New 2023 Laws in Effect

As we enter a new year, a new set of laws have gone into effect. Please look at the graphics below that explain the laws I have personally passed that will now be put forth as of January 1st. For a complete list of all new Illinois laws that have taken effect starting this year please click here.

Neighborhood Shoutouts

New Year's Lemon Pigs

In a seemingly quirky fit for Rogers Park, a local resident for the past 2 years has been making and leaving good luck Lemon Pigs throughout Rogers Park. The lemon pigs are a trend that comes around typically once every fifty years or so and was first introduced in the 1890's, by newspapers giving instructions on how to make them. The famed chef Jacques Pepin who most recently wrote about how to make them in one of his recent cookbooks, although he recommends using parsley for the tail instead of foil.

One of our very own Rogers Park neighbors Jenni Spinner started the trend in New Year Day of 2022. The Lemon Pigs were a way to bring some quirkiness to the neighborhood and a little bit of good luck around us. The instructions are pretty clear. Four toothpicks make up the pig’s legs, while small slices in the lemon peel create its mouth and ears. Two cloves are the eyes. The curly tail is fashioned from crushed up foil, and a glistening penny is inserted into the piggy’s mouth, presumably symbolizing the hoped-for luck.

Jenni Spinner says "she thought it could be a fun way to connect and entertain Rogers Parkers, to make some pigs and place them at random spots along my morning walks on the lakefront and around the neighborhood. People really seemed to enjoy them, whether they happened upon a pig in the wild or saw other people's pics and posts on social media. It's ended up being a fun, affordable, and pretty easy way to connect people, and it's just goofy enough to be peak Rogers Park".

In the District

Rogers Park Winter Market Continues through December 31st

Truman College Adult Education Classes

7th District Small Business Restoration Grant

State Senator Mike Simmons is announcing the 7th District Small Business Restoration Grant, made possible by $2.5 million in funds that is meant to provide one-time, $10,000 grants to Illinois 7th District small businesses. The grant is provided in partnership with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

Grant funds are intended for independently-owned small businesses that have missed out on previous grant opportunities, are in danger of closure and/or are facing financial hardship, and identify as historically underserved entrepreneurs located in the 7th District.

Applicants must operate in brick-and-mortar sites in the State of Illinois’ 7th District and must have first opened no later than Sun, Dec 31, 2021.

Applications are due on Fri, Feb 2 2024 5 pm.

Register here for the Tues, Jan 9 informational webinar at 3:30 pm.

For more information, click here. To apply, click here.

Chicago 20th Police District Council Monthly Meeting

Youth & Teen

Chicago Park District Winter Program Registration Has Opened

Winter fun in the parks starts soon! Visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/winter-programs now to check out programs for people of all ages and abilities throughout Chicago. Registration opened on December 4 and 5, and in-person registration for most parks began on December 9, 2023. From 3D printing tutorials to pickleball sessions for all ages, the Park District is keeping Chicagoans active and entertained all winter long. Spaces are limited, so start picking your favorite activities now so you’re ready when registration begins! The Winter Session starts January 8, 2024 and ends March 24, 2024.

Employment Resources

Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program

Edgewater Chamber of Commerce is hiring a Community Development & Business Services Manager!

Are you an extremely organized, detailed-oriented program manager with experience managing a Special Service Area, Business Improvement District, Economic Development Corporation or membership association? If yes, Edgewater Chamber of Commerce is looking for you!

To learn more about this position and to apply, click here.

Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program

Sincerely,

Kelly Cassidy

State Representative, 14th District



Office of State Representative Kelly Cassidy

1507 W. Morse Ave

Chicago IL 60626