Happy Passover & Easter

As we approach the Passover and Easter holidays, I’m still trying to get the house ready for a low key second night Seder with dear friends, now that Election Day is behind us. When our kids were small, we started a tradition of bringing leftovers from wherever we celebrated the first night and cobbled together a low stress celebration with our kids who had usually had to sit through a longer and more formal Seder the night before. We focus mostly on the fun songs we’ve collected over the years, and even now that the boys are all grown, they’ll still join in (sometimes grudgingly) as we sing “The Plagues Song” (to the tune of “She’ll Be Comin’ Round the Mountain), or “A Few of Our Passover Things” (to the tune of “These Are a Few of My Favorite Things”). I love sharing food and fun with family and friends, so hopefully they won’t notice that the last several weeks of session and election stuff has impacted my housekeeping ever so slightly! Whatever spring holiday or festival you may observe, I wish you all the hope and promise spring brings us.

We may be back in district for the break, but the work continues. It was fun to join with the Rogers Park Business Alliance this week for part of their most recent “ribbon cutting palooza” and meet the proprietors of the latest addition to Howard Street, Hungry Mama (see below for details). I was also interested to meet members of the Illinois Craft Distillers at Koval Distillery to understand more about the distilling process and the impact of outdated distributor laws on this burgeoning industry. Today involved an inspiring meeting with participants and leaders of REACH (Refugee Education & Adventure Challenge). I loved hearing about how they are using access to sports and outdoor activities to help refugee youth and families connect and thrive in their new homes. So much so that I may have even accepted an invitation to participate in an outdoor challenge course with them later this spring. Stay tuned for more on that!

We are preparing for the second half of session when we return to Springfield on the 18th. But before then, I’ll be participating in a fundraiser for the Illinois Environmental Council with pals State Senator Sara Feigenholtz, Representative Ann Williams, and 44th Alderperson-elect Bennett Lawson. We’ll be celebrity bartending at none other than Nisei Lounge on April 14th!

Please note that we may continue to experience staffing issues in the office while Wade continues to recover from his surgery. Please be patient with us and know that the phone and email are constantly monitored if you are in need of assistance. With the holiday weekend, we will also be adjusting our hours to allow our team to have some much needed down time with family and friends. See below for details.

Congratulations to Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson on your victory. I look forward to working with you in Chicago and in Springfield to move our city forward! Finally, deep thanks to Mayor Lori Lightfoot and First Lady Amy Eschelman for taking on the challenge of serving this great city for the last four years. Best wishes to both families as they navigate these transitions.

Office Holiday Hours

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Need Chicago Shoreline Feedback For Report

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers feasibility study will evaluate the risk of flooding, erosion and damage from coastal storms along the coast of Lake Michigan within areas of the City of Chicago. The study will investigate coastal storm risk, formulate and evaluate potential alternative plans to manage risk and potentially recommend projects for implementation. An initial scoping period has to be undertaken. The scoping period for the National Environmental Policy Act report will be extended through April 30th.

As part of the NEPA scoping process, the Chicago District would appreciate any

comments or concerns you might have about potential impacts from the potential

implementation of these types of measures in the study area. This could include impacts to various habitats, threatened and endangered species, or cultural, historic, and social resources.

The Corps of Engineers has developed a crowdsourcing tool that the public can use to help identify potential problem areas relating to coastal erosion and flooding. The tool can be accessed by clicking here.

To leave a comment and for more information please click here. People can also email ChicagoShoreline@usace.army.mil

Medicaid Renewal Period

Neighborhood Shoutouts

The New 400 Theater Silent Movies

The Silent Film Society of Chicago will host screening of "The Phantom of the Opera" on Monday April 10th at the New 400 Theaters, 6746 N. Sheridan Road. The film will be scored to live organ music, just as they would have been presented about 100 years ago. The screening are a nod to the New 400 Theaters history in the City, which has served as the oldest continually running movie theater in Chicago.

Tickets cost $12 in advance or $15 at the door. Advance tickets can be bough at the New 400, City Newsstand (4018 N. Cicero), or on the Silent Film Society's website. The majority of the ticket proceeds will go to help save the New 400 Theaters.

Hungry Mama Restaurant Opening

Hungry Mama is a great new takeout and delivery spot that recently opened up at 1636 W Howard Street. They cook a diverse array of items from lemon pepper chicken wings to shrimp and grits. This place even provides burgers and lamb chops. Leroy in the above picture wearing the yellow hoodie and hat is an actor. He has starred on numerous tv shows in Chicago. He decided to use some of the money he earned to provide his family a chance to own and run a business. Leroy truly desires for Hungry Mama to be a great resource and supporter for our community. Please check their menu out by clicking here.

In the District

Volunteer & Kids Activity Fair

The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce is excited to host businesses, organizations, on Saturday, April 22, 2023 from 10AM-1PM for a fair that brings together organizations in need of volunteer support and offer kids activities! Folks can learn about volunteer opportunities here on the north side of Chicago and kids activities available all year long. Volunteer in ways most important to you with special interests in environmental, social gathering, non profit, economical areas, culture, games and athletics.

Parents can learn about different after school programs, summer camp sign-ups, classes, and activities for kids. We have an incredible growing family demographic in and around Andersonville and we love providing great ways to discover different opportunities to encourage your kids activity in arts, culture, and more.

Peirce Elementary School

1423 W Bryn Mawr Ave, Chicago, IL 60660

Ecolution Event

The 40th ward is hosting Ecolution. A day of music, books, prizes, speakers, and plenty of recycling green opportunities. Saturday, April 15 from 11AM - 3PM

One Howard Street

The Rogers Park Business Alliance (RPBA) and the City of Evanston are thrilled to kick off the One Howard Street planning process! One Howard Street is a collaborative effort between Rogers Park Business Alliance and the City of Evanston to develop a unified corridor plan for Howard Street between Sheridan Road and Western Avenue/Asbury Avenue. This community-driven planning process will culminate in an action plan that charts a path toward a safe, welcoming, inclusive, and prosperous Howard Street corridor.

The first public workshop will take place from 10 am to 12 pm on Saturday, April 22, at Willye White Park, 1610 W. Howard. During the event, folks can join the One Howard team to clean up our park and share their vision for the future of Howard Street. The event will include hands-on activities, snacks, and more information about how you can get involved in the One Howard Street planning process.

For more information about this project, click here or email Kyle Ryan, Manager of Economic Development, at kyle@49thward.org

Glenwood Sunday Market Lox Box

Our 3rd annual Mother's Day Lox Box is back! Each Lox Box includes 4 bagels, 1lb of cream cheese (1/2 plain, 1/2 artisanal) 1/2 lb hand-cured and hand-cut lox with garnish. Pick-up and delivery are available Sat, May 13 and Sun, May 14.

Delivery is offered for $3 within a 3-mile radius.

Support Glenwood Sunday Market's effort to make sustainable, regionally produced foods available to the whole community. Proceeds benefit the markets Food Access $25 matching program.

The deadline to order is Fri, April 28. Order yours today!

Resources

Back to Business Grants

IHDA Emergency Mortgage Assistance

MWRD Subsidized Rain Barrel Program

The MWRD rain barrel program has opened for the season. The 2023 price of subsidized rain barrels are $10.75 for seniors age 65+ and $21.50 for all others. Once the subsidized program ends, the price returns to $43 each. Order online at https://mwrd.org/rain-barrels.

Youth & Teen

Loyola Soccer Youth Camps

The Loyola Youth Soccer Camp program offers half-day and full-day options designed for youth who would like to improve their individual skills. Camp will be on-campus in Rogers Park at the new turf field located at 1045 W. Loyola Ave.

For more details please click here.