11th Ward welcomes "It's All Right Here" to the ward

Cook County Commissioner John P. Daley and Alderman James A. Balcer, along with Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Commissioner Patrick D. Thompson, would like to welcome the convenience store "It's All Right Here" located at 3252 S. Wallace St. to the 11th Ward. "We would like to welcome "It's All Right Here" to the 11th Ward and wish them much success at their new location," said Commissioner Daley. "This will be a welcome addition to the 11th Ward business community," added Alderman Balcer. "We hope this store will service the residents of this community for many years to come," said Commissioner Thompson.

Pictured with Commissioner Daley and Commissioner Thompson: Barbara Wellner, JoAnn Wellner, Shirley Wellner, Donna Speciale, Jeanie and Vince Ferro.

11th Ward Welcomes Chitown Pickers

Cook County Commissioner John P. Daley and Alderman James A. Balcer welcome the Chitown Pickers business to the community.  Chitown Pickers is located at 3335 S. Halsted St. 
 “We welcome Chitown Pickers to the community and wish owners Phil Abete and Maria Ricobene-Abete great success at this location,” says Commissioner Daley.  “This will be a welcome addition to the 11th Ward business community,” added Alderman Balcer.

Pictured with Alderman Balcer: Jim Abete, Kim Shviraga, Kathy Abete, Cindee Mitchell, Maria Ricobene-Abete, Phil Abete, Colleen Williams, Tony Abete, and John Anderson.

11th Ward Welcomes Smart Stuff Learning Center to the Community

Cook County Commissioner John P. Daley and Alderman James A. Balcer are pleased to welcome the Smart Stuff Learning Center to the community.  The Smart Stuff Learning Center is located at 3600 S. Halsted Street.  For more information on the Smart Stuff Learning Center call (773) 475–7615.
“Alderman Balcer and I welcome the Smart Stuff Learning Center to the community, and we wish Carla and Michael great success at this location,” says Commissioner Daley.  “The Smart Stuff Learning Center is a welcome addition to the 11th Ward business community.  We are impressed by the well-trained staff and stimulating activities that this new facility provides,” added Alderman Balcer.

Pictured with Commissioner Daley and Alderman Balcer: (left to right) Joseph Longo, Cyla McNamara, Carla Longo-McNamara, and Michael McNamara.

11th Ward Sponsors Swim Meet

The 11th Ward recently sponsored the annual swim meet for boys and girls from ages 8-14 on Tuesday, August 9, 2011 at McGuane Park, located at 2901 S. Poplar Ave. Contestants swam a 25 yard free-style race according to their appropriate age and sex. Commissioner John P. Daley and Alderman James A. Balcer are pleased to announce the winning teams for the swim meet: 1st Place – Valentine A, 2nd Place – McGuane Park A, 3rd Place McGuane Park B. "Alderman Balcer and I would like to congratulate all the swimmers that participated in the annual 11th ward swim meet. The swimmers came out and really gave it their all!" said Commissioner Daley. "Commissioner Daley and I are grateful to the parents and coaches who assisted the children during the tournament. In addition, we thank the Chicago Park District staff for their efforts and cooperation. We are honored to sponsor these sporting events along with academic events that we host year round," added Alderman Balcer.

Pictured with Commissioner Daley: 1st Place – Valentine A

Pictured with Commissioner Daley: 2nd Place – McGuane Park A

Pictured with Commissioner Daley: 3rd Place – McGuane Park B

11th Ward sponsors a Park District Little League World Series

The 11th Ward recently sponsored the annual Park District Little League World Series at Donovan Park, located at 3620 South Lituanica Ave. Cook County Commissioner John P. Daley and Alderman James A. Balcer are pleased to announce the winner of the Park District Little League World Series: McGuane Park defeated Armour Park by the score of 6 – 5. "We are grateful to the parents and coaches who assisted and supported the children during the World Series. In addition, we thank the Chicago Park District staff and volunteers for their efforts and cooperation," said Commissioner Daley. "We are honored to sponsor these sports tournaments to the schools, parks, and residents of the 11th Ward and are grateful for their participation," added Alderman Balcer.

Pictured with Commissioner Daley: McGuane Park – Hunter Bull, Nicolos Cyte, Jacob Jauregui, Jose Lopez, Alec Katalinic, Christian Katalinic, Rudy Melchisire, Jose Michalak, Charlie Pasciah, Anthony Piegari, Armani Quintero, Jesse Sonheim, Julian Razo, Manager Mario Scalise, and Coach Rich Jauregui.

Pictured with Commissioner Daley: Armour Park – Rocco Arcieri, Nico Calace, Marco Calderon, Mike Coates, Tom Coates, Gary Donahue, Luke Hermle, Fred Kappel, Mike Minneci, Vince Scalise, Christian Trejo, Manager Nick Calace, and Coach Jorge Trejo.

11th Ward Welcomes Cermak Produce to the Community

Cook County Commissioner John P. Daley and Alderman James A. Balcer welcome Cermak Produce to the community. The newly redesigned grocery store is located at 3033 S. Halsted St. "We welcome Cermak Produce to the community and wish owners Dimitris "Jimmy" Bousis and Bobby Tzotzolis great success at this location," says Commissioner Daley. "This will be a welcome addition to the 11th Ward business community," added Alderman Balcer.

Pictured with Commissioner Daley and Alderman Balcer: South Loop Chamber of Commerce officers and members – Gabe Solis, Mary Ann Huels, Patrick Thompson, Cermak Produce owners – Dimitris "Jimmy" Bousis and Bobby Tzotzolis, and Sakis Karasmanakis of S Construction Co.

Commissioner Daley and Alderman Balcer attend the Bridgeport Little Major League Opening Day

Cook County Commissioner John P. Daley and Alderman James A. Balcer attended the Bridgeport Little Major League opening day at Donovan Park. "Alderman Balcer and I thank the league officials, parents, and volunteers for offering an organized league which provides an outlet for athletic energy and more importantly it keeps children off the street," said Commissioner Daley. "The Bridgeport Little Major League is an important entity of our community and I wish the league officials, coaches, and players much success," added Alderman Balcer.

Pictured with Commissioner Daley and Alderman Balcer: Bridgeport Little Major League officials Dave Tirado, Bill LePretre, Therese LePretre, Tori Reidl, and Erica Ruano.

Geno Gniadek Baseball Field Dedication at McGuane Park

Alderman James A. Balcer, M.B.B.L. Board Member Jason Brown, S.L.C.C. Member Patrick Thompson, along with many family and friends came together to celebrate the memory of Geno Gniadek, and dedicate a baseball field at McGuane Park in his honor. Geno Gniadek, October 2, 1996 – June 15, 2010, was a happy and special boy who loved his family, baseball, and animals. In April of 2010, Geno was diagnosed with Hepatocellular carcinoma, a type of liver cancer that is rare in children, but very aggressive. Geno endured many surgeries, procedures, and a lengthy intensive care unit course; he fought harder than most adults ever could. Despite this, on June 15, 2010, Geno lost his battle with Hepatocellular carcinoma; he was 13 years old. Geno Gniadek formed many friendships and touched many lives in his short time. Special thanks to Kim Galvin for her tireless efforts in making this possible.

"This dedication is symbolic of how remarkable a person and friend Geno Gniadek was, and the number of lives that he touched," says Commissioner Daley. "I wish Geno Gniadek's family and friends all the best, as we continue to keep our loved ones in our hearts," added Alderman Balcer

Neighborhood Appreciation Tour Goes Through the 11th Ward

Cook County Commissioner John P. Daley and Alderman James A. Balcer, along with residents, community leaders, and small business owners, gathered at the site of the McKinley Park soccer field to thank Mayor Richard M. Daley as part of the Neighborhood Appreciation Tour. "We thank Mayor Daley for his twenty-two years of service and dedication to the city of Chicago," says Commission Daley. "On behalf of the residents of the 11th Ward, I extend much gratitude and appreciation to Mayor Daley for his vision of making this city a world class city," added Alderman Balcer.

Commissioner Daley and Alderman Balcer attend Henry C. Palmisano Park Dedication

Cook County Commissioner John P. Daley and Alderman James A. Balcer attended the Henry C. Palmisano Park dedication along with Mayor Richard M. Daley, State Representative Edward Acevedo, city officials, family, friends, and residents of the 11th Ward. Over a hundred people came together at 27th and Halsted St. to remember and celebrate the life of Henry C. Palmisano as the improved and modernized Stearns Quarry Park was renamed in his honor. "Alderman Balcer and I are grateful to be apart of this event and to be able to share this occasion with Henry's family and friends. The incredible turnout was an example of how many lives Henry touched in this community," said Commissioner Daley. "One couldn't have asked for a better day to commemorate a man who gave so much to his family, friends, and community, while asking for nothing in return," added Alderman Balcer.

Stearns Quarry Dedication

Cook County Commissioner John P. Daley and Alderman James A. Balcer, along with Mayor Richard M. Daley, Illinois State Senator Antonio Munoz and Illinois State Representative Eward Aceveado are pleased to attend the dedication of Stearns Quarry located at 2700 S. Halsted St. "Stearnes Quarry is a welcome addition to our community; I'm glad that the walking paths, all-purpose field, wetlands, and lagoon are accessible to the residents of the 11th Ward." said Commissioner Daley. "Stearns Quarry is not only an asset to this ward, but its beautiful characteristics are available to the entire city. I encourage residents to make use of this wonderful facility." addd Alderman Balcer.

11th Ward welcomes Cork & Kerry

Cook County Commissioner John P. Daley and Alderman James A. Balcer would like to welcome Cork & Kerry at the park, located at 3258 S. Princeton Ave.

11th Ward welcomes Archer Cleaners

Cook County Commissioner John P. Daley and Alderman James A. Balcer would like to welcome Archer Cleaners, located at 2556 S Archer Ave.


11th Ward Athletic and Educational Program

Alderman Balcer and Commissioner Daley congratulate participants at events sponsored by the 11th Ward.

New Senior Center

Senior Suites at 2825 S. Halsted and Senoir Residents at 2922 S. Archer Imagine being able to live in a beautiful building, in a community of friends, receive monthly housekeeping services and benefit from specially designed safety features - all for one low affordable monthly rate and in the Chicago neighborhood you've called home for most of your life. As a resident at one of our many Senior Suites communities, this dream can become a wonderful reality.

Aramark Uniform and Career Apparel, Inc.

Aramark completed their $20M new development on the former 12 acre, International Amphitheater site and constructed a 125,000 sq. ft. industrial facility providing jobs for over 200 employees.


Proposed Industrial Complex

Construction will begin this Spring on a 80,000 sq ft industrial speculative facility on the 6.6 acre site located at 801 West Pershing Road. The project will feature landscaping and a green roof. Project is expected to create 180-200 temporary construction jobs and a minimum 35 full time jobs upon completion.

The 11th Ward office, located at 3659 South Halsted St., Chicago, Illinois 60609 (773) 254-6677 is staffed Monday through Friday from 9:00am-5:00pm to provide city services and assistance to the constituents of the 11th Ward.

Copyright 2011