Get your free Energy Star qualified compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulb from Alderman Shiller's office at 4544 N Broadway!

In an effort to mitigate climate change, improve air quality and save Chicagoans money, the Chicago Department of Environment (DOE), Northern Illinois Energy Project (NIEP) and the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA) have partnered to distribute 500,000 money saving CFLs to Chicagoans. 

The use of each Energy Star qualified CFL bulb saves money, uses less energy and helps improve the environment.  The average household has about 40 incandescent light bulbs.  If each of those bulbs was changed to a CFL, the household could save over $200 per year.  On average, each CFL can prevent more than 450 pounds of green house gas emissions over its lifetime.

CFL bulbs also:

• Use up to 66 percent less energy than regular incandescent bulbs
  
• Last up to 10 times longer
  
• Save about $30 in energy costs over the life of each Energy Star qualified CFL
• Contribute to a cleaner environment while saving energy, money and time
• Can be used in most incandescent fixtures already in your home.

You may pick up your free CFL bulb from Alderman Shiller's office or any of the following locations:

• Chicago Center for Green Technology , 445 N. Sacramento Blvd,; 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
• Department of Environment's downtown office, 30 N. LaSalle, Suite 2500; 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
• Any of the Department of Senior Services' Senior Centers
• Household Chemicals & Computer Recycling Facility , 1150 N Branch St., Tuesdays (7:00am - 12:00pm), Thursdays (2:00pm- 7:00pm), and the first Saturday of every month (8:00am - 3:00pm)

Presented by the Chicago Police Department Preventive Programs Section and the 20th Police District

WHEN: May 1, 2008 at 7pm

WHERE: 20th Police District Community Room, 5400 N Lincoln Ave.

This seminar will focus on burglary prevention in newer condo developments.

Questions?  Call 312.742.8770.  Download the flier to post in your building. 

The Department of Water Management is scheduled to work on a sewer lining project on W Agatite from Hazel to Clarendon on April 21, 2008.  This project will rehabilitate the existing sewer without the conventional digging method.  This sewer rehabilitation will minimize, if not eliminate, street cave-ins due to sewer collapses.  In addition, it will bring better drainage to the area and alleviate flooding during heavy rain.  

This project is expected to be completed by April 29, 2008.

What to Expect

During the sewer lining work, it will be necessary to close lanes of these streets to ensure public safety during work hours.  Equipment and materials will be on the street during the work.  If necessary, detours and alternative bus stops will be posted.  To prevent odors in your home, please pour two to three cups of water into each basement floor drain.  During the sewer lining work, please restrict your water usage as much as possible. A City Engineer will be on site during the work to answer any questions from residents. 

Any damages in the area as a result of the sewer lining work will be restored to its pre-lining state.  However, the Department of Water Management does not assume responsibility for damage to privately installed parkway improvements, including: sprinkling systems, fences, flower beds and shrubbery.  Sewer lining is not complete until damaged sidewalks, parkways and streets have been repaired.

The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) is seeking personal stories from bicyclists, pedestrians and motorists about bicycle-related traffic crashes. The stories would be used as part of a traffic-safety video CDOT is creating.

If you'd like to participate, please download and fill out the form (PDF). Thank you for your help.

Condominium association boards and owners are often confused with what is and what is not covered along with who is responsible for what. 

The Association of Condominium, Townhouse and Homeowners Associations (ACTHA) will host an educational program on "Insurance: Getting Qualified Bids" on Wednesday, May 21, 2008, at Harris Bank, 111 W. Monroe in Chicago from 5:30 - 7pm.  Terry Olton of Hollinger Insurance Services is the speaker.

Among the points which will be covered are: RFQ letters and what is needed with it, building valuation, liability limits, bylaw and legal requirements, boiler and machinery requirements, worker compensation coverage, D & O liability coverage and operating and reserve funds.  There will be ample opportunity for general Q & A.

ACTHA is a statewide not-for-profit organization whose mission is to provide information and education to board members and owners.  The program is free for ACTHA members; $20 per person for non-members.  Attendees should call to reserve space.  A minimum number of pre-registered is required for the program to be held.  For more information or to reserve a space, call 312.987.1906 or email ACTHA at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it . 

The Hispanic Heritage Organization is hosting the annual Hispanic Heritage 2008 Essay Contest.  This year's topic is "How I would develop a plan for immigration." 

Essays may be written in English or Spanish.  The contest is open to all students in the State of Illinois from grades 4 through 12 and college and adult education students. 

17 winners will be selected.  Entries must be submitted on or before Monday, June 30, 2008.  Winners will be announced on Friday, September 5, 2008, during the the Opening Ceremony for Hispanic Heritage Month at the Palmer House Hilton. 

The first 500 essays entered will receive a family pass to one of the museums of Chicago. 

For more information or an entry form, please call 312.819.1502.  Entry forms will also be available at Ald. Shiller's ward office, 4544 N Broadway.