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Tomorrow brings us the official end of summer, which I am sad to see go. Tomato sandwiches, music and street festivals, beach time, and the low-key vibe of summer are hard to beat. That said, I love the cool breezes, changing leaves, and the excitement that comes with back to school/work/etc. As the weather starts to change, we’re turning more attention to the upcoming veto session.
I started my week joining with members of the National Association of Realtors and Women Employed demanding the organization make critical changes in the face of shocking allegations of sexual harassment and hostile work environments throughout the organization. As of today, the NAR has adopted two of the organizers' demands, but most significantly haven’t acknowledged the demand that NAR release victims throughout the organization from non-disclosure agreements that prevent them from speaking out in support of each other and other victims within the organization fearful of coming forward. The use of NDAs to silence victims in sexual harassment cases is pervasive and in many cases serves to insulate abusers in the workplace while isolating their victims.
|  | Pictured Left to Right: Sharmili Majmudar, me, and Jason Haber | |
I was pleased to attend a gathering for families of LGBTQ youth to hear about the work being done nationally by Lambda Legal to protect against so-called “don’t say gay” laws as well as bans on gender-affirming care. It was both daunting to hear about the sheer volume of laws being passed around the country that they’re challenging while also incredibly heartening to hear how they have been able to push back in some cases and to get an understanding of the longer-term strategy to continue to work on positive policies in states like Illinois while also employing litigation and organizing strategies to minimize the harm these laws cause.
With a day off in the middle of the week to get my last little bird launched from the nest, I officially begin our new chapter for our family. So far so good, but I’m sure I’m gonna miss them along the way. And not just when it’s time to take out the trash!
Today, I participated in another meeting of the National Conference of State Legislatures Pretrial Fellows Program. This small group of legislators from around the country is appointed by chamber leadership and gives legislators an opportunity to take a deeper dive into all the various components of pretrial policy. With Illinois having just implemented no cash bail, we’re very much on the cutting edge of these policies and I’m looking forward to our continued work together comparing various states’ approaches and learning from each other and national experts.
Don’t forget our shred-a-thon tomorrow morning. I’ll be there bright and early with Alderwoman Hadden. We’ll be there to help you unload your items, but the more you are able to remove paper clips and rubber bands, the quicker the line will move for everyone.
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Our office is sponsoring a Shred-A-Thon with Commissioner Spyropoulos and Alderwoman Hadden's office on Saturday, September 23rd from 10 am to 2pm at 6934 N. Clark St. There is a limit of two bankers boxes of sensitive documents per person and all documents should have paper and binder clips removed. Staples are able to be shredded. We hope to see you there! | |
Illinois Secretary of State Mobile DMV | |
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Our office is hosting an Illinois Secretary of State Mobile DMV at our office (1505 W. Morse Ave.) from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M. on Thursday, October 12th. Limited appointments are available so it is important to register soon.
If you are applying for a Real ID, click this link for more information on its specific requirements.
To register for an appointment, click this link or on the image above.
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Jarvis Square Oktoberfest | |
An Oktoberfest celebration is being held in Jarvis Square on Sunday, September 24th, from 2pm to 8pm. Enjoy Delicious food, live music, and even a Brat Toss Competition! | |
Property Tax Appeals Workshop | |
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Our office is partnering with other local elected officials and the Cook County Board of Review to host a property tax appeal workshop for the Rogers Park Township. The event will be hosted at Northtown Library at 6800 N Western Ave on September 26th starting at 6:30 P.M.
Scan the QR code above with your cell phone's camera to register for the event.
Additionally, our office will be hosting our own Property Tax Appeals workshop on October 6th from 10 A.M to 4 P.M at our district office, 1507 W Morse Ave. No appointment required!
Analysts will be able to assist you one on one to help create on online account with the Board of Review, look up your Property Index Number (PIN), file your property tax appeals, and help answer any questions.
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2023 Edgewater Historical Society Home Tour Preview | |
On Sunday, September 24th, the Edgewater Historical Society will be showcasing the Magnolia Glen neighborhood on a guided home tour! Tickets are $25 per person and includes tours of several historic homes plus a souvenir booklet containing a map of the neighborhood with included descriptions of the homes highlighted on the tour. Reservations are not required! Simply register at 1268 W Early Ave on September 24th between noon 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. The homes will be open from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Please visit the "Contact Us" page on the Edgewater Historical Society website to request more information. | |
Secretary of State Skip the Line Program | |
Starting today, the Illinois Secretary of State has launched the new Skip-the-Line Program for Illinois DMVs. 44 of the busiest locations now require appointments to eliminate wait times and provide better customer service. Customers are required to make appointments for in-person visits for REAL IDs, driver’s licenses and ID card services, and in-car driving tests. All DMVs now have expanded hours on Mon-Fri, 8 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. 15 DMVs will also be open on Sat, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Visit ilsos.gov to learn more about this program and to schedule your appointment. | |
Family Matters Walk-A-Thon | |
Family Matters is hosting a walk-a-thon at 7731 N. Marshfield on October 7th from 9am to 2pm. The Rogers Park based organization is hoping to raise funds to continue their work towards building equity in education, expanding teen job access, and cultivating resilient leaders. For more information and registration use the following link. | |
24th District Community Conversation | |
Reeling 2023 LGBTQ+ International Film Festival | |
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Reeling, the 41st Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival, has released its full film lineup for 2023!
Reeling 2023 runs from September 21 - October 8th for two weeks of powerful filmmaking, celebrating Queer expression with over 100 films, including 41 features, from LGBTQ+ filmmakers all over the world. Reeling's Opening Night film, The Mattachine Familly , holds its Chicago Premiere at the Music Box Theatre on September 21 at 6PM, with expected in-person appearances by director Andy Vallentine, and local Chicago star, Nico Tortorella.
Visit www.reelingfilmfest.org to browse the films, buy passes and tickets, and get more information about special events and screenings
For tickets visit reelingfilmfest.org
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Do you have a special connection to Mexican culture? The Mexican Music School™ by the two-time GRAMMY award-nominated Sones de Mexico Ensemble, proudly announces its Fall 2023 session. This unique program is more than just music lessons; it's a journey into the rich cultural tapestry of Mexico and its 4,000-year-old heritage.
Learn about the history of how Mexico was founded; what its ethnically diverse population consists of; what Mexican words derive from indigenous languages; stories and legends; where culturally significant places are located on a map; what are the various musical styles from Mexico; who are the master musicians that represent each style; and universal principles of music theory and reading that can be applied to any musical style beyond Mexico.
For questions about the class and registration call or text Juan Dies at (773) 354-7663 or email education@sonesdemexico.com.
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After School Matters Fall Applications Open | |
Get involved in a FREE fall program to tap into your creativity, learn new skills, explore your passions, and earn money at the same time with After School Matters. Programs run from September 25th until December 9th and are open to all Chicago teen students ages 14-18. Use this Link to sign up! | |
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Gale is hosting a series of community events and you are invited to join!
Dance classes: Wear comfortable shoes and bring a bottle of water as you learn hip hop every Mon & Wed 2:30 - 3:30pm.
Workshops: Learn from topics of credit building, bullying and communicating with your child on Tues 2:30 - 3:30pm.
Entrepreneur classes: Come out and learn how to be an entrepreneur or how to earn extra money on Thurs 2:30 - 3:30pm.
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CTA Building Small Businesses Program | |
The Chicago transit Authority is hosting a building small businesses program virtually on Thursday, September 21, 2023, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. The program will educate small businesses on financial management, sourcing capital, and other accelerating tools. Register by scanning the QR code above. For more information please contact Ellen Marshall at ellen@zanninc.com or call 720-390-9057. | |
CTA's Second Chance Program | |
The CTA's Second Chance is hiring! If interested, complete a survey of interest at https://transitchicago.questionpro.com/CTASecondChanceProgram. All job seekers who complete a Second Chance Program interest survey and meet eligibility requirements will then be invited to attend a direct recruitment event. | |
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Sincerely,
Kelly Cassidy
State Representative, 14th District
Office of State Representative Kelly Cassidy
1507 W. Morse Ave
Chicago IL 60626
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773 - 784 - 2002 (phone)
repcassidy@gmail.com
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