Kelly's Update

As we prepare to head into the busy Pride weekend, I’m getting excited for my new and improved Pride celebration. ICYMI, here’s my message (click here) from last week’s newsletter sharing my frustration with the corporatization of Pride and the city’s undermining of the parade. I’ve long felt that we were straying far from the roots of the riot that led to modern-day Pride. Still, hearing that student groups were being first excluded and then compressed combined with being told I needed to choose between my spouse and each of my children to march in the parade with one guest this year, I had enough. So, we’re doing Pride a little differently this year. 

I’ll spend the day bouncing around the north lakefront visiting LGBTQ+-owned businesses on Saturday. Sunday, I’ll head down to the pre-parade kickoff celebration where Governor Pritzker is expected to sign a couple of bills impacting our community before the annual kickoff brunch celebration at Fat Kat. Still, I won’t be marching in the parade. Instead, I’ll leave the kickoff and head north where I’m excited to share some stories from Women and Children First Books with the kids at Jarvis Square Family Pride. The team and I are excited and will have some fun pride swag and temporary tattoos for the kids (and their adults, natch). The day will continue with kids' music from Miss Aimee Lee, then the amazing Amy Kelly and the Beaver Moon Band will kick off the adult portion of the program. Thanks to Miss Linda Bubon and the good folks at Women and Children First for helping to curate the story selections!

Another busy week in the books. I was happy to join Alderwoman Manaa-Hoppenworth and neighbors from Kenmore at an outdoor gathering of residents from Kenmore concerned about an uptick in criminal and nuisance activity on the block resulting from specific buildings on the block. We shared some fun music, and treats for the kids, and heard from 20th District Community Policing officers about their efforts and shared strategies for working together to improve the block. It was also great to welcome Governor Pritzker and some colleagues from around the state to Rogers Park’s own Eyes On The Future to sign landmark legislation that will streamline our state’s regulation and support of early childhood education and daycare centers. (See below for more)

This month, we’ve had one eye on the Supreme Court as they approach the end of their term and release decisions. There were two significant cases related to the work of the Dobbs Working Group as well as a few other meaningful cases to watch. A couple of weeks ago, the Court punted on the case impacting access to the abortion medication Mifepristone by ruling against the plaintiffs as lacking standing to bring gather case in the first place. While this might seem obvious, just last year, the court allowed the case involving the baker/website designer who’d never been asked to provide services for a same-sex wedding to proceed and gut Colorado human rights protections, so there’s never a safe assumption with this court. The mife decision is good news, but short-lived. The decision essentially drew a road map for another challenge with appropriate plaintiffs, so we can expect to see it again soon.

This week brought a decision in Idaho v. United States that seems to parallel the Court’s tactic in the mife case: procrastination. While the case could have been decided on its merits and provided clarity to doctors and patients in Idaho and around the country, instead of addressing the fundamental question of whether patients have a right to life-saving abortion care in emergency rooms, the court instead dismissed the case on procedural grounds, setting up another challenge in the future.

In a term filled with cases with sweeping implications, one case in particular has Illinois political circles watching closely. In Snyder v. United States, the Mayor of Portage Indiana was convicted of bribery and appealed his conviction, arguing that there was no quid pro quo and that the $13,000 he was paid for by a trucking company to steer about a million dollars of city contracts to this company was instead a “gratuity,” and not subject to bribery laws. Given the implications of this case, sentencing hearings for the folks convicted in the “Com-Ed 4” trial were postponed and former Speaker Mike Madigan’s trial was postponed till this fall. The Court found in favor of Mayor Snyder and declared that his payments did not meet the federal standard of a bribe and were instead a “gratuity,” while also making clear that states can go further in their bribery definitions.

It’s not entirely clear yet what impact this will have either on the ComEd 4 sentencing or on Madigan’s trial, and there are teams of lawyers on all sides of those cases working to figure that out as we speak. The majority of Madigan’s charges are actually unrelated to the specific statute in question, so presumably, the show will go on. In our next newsletter after the 4th of July week, I will highlight the remaining significant cases that have been recently released today. They tend to hold the most controversial cases to the very last minute.

We'll be taking a newsletter break next week due to the short holiday week but will share info about holiday observations and closures on our social media channels.

In the meantime have a great Pride weekend and a happy 4th of July!

This map shows the planned reroutes for the Pride Parade this weekend, if you do plan on attending or being in the area be aware of these reroutes and what that may mean for your travel time.

The Parade runs from 11:00 am-2:00 pm

4th of July Hours

Our office will be closed Wednesday, July 3rd - Friday July, 5th for the 4th of July holiday. Please note that we will not be remote on Friday. Please send us an email but a response may be limited.

Neighborhood Shoutout

Governor Pritzker Holds Signing at Eyes on the Future Child Development Center

On Tuesday, Governor Pritzker came to Rogers Park and the Eyes on the Future Child Development Center to sign SB1, which created the Department of Early Childhood. The state budget that recently passed in May included $14 million to create the new department. A task force has been assigned and is responsible for developing a plan for the new agency. The main purpose behind the need for this new department is to simplify a very complicated process as currently, multiple departments oversee early education programs.

In the District

For more than 50 years, Trilogy has provided people across Chicago and beyond with support to recover from mental illness and move toward stability. They provide their clients with an array of essential services and ongoing support so that they can live independently and thrive in our community. Trilogy is seeking donations of new socks and new/gently used shoes in all size for kids and adults now through September.

You can drop off at one of these locations:

1400 W Greenleaf Ave

3737 W Lawrence Ave.

Congratulations to Julia Goodman and Lisa Harriman, the owners of Loaves & Witches that opened up in Edgewater this week. They are excited to offer a new Queer, sober, safe, and fun space to the community, where they will serve coffee sourced from a local roastery, Hexe Coffee, and the menu will include many gluten free and vegan items! They two started as home bakers and have spent the last few months transforming the space into their own, even showcasing art from local artists. They are now open at 6034 N Broadway, we are excited to give them a try and hope you are too!

Events in Rogers Park

Join State Rep. Kelly Cassidy at noon for "The Story Of Pride" event.  Followed by the talented queer children's entertainer Miss Aimee Leigh, who will take both the young and young at heart on a magical musical adventure.  Get ready to sing and dance with Amy Kelly and The Beaver Moon band. And our favorite DJ Broozewayne will keep the party going!  Don't miss out on this celebration of love, diversity, and joy. Located a few train stops from the parade, Jarvis Square Pride Fest is becoming a favorite stop during the Pride Weekend for an exuberant yet spacious and friendly party. This event is organized by R Public House and local businesses at Jarvis Square.

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Join Charmers for a Family Bike Decorating Party happening on Sunday at Charmers Cafe. Bring yourself, your family and your friends over to Jarvis Square to trick out your bicycles! We will have crepe paper, flags, flowers and more to decorate your bike.

Pride North

The 49th Ward office is hosting a Town Hall / Block Party event on Wednesday, July 10th from 5pm - 7pm. The event will take place outside on Greenview Ave next to their office (1447 W Morse Ave). During the two hour event there will be dance performances from Circles & Ciphers followed by a Town Hall Meeting led by Alderwoman Hadden to discuss local and City matters. The City's Animal Care & Control team will also be tabling and providing resources for pet owners during the event.

Events in Edgewater

Edgewater Monday Market Returns!

Chicago’s ONLY Monday Market is back in operation for the 2024 outdoor season beginning Monday, June 3rd! The full list of market participants is now live too! Over 40 vendors will be at the market this summer offering up everything from fresh food to artisanal crafts! The market runs from 3pm-7pm in the Broadway Armory parking lot (5917 N Broadway).

To learn more, check out this LINK.

Edgewater Historical Society

Join the Edgewater Historical Society for a special concert at Colvin House June 30. Please arrive early. There will be music in the courtyard before and after the show. Concert begins at 5:00. Tickets can be purchased through our website or at the door. The main concert will take place indoors. Please feel free to bring along your favorite adult beverages if you like. Light snacks will be available for purchase from Colvin House

Events in Andersonville

Back Lot Bash started in 2004 in response to the lack of women’s events and the limited presence of female artists in the Chicago LGBTQ+ community. What started as a one-day event to showcase local female artists and community organizations, has now grown into a 3-day festival due to the overwhelming response from local businesses, community partners, charitable organizations and the women’s community themselves.

Performances occur in the lot behind Cheetah Gym, 5238 N. Clark Street.

Tickets available here

Youth & Teen

Gale Community Academy Seeking Donations

This summer, Gale Academy is excited to provide students in grades Kindergarten to 3rd with the Springboard Collaborative Summer Program. This initiative is designed to enhance our students' learning experiences and help them retain and build upon the knowledge they have gained during the school year.

The program is set to run from Monday, June 24th to Friday, July 26th, and there are 30 enthusiastic students registered to participate! Gale Academy seeking the support of our community to help make this program a success.

• They are kindly requesting donations of snacks for our students. These snacks will help keep our young learners energized and focused throughout the program. Some suggested snack items include:Cheez-It
• Goldfish
• Popcorn
• Chips
• Fruit or Nutri Grain bars
• Fruit Snacks
• Go-Gurt
• GoGo squeeZ
• Roll-Ups
• Any other light snacks

For more information and to arrange a donations please contact Gale's Springboard

Collaborative School Program Leader, Ms. Morales at niurkaivettemorales.sbc@gmail.com.

Mary Crane Center: Head Start Program

Mary Crane Center's Rogers Park location at 1545 W Morse Ave is currently accepting applications for enrollment in their Head Start program! The free services include year-round childcare for working families and/or students, scholarship opportunities, free nutritional meals and snacks, and much more! Mary Crane Center's services are available all year round, including when school is not in session. 

If you're interested in learning more, you may call the Mary Crane Center team at 773-262-1390. To apply for Mary Crane Programs, click HERE!

Chicago Youth Service Corps

Chicago Youth Service Corps is a year-round program that provides paid opportunities for youth ages 16-24 to engage in community service, project-based learning, and leadership development. Chicago Youth Service Corps celebrates and welcomes diverse backgrounds and encourages you to bring your experience, background, and traditions to your service.

The application period for this program is year round. To apply, click HERE!

CTO 2024 Empowerment Scholarship

The Chicago Treasurer’s Office (CTO) will award one-time $5000 scholarships to 10 Chicago Public School students entering a two or four-year accredited institution in the fall of 2024!

Requirements to apply for this scholarship include:

You must a CPS graduate class of 2024

You must be a Chicago resident

You must be enrolled in an accredited College or University Fall 2024

You must submit a copy of FAFSA/Alternative App or 2022 Tax Returns

You must complete an essay question (500-750 words) – Reflect on how this need-based scholarship will empower you to pursue your higher education.

The scholarship is non-renewable

The scholarship is open to DREAMers

To learn more about this scholarship, click HERE.

To apply, click HERE.

Job Openings

Collective Resource Compost is hiring!

Collective Resource Compost, a specialty waste hauler that collects food scraps for composting, is hiring. They work out of a site just over the border in Skokie (near McCormick, between Howard and Touhy). The Driver / Compost Service Specialist job starts at $16 per hour and goes to $17 after a 90-day review. They're looking for people who are reliable, hard-working, tech-capable, and committed to reducing environmental harm.

Learn more at: collectiveresource.us/join-our-team/.

Census Field Representative Positions Open

The United States Census Bureau is accepting applications for its Field Representative Position through September 2024.

To apply click this LINK.

Howard & Evanston Community Center

The Howard and Evanston Community Center is seeking 2 part time English Language Aquisition Instructors. Applicants will have the opportunity to work at 2 different locations: In East Rogers Park, at 7548 N Paulina, in West Rogers Park at Northtown Library (6800 N Western Ave). The position is salaried at around ~29$/hr

To apply, email a cover letter and your resume to parkm@metrofamily.org

Perception Cannabis Now Hiring Multiple Positions!

Perception Cannabis will be opening soon on a schedule of 10 AM- 9 PM and is looking to hire locally within the Rogers Park/Edgewater Community!

Budtender - (Part Time and Full Time): 

We are looking for knowledgeable and friendly Budtenders to join our team. As the face of our company, the Budtender plays a crucial role in ensuring an exceptional customer experience while maintaining strict compliance with state regulations. This role involves educating customers about our products, staying informed about industry trends, and managing sales transactions effectively

Receptionist - (Part Time and Full Time): 

We are seeking a detail-oriented and responsible individual to join our team as a Retail Cannabis Receptionist. The receptionist plays a critical role in maintaining compliance with state regulations and ensuring a secure environment for both staff and patrons. This position involves rigorous verification of identification and other relevant documents to ensure that no one under the age of 21 enters the facility without a valid patient card.

Fulfillment Techs - (Part Time and Full time): 

Our company is seeking meticulous and organized Retail Cannabis Fulfillment Technicians to manage the accurate handling of our inventory, including the receipt, fulfillment, and labeling of products. This role is pivotal in ensuring that our operations remain efficient and compliant with all regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate will have a keen eye for detail and excellent organizational skills.

To fill out your application today, please go to: www.perceptionfarms.com/careers

Trilogy: Open Positions

Trilogy Behavioral Health is looking to hire key mental health positions in its organization. Trilogy offers generous benefits and training opportunities. 

To learn more about open positions and to apply, click HERE.

Sincerely,

Kelly Cassidy

State Representative, 14th District



Office of State Representative Kelly Cassidy

1507 W. Morse Ave

Chicago IL 60626