Legislative & Community Update |
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For a short week, it wasn’t at all short on activity. We saw the launch of Pride month with more events than we could cover including a dedication of the rainbow crosswalk outside City Hall with Mayor Lightfoot and the ribbon cutting for the beautiful AIDS Memorial Garden near the Belmont Rocks among the things I was sad to miss. I enjoyed participating in Groupon’s first-ever worldwide Pride event, joining with House Majority Leader Greg Harris in speaking to LGBTQ+ staff and allies via Zoom. Later in the week, Governor Pritzker signed HB4165, the Lake Michigan Water Rescue Equipment Act into law. I am thankful to everyone involved in making this happen and especially thankful that after years of stonewalling by previous leadership at the Chicago Park District, Mayor Lightfoot and new leadership at the District were vital partners in crafting the legislation and are implementing the law a full year in advance of the timeline required under the law. You may have noticed the bright red rings popping up along the lakefront in advance of the opening of swim season last weekend. That’s the result of Chicago's commitment to implement the law for this swim season rather than waiting another year. We’re still working out the details, but we’re planning a neighborhood event to remember the drowning victims who inspired the campaign for safety equipment and a celebration of the activists who made this happen, so watch for that in a future newsletter.
As we move into what promises to be a month of special events around Pride, it feels more important than ever to remember the origins of Pride - or as I often say, the original Pride was a protest, not a party. In light of the existential threat posed to LGBTQ+ communities across our country, it’s time to double down on our commitment to protecting these rights in Illinois and beyond. Just as with Reproductive Health Care, Illinois’ laws related to LGBTQ rights will serve to protect us in the event the U.S. Supreme Court were to take up a case that would threaten marriage equality, but that’s not a reason to rest on the issues since our laws could easily be challenged at the State Supreme Court level if the makeup of the court were to change, and if House and Senate majorities were to change those laws could be reversed by a conservative legislature.
We finished out the week by visiting UC Davis - Callahan Funeral Home and Aqua Cremation Center. We continue to work to build support for HB4452, which would make Illinois the 4th state to offer Natural Organic Reduction or Human Composting as an end-of-life option. We wanted to learn more about the various options currently available to those seeking a more environmentally friendly alternative to burial or traditional cremation. We learned that the process, which takes approximately 12 hours to complete, involves a specialized chamber that uses about 300 gallons of 200-degree water and a combination of potassium and sodium chloride to accomplish what is ordinarily done with fire in a traditional cremation. We continue to work to build support for HB4452, working alongside the great team at Illinois Environmental Council to compare different states’ approaches and determine how best to move forward to provide this environmentally friendly option to Illinoisans. Below are photos of me seeing the actual chamber in action as well as my Chief of Staff, Torrence Gardner, and I support a tasty local barbeque food truck after our visit of this facility in Morris, Illinois. |
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Looking ahead, we expect the final decision from the US Supreme Court in the coming weeks and continue to work with our colleagues here and around the country to ensure that Illinois takes all possible steps to protect both patients and providers of reproductive care in light of steps other states are taking to further endanger them. There are several great events in the neighborhood, so hopefully, you all get a chance to experience them. |
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Our "On The Spot" guest column section provides the opportunity for readers to gain insight from those doing great work and who can provide important perspectives on topics that impact our communities. This next guest column is by Gregory Gross. Gregory is the executive director of Care For Real (CFR). Care For Real is an organization that has been serving the northside of Chicago for more than 50 years. Care For Real provides food, clothing, and additional services to many people in Rogers Park and Edgewater. Gregory took this leadership role during the pandemic and he has done a terrific job with such a momentous task. Please read his statement below:
When I joined the CFR team in September 2020, I was overwhelmed by the generosity of the community at the height of the pandemic. Today, I am overwhelmed by the incredibly high need for food assistance amongst our neighbors. In reviewing our 2022 service numbers, I was shocked to see that Care for Real is responding to a 332% increase in first-time pantry visits compared to this time last year: 956 new families just since January! Most are working but don’t earn enough to make ends meet while others are seniors on fixed incomes, or increasingly, more are refugees from Afghanistan and Ukraine. Every neighbor visiting the pantry is deeply impacted by inflation which makes everyday essentials out of reach.
Care for Real is also feeling the strains of inflation. Financial support is down, but the need for our services is up. Our retail partners cannot offer as many in-kind donations as they previously could provide. We struggle to keep staples like eggs, meat, and rice on our shelves due to supply chain shortages. Our expenses are up, especially gas for our vans which pick up food donations from our retail partners seven days a week.
This is the current reality we’re facing at Care for Real.
Despite these challenges and throughout the pandemic, the organization has modified operations and launched new programs to meet the ever-evolving and changing need for food assistance in the community. Care for Real now distributes food four days a week at the Edgewater pantry, two days a week in Rogers Park, picks up food donations seven days a week, operates a home delivery program to homebound neighbors and expanded its pet pantry to respond to community needs. All the while, we have continued to strive to serve each individual and family with dignity by offering a client-choice model so families have the opportunity to choose the foods they both want and need which is especially important as we serve such a diverse community. Our staff and an incredible team of volunteers are working hard to meet the immense need in our community, but we need more help.
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My spouse, Candace, and I. |
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Pride Month is celebrated each year in the month of June to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan, which served as a tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States. Celebrations include parades, picnics, workshops, and concerts with the intention of recognizing the historical impact LGBTQ individuals have had locally, nationally, and internationally. For a calendar of Pride-related events including the 2022 Chicago Pride Fest and the 51st Annual Chicago Pride Parade, click here. |
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Students Stand Together Against Gun Violence |
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Following the recent mass shootings across the country, including the tragedy at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, TX, students at Eugene Field Elementary School in Rogers Park took a stand in protest of gun violence. We commend these Bulldogs for using their voices and demanding change! |
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Edgewater Yard and Sidewalk Sale |
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Over 200 households and 18 businesses will take part in the 27th annual Edgewater Yard and Sidewalk Sale this weekend. Vendors will be set up between Foster to Devon and Clark to Sheridan.
This year, the Edgewater Yard and Sidewalk Sale has partnered with the philanthropic organization Care for Real, that provides resources to our Northside neighbors in need.
Date: June 4, 9am-5pm
Location: Vendors will be set up between Foster to Devon Ave., and Clark to Sheridan Ave.
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The Block Party reflects the federal holiday occurring on Sunday, June 19 commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans. Attractions include live music by DJ Lady D, a bouncy house, a spades tournament, community services, and a gymnastics performance by the one and only Jesse White Tumblers. There will also be food available from local restaurants. Admission is free. |
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The Glenwood Sunday Market returns for its 13th season this summer!
Located on Glenwood Avenue between Morse and Lunt, the market hosts a diverse selection of local vendors, offering a wonderful variety of fresh and delicious options. The market also accepts Link and SNAP benefits, and offers a matching grant program for fresh produce.
To learn more about the Sunday Market, volunteer opportunities, vendors, and the SNAP benefits program, visit the Glenwood Sunday Market website.
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RainbowNeighborsTables, Glenwood |
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Nodd Pottery will be hosting the RainbowNeighborsTables Market Series featuring items created by LGBT-owned vendors and rainbow allies.
Date: June 4, 11, 18
Location: The Glenwood - 6962 N Glenwood Ave
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Andersonville Midsummer Fest |
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Join us for Andersonville Midsummer Fest June 10th - June 11th. We will have a table from 10a-4p. Stop by and say hello! |
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The Willye White Park Advisory Council is seeking bands and musicians to perform at Willye White Park's Make Music Chicago.
Please email a recording of or a link to your music to evamccann1228@gmail.com and WillyeBWhitepac@gmail.com for consideration.
Date: The event will take place June 21 from 4-9 pm
Location: Willye White Park - 1610 W Howard St
Fee: No fee for playing in the event
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Artists of the Wall Festival |
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The Artists of the Wall festival is back this summer with this year's theme, theme "World of Tomorrow."
Beginning in 1993, neighbors have gathered to refresh the 600 foot stretch of murals extending from Farwell to Morse Ave. on Loyola Park Beach. In addition to art, there will be live music and entertainment for all ages.
Date: This event will take place June 18 from 10am-5pm and June 19 from 10am-3pm
Location: Loyola Park, 1230 W. Greenleaf
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Illinois continues to see more counties enter the high-risk level. At the high-risk community Level, people at risk of severe health outcomes are advised to take additional precautions to protect themselves from the virus, including masking up in indoor spaces. It is recommended now that all people wear masks in crowded indoor settings and to test immediately if showing symptoms or have been exposed. Please also stay up to date with your vaccines. However, the Illinois Department of Public Health is starting to see case counts trend downward but we are still at a very high transmission level for large parts of the state.
Illinois health officials reported 32,605 new COVID-19 cases over the past week. There have been at least 3,318,982 total COVID cases including at least 33,853 related deaths in the state since the pandemic began.
June 3rd Update:
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Total new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 IL residents in the past 7 days: 36.6
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New COVID-19 admissions per 100,000 IL residents in the past 7 days: 116
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The percent of staffed inpatient beds occupied by IL COVID-19 patients: 19%
For more details regarding the status of COVID in Illinois click here.
Please click here to see the status of COVID in our zip codes.
Being vaccinated and boosted is critical to limit the major impacts of future pandemic waves we are to face as new variants come along. Please be up to date with your vaccines and continue to test when needed.
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To find a vaccine clinic within the City of Chicago click here.
For questions or info regarding COVID-19 testing click here.
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COVID-19 Count as of Friday, June 3rd:
Statewide Totals: 3,318,982 confirmed cases and 33,853 deaths
If you have questions related to COVID-19 you can contact the
Illinois Department of Public Health:
Hotline: 800-889-3931
Email: dph.sick@illinois.gov
City of Chicago's Department of Public Health:
Hotline: 312-746-4835
Email: coronavirus@chicago.gov
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Clear Path Relief Pilot Program |
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Chicago has introduced the Clear Path Relief Pilot Program, providing relief of vehicle-related debt for low-income motorists.
Benefits of CPR Pilot Program include:
- Pay off the original fine amount for tickets issued in the last 3 years and all eligible older debt will be waived.
- 50% reduction of new tickets issued within 365 days from down payment of debt relief payment plan.
- New unpaid tickets will not be assessed penalties until after December 31, 2023.
Applicants must be the registered owner of the vehicle associated with the debt. Additionally, the applicant for the CPR program must be enrolled in the Utility Billing Relief program or have a household income of less than 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
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The Chicago Moves Program |
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Applications for a $12.5 million program to provide Chicagoans with free CTA and gas cards have opened. Recipients will be selected through a lottery system, with winners selected every month between May and September.
The program will distribute 50,000 physical gas cards with $150 loaded on them via the lottery system. 75% of those gas cards will be prioritized for people in mobility hardship areas. The remaining 25% will be distributed evenly between the city's 50 wards.
- To be eligible for the gas cards, you must:
- Be a resident of Chicago
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a valid City Sticker
- Have correct mailing information for the vehicle
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Have a household income at or below 100% of the Area Median Income
The program will also distribute $50 Ventra cards for up to 100,000 people. 75% of the Ventra card will be given away based on geographic area, with a goad to provide them to residents in low-income areas.
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To be eligible for a Ventra card, you must:Be a resident of Chicago
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Have a household income at or below 100% of the Area Median Income
Residents can apply online at chicago.gov/chicagomoves or in-person at any Chicago Public Library location. In the 49th Ward, the Rogers Park Branch library is located at 6907 N. Clark.
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The Rogers Park InterGens Ensemble |
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Calling all high school theatre lovers, working artists, and lifelong learners! Kick-off your summer with Goodman Theatre's newest education initiative: InterGens in Community.
This FREE education program brings together artists across generations to create an ensemble-driven piece of theatre that considers the perspectives of all ages. Through writing, movement, improvisation, and experimentation, the Rogers Park InterGens ensemble will devise an original play in just five days.
The summer 2022 session of InterGens in Community will meet from Monday, June 20 to Friday, June 24. Classes will take place in-person at Willye White Park (1610 N Howard St) from 10am-2:30pm with a thirty-minute lunch break.
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Upcoming Northside AARP Meeting |
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June's monthly meeting of the Chicago Northside AARP Community Group will host Stefanie Clark in a celebration of Pride Month. Stefanie Clark is a council member for Howard Brown Health and serves The Village Chicago as a part of its LGBTA Committee.
Date: June 7, 12:30pm
Location: This free event will take place at Lake View Presbyterian Church, 716 W. Addison as well as on Zoom.
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Misericordia cares for over 600 residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They are currently seeking Direct Service Professionals (no prior experience required) and Certified Nurses Assistant positions. Base pay rates have increased for both these positions to $18.00/hr as of June 1st.
They are also seeking workers in their Kitchen, Bakery, Laundry, and Housekeeping departments.
For more information on the various employment opportunities at Misericordia, click here. |
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The Illinois Department of Employment Security is hiring. They are seeking a full-time Office Coordinator and Unemployment Insurance Revenue Specialists in Chicago.
For more information on IDES job postings, qualifications, and salaries, please click here. |
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Collective Resource Compost is Hiring |
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Collective Resource Compost is a nearby Skokie-based composting service in need of Compost Service Specialists/Drivers and Container Washers. Starting wages for drivers are $16/hr, with the opportunity for growth and part-time flexibility.
Collective Resource Compost also offers health insurance, paid time-off, and retirement savings matching to its employees.
Learn more about these positions here
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Chicago Park District is Hiring |
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Chicago Park District is now hiring for both seasonal and full-time positions.
Chicago Park District is especially in need of lifeguards. Lifeguards must be at least 16 years old and pass American Red Cross training as well as a swim test. CPD employed lifeguards will receive a $500 bonus in addition to a starting hourly rate of $15.88/hr. Alternate bonuses may apply for other seasonal positions.
For more information on jobs with the Chicago Park District, click here. |
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CPS is Hiring Crossing Guards |
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The City of Chicago recently transferred responsibility for the crossing guard programs to Chicago Public Schools. As CPS has returned to in-person learning, there is a renewed need for crossing guards to facilitate the safe transportation of kids to school.
To apply to become a crossing guard, please follow the steps below:
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Please visit the CPS Careers Website at cps.edu/careers
- Click on "CPS Job Board" at the bottom of the page.
- On the top of the next page, click on "Basic Search."
- Type "Crossing Guard" into the "Keywords" field.
- Click on the Crossing Guard job posting for the location you want to apply to, and follow the instructions to fill out the applications.
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Sincerely,
Kelly Cassidy
State Representative, 14th District
Office of State Representative Kelly Cassidy
5533 N Broadway
Chicago IL 60640
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773-784-2002(phone)
773-784-2060(fax)
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