 22 at 10:30 a.m. 

Rappin’ Ray will amuse you with his stories and hip-hop skillz. Sing and dance along in this interactive show that can only be described as out-RAY-geous.  For ages 2-13. 

Science Of Sound
Tuesdays, June 25 and July 9 at 4:30 p.m.

Sounds are all around us! Join us as we experiment with some of the many ways that we hear sounds. 

For ages 6-13. Online registration is required.

Music And Movement With The Music Playhouse Of Chicago
Friday, June 28 at 10:30 a.m.

Interactive and engaging music and movement experience for young children with singing, dancing, instrument play and music games.  For ages 0-5 with a caregiver.Online registration is required.

Community Cinema For Families
Fridays, June 14, June 28, and July 12 at 2 p.m.

Visit us at www.chipublib.org/mayfair for details. 

Teen Programs

Anime And Manga Club
Wednesdays, June 26 and July 17 at 5 p.m.

Come to the Mayfair branch to watch an anime title or to discuss a manga series while enjoying Japanese snacks. For ages 10-18. 

Teen Sound Series
Wednesdays, June 12, July 3, July 10, July 24 from 4-6 p.m.
Saturday, August 3 at 3 p.m.

Experience the thrill of music through a variety of engaging programs designed to inspire creativity and expression. Whether you’re just starting out or already have some skills, this series is the perfect place to explore your musical interests in a fun and supportive environment. Don’t miss the chance to connect with music and fellow teens this summer! For ages 10-18. 

Adult Programs

Music Trivia Night
Monday, June 10, from 6:00PM – 7:00PM

Do you think you know everything about rock and music trivia? Come and test your music knowledge at music trivia night! Bragging rights and prizes could be yours. 

Jazzman Ray In Concert
Saturday, June 29, From 2:00PM – 3:00PM

Come listen to Jazzman Ray as he performs jazz standards and other classic songs. 

Mayfair Park 2024 events calendar

CAPS Meeting for Beat 1722

CAPS meetings for Beat 1722 are held on the 3rd Wednesday of each month. The next meeting is on June 19 at 6:30pm in the Community Room of the 17th District Police Department at 4650 N Pulaski. A full schedule of meetings for the year can be found here.

The primary purpose of the beat community meeting is to allow beat residents, other community stakeholders and police to discuss chronic problems on the beat and to engage in problem solving using the CAPS five-step problem-solving process. Beat community meetings provide an opportunity for police and community residents to exchange information about conditions in the neighborhood, to identify crime and disorder problems, and to develop strategies to combat those problems. The meeting also provides an opportunity for police and community to get to know one another.

For upcoming meeting info, or if you have questions or comments, please contact the CAPS office at 312-742-4588, or email caps.017district@chicagopolice.org. Learn about the Office of Community Policing at https://home.chicagopolice.org/community-policing-group/.