Kelly's Update

We were originally scheduled to be in session over the weekend, so I brought Jack and enough supplies to power through to adjournment, whether that’s our currently scheduled adjournment “goal” of this coming Friday the 24th, or closer to the traditional end of May finish line. With the session canceled and most of our colleagues headed home for a couple of days, it was a nice chance to spend a little free time in Springfield and really the best weekend of the year for it.

I got up early and got Jack fed and walked before downtown was too crowded and met a few friends who also stuck around for a stroll through the Springfield Farmers’ Market. I picked up some bacon, breakfast sausage, and pork tenderloins from Chad Wallace’s Oak Tree Farms in Ashland, Illinois. Chad is also on the staff of the Illinois Environmental Council where he serves as Rural Affairs Director. I also got a loaf of bread and a couple of plants to care for on my fire escape to keep me grounded for the remainder of the session.

Chad Wallace pictured here from Oak Tree Farms.

We had a nice breakfast with some of our market finds, then set out to meet up with more friends at Springfield PrideFest. It was fun to celebrate Pride a little early, and nice to have a parade that felt more personal and organic than our large and heavily commercialized parade has become. Large parade or small, I’m always touched to see parents and kids marching together and I again got teary seeing queer and trans kids getting to be celebrated as their fully authentic selves hand in hand with their loving and supportive parents.

Action shot of the Springfield PrideFest.

My emotions shouldn’t have surprised me given the stark contrast of those loving families to what happened at the Capitol on Friday. As I got to work on Friday, I noticed large purple and yellow banners with “Illinois Stands With Women” on them and a crowd having a press conference on the lawn. I was initially confused as the signs were the same colors and font as signs that the Service Employees International Union had been using all week in their quest to get home care workers a rate increase. Given how closely I’ve worked with SEIU over the years, I was wracking my brain trying to figure out how I’d missed that they were having a press conference about standing with women. Upon closer inspection, the crowd was much less diverse than a usual SEIU crowd and I quickly realized it was the members of the Hate Caucus (they call themselves the Freedom Caucus) recycling long-debunked allegations designed to endanger trans women who belong to the YMCA here in Springfield. Later in the day when our chamber convened, several of them took to the floor in points of personal privilege to talk about hateful legislation targeting the trans community they’ve proposed but will never see the light of day, rail about bathrooms, and demand that private companies and the state withdraw their sponsorship of PrideFest.

Pictured here is the caucus mentioned above.

The Illinois Department of Human Rights and the Department of Children and Family Services were both present at the parade and festival. Jim Bennett, the Director of the Department of Human Rights, and his team were in the parade, handing out beads featuring information on how to contact the department for help with discrimination cases. After the parade, I enjoyed visiting with staff from DCFS who were at booths sharing information about the needs of LGBTQ+ youth in care, the need for more foster parents from our community, and job opportunities at the department. State agencies participating in community events like this are critically important contact and access points and to suggest our agencies should not be reaching into marginalized communities to connect with folks needing services is short-sighted and frankly foolish.

When the Hate Caucus members were spewing their predictable and recycled venom, several of my colleagues asked me if I was planning to speak and rebut them while a reporter from a conservative blog repeatedly asked me for comment. And there was a part of me that thought I should. I was barely listening and neither were my colleagues or apparently any mainstream media and it felt more appropriate to ignore them and savor my peace. Also, I was busy working roll calls on bills to protect survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence and that was way more important than addressing empty threats from an extra small subset of the minority caucus. When we reconvene on Monday, I’ll be ready to run bills that will actually help people who need us and they’ll still be talking.

Speaking of protecting my peace, I had one other project this weekend focused on that. A friend here was incredibly successful in starting heirloom tomatoes for her garden and offered some seedlings to share, so two of those along with another tomato and a basil plant from the farmers’ market are now sunning on our apartment fire escape. It’s not quite an afternoon in the garden, but checking on them and watering them will be a nice reminder of what’s awaiting me when I do get home to our little corner of Rogers Park.

We’re scheduled to be in session through Friday. We still have quite a few bills on the calendar to get through, as well as getting a budget done, hence the possibility that this Friday might be more of an aspirational goal. That’s not to say it’s impossible to get it done. Proposals are starting to take shape, and while this is a tough budget year, there’s still hope of getting the revenue and spending proposals together this week. I’ll try to be more active in updating on social media this week as things start to move more quickly in anticipation of our finish line.

Museum Pass Reminder!

To sign up for our museum pass, visit the following LINK.

Additionally, please note that the museum pass is only available to check out once per month per family. We have implemented this policy to ensure that all residents of the 14th district will have an equal opportunity to use the pass.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the pass or its policies, please email info@repcassidy.com or call us at 773-784-2002.

Summer EBT

If you have school-aged kids, you may be able to get help buying groceries this summer. Summer EBT can offer a little breathing room in your family's budget so you can provide your kids with the nutrition they need! Families will receive $120 for each eligible child to purchase groceries when school is out this summer. You can get Summer EBT even if your child is getting free meals at school, camp, or other places this summer.

There's still time to sign up. Visit wegotyouillinois.org to find out if you're eligible and how to get connected to Summer EBT.

Neighborhood Shoutout

RP Social: Celebrating 10 Years!

RP Social is celebrating its 10 year anniversary! This pillar of our community has been serving up tasty cocktails and flavorful libations all while enlivening Glenwood during their decade long history! Be sure to stop by and grab a drink this weekend to celebrate.

Team 14 wishes only the best for RP Social and hope they remain a staple of the district for years to come.

Check out their website by clicking HERE.

In the District

Events in Rogers Park

Wild Onion Market Opening In June!!!

The Wild Onion Market, a new full-service grocery co-op at Clark and Lunt in Rogers Park, will open for business on June 12. The new community-owned co-op, at 7007 N Clark, will be open to all. Store hours will be from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. The store will serve the Rogers Park, Edgewater, and West

Ridge in Chicago, as well as neighboring Evanston.

Wild Onion Market’s mission is to: 1.Keep money in the neighborhood, rather than fill corporate grocery store coffers. 2. Contribute to creating a food supply chain that is transparent, just, and accessible to Midwest farmers and producers. 3. Provide fair paying job opportunities in our neighborhood.

Shoppers can expect to find “all the best local offerings, affordable organic staples, and fresh produce, with great selections throughout the store from gourmet cheese to bulk grocery on regular, rotating sales,” says General Manager Teresa Meza.

The store will also feature a wide category of grocery items with a focus on fresh produce and local products. The store will feature a bulk grocery section where shoppers can fill their own containers as well as a selection of grab-and-go items.

Wild Onion Market will be conveniently accessible via bus, bicycle, Metra and the ”L”, as well as by car. It was awarded a $250,000 Equitable Transit Oriented Development grant from the city of Chicago.

Opening day on June 12 will also feature a brief afternoon ribbon-cutting ceremony with remarks local officials and business leaders.

Wild Onion Market has been ten years in the making. Since 2014 it has built up a base of co-op owner/investors that now totals 2,142. In addition to the major role played by those owners in fulfilling the store’s $2,600,000 capitalization plan, Wild Onion Market has also had the support of Devon Bank, an ETOD grant from the city of Chicago, and funding from other state and local grants. The new grocery store is open to the general public, but as a food co-op it is run by its 2,142

owners. New owners are always welcome. To become an owner and to learn more about Wild Onion Market, go to wildonionmarket.com.

16th District Public Safety Forum

Our office is partnering with the offices of State Rep Kevin Olickal, State Senator Ram Villivalam, State's Attorney Kim Foxx, and other elected officials for a public safety forum on Monday, June 10 from 6:00pm-7:30pm at the Northtown Branch of the Chicago Public Library (6800 N Western Ave).

To register, click on this LINK

Friends of Sullivan: College and Career Start Up Fund

Last month Friends of Sullivan launched their 2024 "College & Career Start-Up Fund" fundraising drive, with a campaign goal $20,000. Principal Jeff Cooks will announce the recipients at graduation on June 1st, and they will hand out checks at a special Awards Dinner a week later. (Last year, Friends of Sullivan awarded 18 students with $1000 each - the school's guidance counselors selecting the winners and the gift amounts).

Help Sullivan graduates cover the type of expenses that students face when attending college: transportation to school, bedding, books, electronics, loan payment - or, in the case of those engaged in vocation, funds needed to assist in transportation, tools, etc. Few, if any of these graduates, have the financial support that we are able to provide to our own children. Let's give them an important boost, and be sure that they know that the greater Sullivan alumni and the 14th District communities support them!

They are thrilled that thus far, they have raised $14,168, bringing them within reach of their goal - with a funding deadline of Friday, May 24.

To donate to this cause, click on this LINK.

Dubkin Park Community Garden

The Dubkin Park Community Gardens at 7442 N Ashland was awarded an in kind grant of $500 each. That’s $1,000 of plant materials for planting and eventually beautifying Dubkin Park. The Community Gardens want to thank the Community Gardens in the Park team at the Chicago Park District for their generosity in awarding these grants. We also want to thank Misty Mitchell, our park supervisor, for her support during the grant application process.

The team is looking for volunteers to help with late Spring and early Summer garden needs. They have several available times to come help out. If you're interested in volunteering please go to this form and fill out when you're willing to come help out. Ideally they are looking for volunteers to come when they are able to with some availability on the weekends.

Immediate need - They need help planning or designing the gardens’ space so they can effectively install these plant materials. They have two distinct gardens that need planning or design.

Upcoming need - They expect delivery of the plant materials in late April. Once those materials have arrived they will need help planting them. They can schedule a workday for a Saturday morning or other days depending on the response. They have some garden tools at the Park but you may want to bring your personal favorite.

Ongoing need - Newly planted perennials will need watering throughout the spring and summer. And, controlling weeds is always an issue. They will need a few volunteers to water and if you’re willing weed the garden’s through the spring and summer.

They have access to a water box so watering will be able to be done by hose or sprinkler. Garden tools are are also available at the Park, but bring your own if you have your favorites!

Dubkin Park Community Gardens were first established in 2012. That first garden was a group of vegetable garden beds available to community members. Over time the Gardens expanded their reach to include prairie perennial plantings within the Garden’s picket fence. Then, the Gardens added the Ornamental garden along the Ashland sidewalk. The Ornamental garden benefited from the installation of permanent fencing to protect the plantings from dog and people traffic. The Community Gardens want to thank the Community Gardens in the Park team at the Chicago Park District for their generosity in awarding these grants. They also want to thank Misty Mitchell, the park supervisor, for her support during the grant application process.

To sign up to volunteer at the Dubkin Community Garden, click on this LINK.

Jarvis Square Artisan Market

The Jarvis Square Artisan Market returns to Jarvis Square (Greenview and Jarvis) for another season! The market brings local arts and craft vendors to the Jarvis Square Alfresco area where they can showcase and sell their creations. The market also has live music and food for patrons to enjoy. From 10am-2pm.

Vendors who are interested in participating in this or future monthly markets should email charmersartisans@gmail.com.

Events in Edgewater

Edgewater Restaurant Lunchbox Endures Devastating Fire on Eve of Opening

A momentous grand opening for Lunchbox, a new restaurant in Edgewater, was soiled by a fire that engulfed the interior of their newly purchased building on Devon Ave. Owner John Nguyen discovered the fire at about 9 pm on Wednesday night when he opened the back door to the restaurant and was met with a billowing cloud of dark black smoke. The fire destroyed everything, but he and his business partner and wife, Tanya Nguyen, plan to build back undeterred as they set up a permanent shop in our district.

Lunchbox started out as a food truck that has been serving up Asian inspired lunches across the city for over 10 years. As an expansion of their business, they want to set up shop in Edgewater near Loyola University where John went to college to serve the student population and the surrounding community.

To help support Lunchbox's recovery, visit this GoFundMe Link.

To read the blockclubchicago article that details this event further, click on this LINK.

Peterson/Ridge Metra Station Completed!

It's finally here! The long discussed Metra Station at the intersection of Peterson and Ridge is finally completed. Train service along the UP-North line will begin stopping at this station starting on May 20. Metra will also be increasing service to this line with the addition of four new train services.

For more information about this station and the process it took to get built, feel free to read this blockclubchicago article.

48th Ward Newsletter Shoutout

The office of 48th ward Alderwoman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth is seeking to increase their newsletter subscriber count up to 7500! Subscribe to stay informed about all things happening in the 48th ward and to learn about programs offered by the City of Chicao. Help them reach their goal by visiting the48thward.org/news-archive to sign up.

The Chicago Mosaic School's Mosaic Fest

The Chicago Mosaic School is hosting its 2024 Mosaic Fest on Sunday, May 19th from 11am-6pm at 1127 W. Granville Ave.

This event is a perfect way to experience all The Chicago Mosaic School has to offer while connecting with the community! Try your hand at creating a variety of mosaic projects, listen to live music, meet your neighbors, and enjoy food and beverages from several featured vendors.

To learn more about this event, visit the following LINK.

Friends of the Edgewater Library: Edgewater Stories

Everyone has a story and Friends of the Edgewater Library want to hear yours!

Edgewater Stories is an initiative created by Friends of the Edgewater Library to reach out to community organizations, businesses and individuals to hear their stories about how and why they came to Edgewater.

The Friends' group wants to learn about and become more aware of the diverse cultures in our neighborhood, and feel the community would be interested in this, too. The stories are whatever individuals want to share. What is their connection to Edgewater? It may include where and why the journey to Edgewater began. (e.g., Was it to move to Chicago for a job, to start a business, or to be near family? Was it to immigrate to the United States?)

Stories should be submitted in written form; they should be sent to info@foelchicago.org by July 1. Read more about Edgewater Stories at https://www.foelchicago.org/edgewater-stories

What is Friends of the Edgewater Library?

Friends is a non-profit volunteer organization that supports the Edgewater Branch of the Chicago Public Library. It raises funds to supplement the library’s budget to provide programs for the community. The group also purchases equipment, books, and supplies for children, teens, and adult activities.

CTA RPM Public Meeting

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) announced it will hold public community meetings on May 22 and 23 to present preliminary designs and concepts for the upcoming under “L” activation between Lawrence and Bryn Mawr stations under the new Red and Purple Line tracks being constructed as a part of the historic $2.1 billion Red and Purple Modernization (RPM) Phase One Project in the Uptown and Edgewater neighborhoods.

More than one mile of new, open space under the L tracks has become available to the community. The CTA last year removed the 100-year-old embankment wall as a part of the RPM project, creating a unique opportunity to provide the Uptown and Edgewater neighborhoods with new open space underneath Red and Purple Line tracks between W Lawrence and W Ardmore avenues.

This series of meetings responds to feedback received from the first round of engagement by providing concepts for each of the 10 blocks based on feedback from the first meetings and solicit input from the community on those concepts.

For blocks between W Foster and W Ardmore:

Date and time: Wednesday, May 22, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Location: Saint Ita Catholic Church, 5500 N. Broadway

For blocks between W Lawrence and W Foster:

Date and time: Thursday, May 23, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Location: Truman College, 1145 W. Wilson Ave.

Edgewater Yard & Sidewalk Sale

Join Edgewater Chamber of Commerce and Edgewater Block Clubs (ETNA, BARGE, EPIC, EGA, and NEON/ENN) for their annual Edgewater Yard and Sidewalk Sale kicking off at 9AM, June 1, 2024.

Come stroll around one of the coolest and thriftiest neighborhoods on the north side with friends, neighbors, and visitors during the Edgewater Yard & Sidewalk Sale. Hunt for treasures, unique gifts, or that one item you’ve always been searching for. Hundreds of local residents open up their yards for one of the largest and liveliest combined yard sales in the entire region.

To make the deal even sweeter, Edgewater Chamber works with DOZENS of local retail establishments to host their Sidewalk Sale on the SAME DAY at the SAME TIME, so you can hit everything on one day. It’s a spectacle you won’t want to miss.

Edgewater Yard & Sidewalk Sale is a rain or shine event.

Edgewater Businesses: Sign up here to be featured in the Sidewalk Sale

Edgewater Residents: Click here to sign up for the Yard Sale

Care for Real Drive

Our office (1507 W. Morse) will serve as a drop off location for The Diaper and Menstrual Care Drive that will support Care for Real. We are accepting drop offs Monday - Friday from 9am-5pm. Please call 773-784-2002 to make sure we will be in the office.

Events in Andersonville

Renegade Chicago Craft Fest

Check out the Renegade Spring Market on Clark St in Andersonville between Bryn Mwar and Edgewater this weekend! The market will feature over 250 creative vendors including craft designers and Artists! The event takes place on both Saturday and Sunday (May 18th +19th) from 11am-6pm.

To learn more about this event, visit the following LINK.

The Andersonville Farmers Market

The Andersonville Farmers Market, celebrating its 15^th anniversary season, returns on Wednesdays from 3 – 7 pm from May 15 – October 23, 2024 on Catalpa Ave. between Clark St. and Ashland Ave. Featuring more than 40 vendors, everything sold at the Andersonville Farmers Market is grown or produced within a 200-mile radius, offering the community access to fresh, local food. The 24-week market will continue to feature weekly entertainment and expanded kids’ programming including Cruelty Free You + Me every week, and sustainability-themed activities on select dates. This year there will be special Makers Markets on May 15, 22 and 29, 2024, spotlighting local makers and their goods. Presented in partnership with the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce, the Makers Market will be held on the west end of Catalpa, adjacent to the Farmers Market.

Youth & Teen

Loyola Park Baseball

Sign up for t-ball and little league is still open! The season has already began, but games run through August 3rd so there is still time to get out there and play!

To register for T-ball, click on this LINK.

To register for baseball, click on this LINK.

Job Openings

Edgewater Environmental Council Internship Position

EEC invites energetic, community-minded individuals to join us as interns and help manage our local environmental sustainability projects and advocacy. This position entails a combination of project management, public and volunteer communication, marketing and public outreach, and administrative tasks.

This is a bi-annual position. Applications for the Jan–June internship are accepted during the prior November–December; for the July–Dec internship, April–May. For more information, read this document.

To apply, send your resume and a short cover letter to sustainedgewater@gmail.com.

Chicago Park District Summer Jobs