Herbert’s design is a tribute to the heroes who saved him in a fire that almost took his life when he was four years old. Now 15, Herbert is honoring all of the city’s emergency workers who came to his rescue in his time of need.

Herbert won the contest by a majority vote of more than 18,000 online voters who picked his design from 10 finalists’ designs. All finalists were honored with a special awards ceremony at City Hall where the artwork is on display, and each student will receive an honorary City Council Resolution.

For more information you can download the Press Release PDF announcement from City Clerk Susanna Mendoza’s office.

The annual luncheon and fashion show promises to be a fun and entertaining afternoon featuring various stores and boutiques showcasing this year’s latest fashions. The show is hosted by a private company whose models and clothing represent all age groups. With upbeat music and a bit of dancing, the models put on quite an entertaining show.

Please call to reserve your seat today! 773-769-1100

Alderman O’Connor’s 29th Annual Children’s Holiday Party was a great success. Over 250 children enjoyed a fun-filled afternoon of singing, Santa and gift giving. The afternoon was made even nicer due to the generous donations received by local businesses, individuals and Comcast.

Please remember that pictures taken with Santa are available for pickup at our service office located at 5850 N. Lincoln Avenue. Please call 773-769-1140 for more information.

A hearty congratulations to our new state Soccer champs.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel joined students at a rally at Mather High School to honor the school’s boys’ soccer team, which defeated Chatham Glenwood on Saturday, November 5 to become the Class 2A State Champs.

“Your diversity and your triumph over adversity is not just your story: that’s the story of Chicago,” said Mayor Emanuel. “Throughout Chicago, our students are excelling in the classroom and on the playing field. They are showing the city the strength of their optimism, their hard work, and their courage. I congratulate the Mather High team on this thrilling win.”

Along with the Mayor, the students heard from Mather Coach Brank Cvijovic, Alderman Patrick O’Connor and Frank Klopas, Head Coach of the Chicago Fire soccer team, former player for the Chicago Sting and Chicago Fire, and Mather class of 1984 graduate.

“I’m extremely proud to represent Mather High School and the Chicago Fire Soccer Club as we celebrate the first state championship for CPS in 38 years,” said Fire head coach Frank Klopas. “I came to this country as an immigrant with my parents and it all started here, in this school. Anything is possible when you have a passion and dedication for what you do and you apply them to your goals on and off the field.”

Team member Quodus Lawal, who scored 40 goals and had 27 assists for the season, tallied a state title-game record four goals in the victory. Lawal was also named the 2011 Chicago Tribune Boys high school Soccer Player of the year.

Mather’s state championship is the first won by a Chicago Public League team since 1973 and their appearance in the championship game was the first by a Chicago Public League team since 1977. The boys’ soccer championship team included players from all over the world.

If you have and of the following non-perishable food items, please drop them off at our office located at 4300 N. California Ave.

• canned fruits and vegetables
• tuna
• pasta
• tomato sauce
• rice
• peanut butter
• cereal

Also, to make things more exciting, we’re offering a chance to win an LG Blu-Ray Disc Player! A suggested donation of 3 food items or $5 will give you one entry into our drawing!

Dear Alderman O’Connor,

I understand that you were able to assist in getting another new business into our ward, the Canine Social Club. I am writing to thank you and to share a story with you.

 My son found a 10 pound little ball of white fur and brought her home. She was very neglected and showed signs of abuse. After taking her to the vet to verify that she was healthy and was not chipped with identifying information, I realized that I was going to have this terribly matted and extremely dirty dog in my home. I thought about taking the scissors to the dog myself, but quickly realized that I needed another plan. I needed to find a groomer that would partner with me to help this sad looking rescued dog. My son told me that a new “dog place” had opened up on Western Avenue so I looked up the number. When I called and explained my situation, the owner of the business told me to bring her in. No hesitation, no questioning, complete compassion, “Sure, just bring her in”.

The owners were so kind and truly committed to the mission of their profession. They took her in and an hour later emerged the most beautifully groomed full bred Bijon Frise . That sad and so badly matted stray came bouncing out a lovely little girl named “Mattie”. When I went to pay my bill, they told me that the grooming was their contribution to giving Mattie a new start.

Thank you, Alderman for helping to bring these good neighbors and their business into our ward.

Sincerely,
Catherine on Artesian

Catherine, thank you so much for your letter. We are so pleased to have the Canine Social Club in the 40th Ward. Owners, Randall Fetcho and Samir Alsaraf provide a great service for pets and pet owners in our neighborhood. Canine Social Club was established in May of 2009. Samir, an architect; and Randall, a nurse, both changed professions believing they could make a difference in pet care. As evidenced by your letter, it is obvious that they have.


The Canine Social Club replaced an old auto repair shop that stood vacant for two years. The store reflects the business’ branding of “good old fashioned service” so the interior feels very retro 50′s. Currently, there are 5 employees in their workforce… In addition to grooming, they offer dog daycare, boarding, and retail that focuses on providing healthy foods and treats for dogs. You can also find lots of wonderful toys that you can’t find at big pet store chains.

Samir and Randall believe in in giving back to the community they serve. This Summer, they were the hosts of a dog wash to benefit Red Door Animal Shelter in Rogers Park and raised over $600.

Canine Social Club
5508 N. Western Ave.
Chicago, IL 60625

Telephone: 773.506.6200
Website: www.KNineSocialClub.com
Twitter: @kninesocialclub
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Canine-Social-Club/232202195413

This channel will serve as the central portal for recordings of Alderman O’Connor’s live appearances as well as a other videos relevant to ward neighbors. On the channel page you’ll see as well that we’ve included handy links to other YouTube channels we think might be of interest.

Please Subscribe to our channel through YouTube to receive regular updates, and Favorite us if you feel so inclined! As we continue to develop this and our other digital resources, we welcome your input and ideas, so please let us know your thoughts.

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Link to Video: Alderman O’Connor speaks at City Club Chicago

He’s quoted in the Chicago Tribune article on the event:

Having a new mayor is “an opportunity to reinvent the way we do business and reinvent the way the city does business.” Absent that kind of change, the city will be in trouble, he said.

“We will become a bankrupt society, as opposed to a government that can continue to help the neediest and perform the most essential services,” he said.

Brizard has had a career in education that spans more than 21 years, most recently serving as Supterintendent of Schools for the Rochester City School District in New York.