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As we continue to analyze the budget details and transition from session to in-district time, I’m just enjoying the opportunity to connect with neighbors and enjoy the best city in the world as it enters its best season.
When we first learned about the historic emergence of the two broods of cicadas, like so many I was enamored of what we might experience. It was super fun to see the Insect Asylum’s plans to bring art to this amazing event with their Cicada Parada citywide art project. I was eager to sign up and purchased one of the plaster cicadas without a lot of thought as to what I’d do next. As luck would have it, I ended up sharing thoughts with a neighbor who is a local artist and Jeffrey Littleton was excited to take on the project. I missed the installation today, but little Ba-Tou (as Jeffrey dubbed them) is such a fabulous addition to our office’s pride installation!
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I was also excited to present an Illinois General Assembly resolution honoring the 99 years Clark Devon Hardware has been in our community. This company has been an integral part of the success and stability of the 14th district and is a true example of how the transfer of ownership should take place for such an important business with a long history. It's now an employee-owned venture. One family owned Clark Devon Hardware and when they decided to sell it they did not pick an investor but rather they sold it to their staff. | |
Kelly pictured with Xan Flink (left) and Bob Barkemeyer (right) | |
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This week also brought some (short-term) good news when the Supreme Court rejected the arguments of plaintiffs in the Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v. FDA case that sought to reverse the Food and Drug Administration's approval of Mifepristone as a component of the most common medication abortion prescription. The Court found that the physicians involved in the group of plaintiffs did not have legal standing to bring the case in the first place and thus remanded the case to the lower court where three states have already been granted standing to participate in the case to continue the litigation to achieve their ultimate goal of eliminating access to the safest form of abortion care possible. While I am thankful that this court held to some basic norms by rejecting these plaintiffs’ lack of standing to bring this case that never should have gotten this far, I’m all too aware that three states have been granted standing to participate in the case and know we’re likely to see this come back in a future court term.
This weekend brings some great opportunities to connect with neighbors. I’m excited to check out the Taste of Rogers Park on Saturday in Touhy Park. The Taste of Chicago is being reimagined to incorporate the amazing array of food available here and around the city with pop-up Tastes happening in neighborhoods all over the city. To view this initiative click here. I’m excited to participate in Rogers Park’s annual Juneteenth celebration with A Just Harvest on Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm at 7637 N Paulina Street. It’s always a lot of fun to connect with neighbors, share some delicious food and drinks, and enjoy the live entertainment.
Also happening all weekend is a Rogers Park favorite and honestly one of the most amazing neighborhood festivals citywide, the Artists of the Wall Festival at Loyola Park. This year’s theme is “Community Dreams” and while I rarely arrive at the park with much clarity about what I intend to paint, this is a great theme that I am excited to brainstorm with my team as we paint this weekend!
Next week, I’m looking forward to seeing my amazing Chief of Staff, Torrence Gardner, honored at the city’s Juneteenth flag raising on Daley Plaza Monday at 9:30 am. Now that we’re reasonably recovered from the end of session, I’m eager to dig into some summer projects: making sure that the natural organic reduction bill gets through the Senate when we reconvene, ensuring that the Prisoner Review Board reform bill that was blocked from passage this spring gets a fair vote in the fall, working on law changes to ensure that sexual assault survivors are treated appropriately at emergency rooms, and jumping into in district projects while also monitoring the United States Supreme Court Decisions impacting bodily autonomy all are on the to-do list.
Enjoy these amazingly beautiful summer days in the best part of the best city in the world. I hope to see you all out and about soon!
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Kelly's Statement on U.S. Supreme Court Rejecting Challenge to Abortion Pill Mifepristone | |
Office Closed in Observance of Juneteenth | |
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Our office will be closed on Wednesday June 19th in observance of Juneteenth. Our office will be open again the following day, Thursday June 20th. Please direct any urgent communication to info@repcassidy.com.
To learn more about this historic holiday, click HERE.
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June 16th is Father's Day | |
Peterson Ridge Metra Station Opening Ceremony | |
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The heavily anticipated, far too often delayed, Peterson-Ridge Metra Station is finally open! Myself and many of my fellow community partners came together on June 11th for a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony (pictured above) to honor trains, at last, being able to make it a stop.
This project was initially announced all the way back in 2012 but has been delayed time and time again because of issues spanning from state budgeting issues, city permitting complications, and even a whole pandemic. If you want to know the full extent of what it took to get this station off the ground and running, check out this blockclubchicago article HERE.
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Wild Onion Market Grand Opening | |
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Today is a historic day for Rogers Park! The Wild Onion Market, Rogers Park's only cooperatively owned grocery store, is finally here. I am beyond excited to join our neighbors as an owner and to be able to directly support a community owned grocery store that prioritizes supporting locally grown produce and ethically sourced goods.
I am thrilled that this idea has finally come to fruition. So many of our neighbors put so many years of their lives into making this day a reality. Mary Meyer and countless others stayed committed, even if the face of tremendous obstacles, to ensuring the community would have a grocery store that they could directly influence and support . Co-ops are absolutely critical for ensuring the long-term stability of our essential needs as human beings, like food and housing, by prioritizing fair wages, sustainable practices, and social responsibility. Co-ops pave the way for a more equitable food system and a more mindful future.
Once more, join me in extending immense appreciation to the entire Wild Onion Market team for creating an investment in our neighborhood that will nourish generations of Rogers Parkers for years to come.
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Khmai Cambodian Opening on Sheridan | |
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Many Rogers Parkers have already enjoyed Khmai's Cambodian Cuisine on Howard St. But! Get ready to try them out in their new fine dining location on Sheridan Rd (6580 N. Sheridan Road) and their brand new, more casually focused, sister restaurant Kaun Khmai! Reservations are now active! Be sure to reserve your experience by clicking this LINK.
Khmai has been serving up upscale traditional Cambodian food in Rogers Park since 2022 from the brain of renowned Cambodian Chef Mona Sang. To learn more about Chef Sang and Khmai's history, check out this blockclubchicago article.
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GoFundMe for Rocky the Dog | |
While on a walk with her dog Zeus, Brianne Coleman happened upon a lost and hurt pup. She posted on Facebook looking for his previous owner and in the meantime, she took him to a vet where they found that both of his knees and hips were completely shattered and showed signs of a long pattern of abuse. The pup, now named "Rocky," for his fighting spirit, is doing better after some needed surgery and will began reahab therapy soon. Brianne set up a Gofundme page to help pay for Rocky's medical bills. You can contribute by clicking HERE. To read more about Rocky's story, check out the WGN article about him by clicking HERE. | |
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One of the most exciting events of the summer is coming to Rogers Park this weekend: Taste of Rogers Park! 49th Ward Alderwoman Maria Hadden and the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) are bringing together some of the most beloved restaurants in and around Rogers park for one day this weekend to show off their highlights. DJ sets, dance & music performances, and activities will keep the fun going throughout the day!
Admission is free and is taking place at Touhy Park on Saturday, June 15th from 12PM-8PM.
Our office will also be at the event! Please drop by our table to say hi!
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Artists of the Wall Festival | |
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Its finally here! The beloved Artists of the Wall Festival is returning for its 31st year this weekend, June 15th-16th, from 9am-3pm at Loyola Park! The theme for this year is "Community Dreams".
The Artists of The Wall Festival is a beloved tradition that is held every Fathers Day weekend where artists from around the neighborhood come out and paint a mural on a section of the Loyola Park Seawall. It then stays up fro the rest of the year for the neighborhood to enjoy and is then painted over once again after a years time for the next round of artists to start the process all over again! There will also be music, a kids' tent from Third Estate Arts, a dancing performance by Synapse Arts, and endless opportunities to socialize with our neighbors! For a full list of festival information, click HERE.
Please note that this year all pre sold paces are sold out. However, The Loyola Park Advisory Council, the organization that runs Artists of the Wall, will be offering a very limited number of walk up spaces on a first come first served basis. Interested artists can visit the registration tent at 10am on June 15th to inquire about open spaces. Spaces are $35 and the paint is $8. All walk-up spaces must be prepared to paint on the same day the spot is received and should substantially complete the spot on the day the space is received.
You can also volunteer at the fest! Sign up for a shift from Saturday, June 15 to Sunday, June 16 and get a free AOTW t-shirt! To sign up, click HERE. The Loyola Park Advisory Council particularly needs clean-up volunteers on Sunday afternoon.
Our office will also be at the event. If you see us, please say hi!
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A Just Harvest Juneteenth Celbration! | |
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Join A Just Harvest on Saturday, June 15th at 7637 N. Paulina from 10AM-3PM for a Juneteenth celebration you do not want to miss! Enjoy special performances, an open mic, and fun activities for the kids!
Date and time: Saturday, June 15th │ 10am – 3pm CST
Event Location: 7637 N Paulina
Free Event – Donations are welcome and appreciated
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Edgewater Monday Market Returns! | |
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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.
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Edgewater Historical Society: Discover the Art Underfoot Walking Tour | |
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Discover the Art Underfoot: This is a unique exploration of the hidden artwork along Edgewater’s lakefront. Join Edgewater’s Bill Swislow in the walk along the shore. The tour begins at the Foster Ave. beach house.
DATE: June 15, 2024; TIME: 10:30 a.m.
To register for this event and to discover the Edgewater Historical Society's Complete Catalogue of Events, click on this LINK.
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2024 Andersonville Vintage Market | |
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The Andersonville Vintage Market is returning next weekend! Shop everything from the eclectic to the handmade on June 23 from 10am-4pm at 1500 W Catalpa. Junes market will include some returning favorites and brand new vendors. Come shop items from DMApothecary, Memory Hoard, Salvage Made Design, Goodbyetonys, and more! The event is free but there is a 5$ suggested donation.
To see a full list of vendors, click on this LINK.
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Backlot Bash Returns to Andersonville | |
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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
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Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is launching the office’s FIRST EVER Teen Summer DMV Program, dedicating DMV services exclusively to teen drivers on Saturdays during the summer!
The Teen Summer DMVs are located in Addison, Aurora, Bethalto, Belvidere, Bridgeview, Chicago West, Des Plaines, Elgin, Joliet, Lake Zurich, Plano, and St. Charles.
The twelve Teen Summer DMVs will be open on Saturdays from 8:00 am to 12:30 pm starting THIS SATURDAY June 1 to August 31.
Parents and teens can call (800) 252-8980 to schedule an appointment!
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After School Matters Summer Programs | |
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After School Matters is now accepting applications for their 2024 summer programs! Programs offered are open to teens ages 14-18 that are attending high school in Chicago. Programs offered range from The Arts, Business & Leadership, Sports, and STEM. This is a great opportunity for teens to learn a new skill while earning money! Programs begin June 24th and run through August 2nd.
To apply, click HERE.
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Mary Crane Center: Head Start Program | |
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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!
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Chicago Youth Service Corps | |
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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!
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CTO 2024 Empowerment Scholarship | |
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The Chicago Treasurer’s Office (CTO) will award one-time $5000 scholarships to 10 Chicago Public School students entering a two or four-year accredited institution in the fall of 2024!
Requirements to apply for this scholarship include:
You must a CPS graduate class of 2024
You must be a Chicago resident
You must be enrolled in an accredited College or University Fall 2024
You must submit a copy of FAFSA/Alternative App or 2022 Tax Returns
You must complete an essay question (500-750 words) – Reflect on how this need-based scholarship will empower you to pursue your higher education.
The scholarship is non-renewable
The scholarship is open to DREAMers
To learn more about this scholarship, click HERE.
To apply, click HERE.
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Census Field Representative Positions Open | |
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The United States Census Bureau is accepting applications for its Field Representative Position throguh Spetember 2024.
To apply click this LINK.
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Howard & Evanston Community Center | |
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The Howard and Evanston Community Center is seeking 2 part time English Language Aquisition Instructors. Applicants will have the opportunity to work at 2 different locations: In East Rogers Park, at 7548 N Paulina, in West Rogers Park at Northtown Library (6800 N Western Ave). The position is salaried at around ~29$/hr
To apply, email a cover letter and your resume to parkm@metrofamily.org
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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
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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)
Info@repcassidy.com
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