Kelly's Update

Before I recap our week, we will be taking a newsletter break for a couple of weeks to recharge our batteries, so bear with us for a slightly longer newsletter to cover events through the break. Keep an eye on our social media for any late-breaking issues or events.

Some of our team had a chance to meet with the folks behind the new cannabis dispensary in the neighborhood, Perception Cannabis at 7000 N Clark St, and hear about their experience obtaining their license and getting to the point of opening their doors. I shared with them our desire to see all of the dispensaries able to serve medical cannabis patients and explained that a bill that included that provision had been killed by one of the largest multi-state operators, GTI, or Green Thumb Industries, sparking a boycott of their products among the organized medical cannabis community. We talked about the challenges of finding consensus on the various issues being debated as it relates to the cannabis industry and shared our hope that the recently completed disparity study conducted by the state could also lead to some improvements. We’ll take a deeper dive into the study and the work of the Cannabis Regulatory Oversight Office (CROO) in an upcoming newsletter.

Pictured with Kelly and Torrence, from left to right: Brandon Gentry (Shift Lead), David Sullivan (General Manager), Stephanie Workman (Marketing Manager)

We also spent time with the folks from C24/7 Ministries about their violence prevention work on Howard Street and had an opportunity to tour their new home on Howard which is being renovated to accommodate after-school programming for students from kindergarten through high school, job readiness programming, drop-in services and more. They’re hosting a Big Giveaway. Darrel Franklin, a young man from the North of Howard community, and C24/7 are hosting the Great Giveaway to honor a beloved community member, Nate Burton, who tragically died over 5 years ago. The desire is to celebrate his life and the positive impact he had on this community through a fun, family-friendly event. They are expecting over 300 people to attend, enjoying food, pony rides, bounce houses, a petting zoo, 3 on 3 basketball tournament, and gospel music. This year they are also holding their back-to-school event to provide backpacks and school supplies to neighbors. 

I was so excited to join with Governor Pritzker and colleagues at the 46th Illinois AFL-CIO Convention where the Governor signed the Worker Freedom of Speech Act, but my mouth had different plans and I ended up spending the day at the dentist getting an emergency crown. I have a great dentist and am lucky to have insurance coverage, so my out-of-pocket was just half a mortgage payment, not a full one. Dr. Deaver, in addition to maintaining a busy practice, also teaches at the UIC Dental School and is a frequent participant in Dentists Without Borders and other free dental mission events. Hearing about the work they do and the reasons people end up needing their help is such a stark reminder of how much better we could be doing in getting folks access to all the forms of care that they need. Of all the categories of constituent issues we regularly assist with, finding affordable or free dental care for constituents in need has consistently been among the most vexing problems we contend with.

I also spent time with the relatively new President of Swedish Covenant Hospital and toured their remodeled emergency room and women’s health centers. I originally met him during a Hospital Association lobby day in Springfield when he was truly new and we talked about having a more in-depth meeting, it just took us a minute to schedule it. We were joined for part of the visit by the director of the hospital’s programs related to survivors of gender-based violence who specifically wanted to thank me for my advocacy for survivors and the services they need. I was impressed to learn about how they are integrating risk assessment tools at intake to find more ways to identify people at risk or in need of services in ways that can enhance victim’s safety and capacity to escape.

See you in a couple of weeks!

Senator Mike Simmons is inviting Survivors of Domestic Violence and allies to a 7th District Outreach and Resource Event. This event will provide space for people to share and advocate for their needs, as well as highlight all of the state resources and programs available. You can choose to remain anonymous at the event, and all information will be kept confidential. If you have any questions, please email senatormikesimmons@gmail.com or call (773)-769-1717.

Democratic National Convention Perimeter Updates and Information

The Democratic National Convention (DNC) is coming to Chicago next month from August 19th to the 22nd. This historic event will necessitate added security city-wide and will result in significant traffic disruptions near convention zones. In preparation for the changes to the day-to-day life of Chicagoans, The Mayor's Office of Community Engagement has released perimeter maps for both McCormick Place and the United Center, which is where the DNC conventions will be held. Additionally, the Mayor's Office recommends opting into DNC alerts through the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) App to receive convention updates right to your device. And, as always, if you see suspicious activity during this period, please call 911.

To learn more about the convention and how it may impact you, click on this LINK or scan the QR code above.

Summer EBT Program Screener Live

The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) are partnering to implement the Summer EBT Program. Families will receive a one-time benefit of $120 for each eligible child. Benefits are distributed on an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card and can be used at authorized retail locations, including some farmers’ markets.

There is an August 31st deadline to apply for the program, and some students will automatically be enrolled in the program. You can now check HERE to see if your student is enrolled, or if you will need to apply.

For more information on the program check out wegotyouillinois.org

Property Tax Appeal Workshop

Our office is partnering with Cook County Board of Review Commissioner Samantha Steele (District 2), the Rogers Park Branch of the Chicago Public Library, and local elected officials on a 2024 Rogers Park Township Property Tax Appeal Workshop. The workshop will take place on Monday, August 5th starting at 5:30 pm in the Rogers Park Branch Library at 6907 N Clark St. 

Attendees may arrive at 5:30 pm to meet with an analyst to answer questions and file an appeal. A brief presentation by Commissioner Steele's team will begin at 6 pm to inform attendees of the appeal process. Analysts will then continue to be available to assist with filing an appeal. Please have your property tax bill and/or Property Index Number (PIN) available. 

You may obtain your Property Index Number here.

Pre-registration for the workshop is not required but is appreciated. You may access the pre-registration online form here.

You may contact the office of Commissioner Samantha Steele at 312-603-5542 if you have any questions regarding your property information in preparation for the workshop. 

Neighborhood Shoutout

Lifeline Theater Save Our Stage "S.O.S" Donation Campaign

Since 2020, Lifeline Theatre has faced rising expenses due to inflation and their commitment to pay equity. Despite their 42-year history of excellence, these costs have resulted in a deficit budget. Their Spring Benefit gave them a strong start, but they need to meet a larger fundraising goal to launch their new season. They now turn to our community to help us reach $200,000, ensuring they can manage inflation, to pay their staff and artists fairly, and secure their future.

To donate to Lifeline, click HERE.

To learn more about Lifeline Theater and their S.O.S campaign, click HERE.

In the District

Events in Rogers Park

Get ready for a flavor fiesta like no other! Jarvis Square is serving up the ultimate combo: Pierogi + margaritas + music = one HECK of a good time!

Come ready to pierogi (EHMM) PARTY!

3:00 PM - 8:00 PM on August 3, 2024

Jarvis Square: Between Greenview and the Jarvis Red Line station

Don’t forget to sign up for the epic pierogi toss before it's too late! For all the details, hit up R Public House at (872) 208-7916.

Remaining Touhy Park Summer 2024 Events!

There is still a ton of fun to be had at Touhy Park this summer! Be sure to check out Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet as preformed by Midsommer Flight this weekend especially because the production company is offering showings Friday through Sunday. Friday and Saturday shows begin at 6pm and the Sunday show begins at 2pm. The following week, on Friday the 9th a showing of the movie "Wonka" will be played around dusk!

For details about the event, scan the qr code above!

49th Ward Community Games!

Join Alderwoman Hadden for Community Softball and Kickball games at Willye B. White Park (1610 W Howard St)! No registration is required and everyone is welcome to play. Just bring yourself, your family and friends! Not sure if you want to play? Come out to cheer on your neighbors!

The next community game is on Saturday, August 3rd!

Building a Better Loyola Community Meeting

Loyola University is hosting a virtual community meeting on Tuesday August 6th at 6pm to present its comprehensive community plan. This meeting is being offered as an effort by Loyola to foster communication and collaboration between the University and our neighborhoods about what the future will look like in our shared environment. To learn more about their campus plan prior to the meeting, visit LUC.edu/campusplan

Registration is required to participate in this event.

You can register by scanning the QR code above with your cell phone or by clicking on this LINK.

On Saturday, August 17th, C24/7 Father's Arms Ministries is having their 4th annual "The Great Giveaway" Back to School Bash! They will be giving away backpacks and school supplies, and will offer carnival rides, a petting zoo, pony rides, and so many more activities for the whole family! The event will be held at Willye B. White Park from 2pm-6pm.

Glenwood Ave Arts Fest

For over two decades, the Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest (GAAF) has been a beacon of artistic celebration, embodying grassroots spirit and volunteer-driven ethos within Chicago. Organized by the community, this immersive weekend event showcases over 100 artist booths, invites exploration of open studios, and pulsates with vibrant live entertainment across outdoor stages. It stands as one of the few neighborhood festivals where attendees directly engage with creators, discovering and acquiring unique handmade artworks. Nestled amidst the charming cobblestone streets of Chicago's historic Rogers Park neighborhood, the Fest illuminates the Glenwood Avenue Arts District, enriching the experience with free live music, captivating performances, inspiring art demonstrations, and a delectable array of street food and craft beer offered by local merchants.

The Glenwood Avenue Arts fest returns August 16-18th!

National Night Out's mission is to promote police-community partnership and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer and more caring places to live, work, and do business. Moreover, it highlights crime and drug prevention and awareness and generates support for local anti-crime programs. National Night Out will feature games, activities, resource tables, and a family style barbeque for folks in the 24th District. Tuesday August 6th 5pm-7pm at Warren Park.

Chalk Howard Street

Chicago’s only 3D chalk art festival, Chalk Howard Street, is back! This vibrant event invites national and local street artists, neighbors, families and art lovers to transform Howard Street in Rogers Park into a creative canvas.

Featuring internationally renowned 3D street artists, local 2D chalk artists, emerging talents and kids’ art, Chalk Howard Street promises vivid and interactive chalk drawings for everyone. The family-friendly festival will also highlight the street's unique shops, restaurants, and global cuisine.

Enjoy live music, delicious food and drinks, artisan vendors and countless opportunities to immerse yourself in striking street art. Don’t miss out on this amazing celebration of creativity and community!

Want to be part of transforming Howard Street? Purchase a chalk square and design your own chalk art piece by clicking HERE.

This event is organized by the Rogers Park Business Alliance and will be held on Saturday, August 24th from 11am to 8pm on Howard Street East of the Red Line Station between Paulina and Ashland. For more information about the fest, click HERE.

Events in Edgewater

Synapse Arts' Birthday Bash

Edgewater SSA #26 and The Edgewater Chamber of Commerce are teaming up to bring dozens of street musicians to our business corridors the first Friday of the month in August, September and October!

Come for a stroll and hang out on Broadway, Bryn Mawr, Devon, Granville. Do some shopping. Grab a drink at a local bar. Hang out on a patio. Pick up some grub at one of your favorite Edgewater restaurants (or two, or three). Or just chill out!

Local solo musicians and small ensembles will be popping up on street corners and in public plazas from approximately 4pm to 8pm, and bringing the vibes.

The second edition of the street music series is coming on September 6th!

Schedules of locations and musicians will be posted on social media approximately 24 hours before the event.

Completely free for all to attend. No registration required.

Synapse Arts' Birthday Bash

Synapse Arts extends its gratitude to the community of artists, partners, collaborators, students, and families who have contributed to their longstanding success by hosting a Birthday Bash! The Birthday Bash is an invitation to celebrate these accomplishments together, and reunite as they celebrate the budding creators they are cultivating now.

Attendees will meet other artists of the Chicago community, watch dance performances live and onscreen, and are invited to participate in a special performance of Crosswalk Dances. The Birthday Bash is a celebration of Synapse Arts in a welcoming, festival-type environment. All attendees will have access to their open events and get a cupcake!

This event takes place on Saturday August 3rd, from 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM at the Berger Park Cultural Center (6205 N. Sheridan Rd).

Opportunities at the event include:

• Free dance classes for kids 
• Two adult dance workshops by Kristina Fluty (donation required)
• Performances by the young artists of the Synapse Performance Troupe and dance professionals from our 20-year history, including Reign Drop, IS/LAND Performance Collaborative, Camila Rivero Pooley, Chrissy Martin, and more
• Dance film screenings with works by Maggie Bridger, Rahila Coats, Rachel Damon, and more
• Interactive museum tours led by Synapse artists (donation required)
• Crosswalk Dances on the lawn
• Make your own dance crafts
• Games and trivia
• A wild and wacky livestream
• Birthday cupcakes!

To learn more about this event, click HERE.

Giving Voice to the Immigrant Experience 

Saturday, August 10 

1-2 p.m.

Storyteller Nestor Gomez will share heartfelt and humorous tales of his life in Guatemala, his journey with his family to the United States at age 15, and the life he's made here.

Nestor has won more than 80 Moth StorySlam competitions. His unforgettable personal stories will draw you in, make you laugh at and commiserate with his experiences. 

This free program is sponsored by Friends of the Edgewater Library in partnership with the Edgewater Branch Library. The program will be held in the Betty A. Barclay Community Room of the Edgewater Branch, 6000 N. Broadway. Registration is preferred but not necessary.

The Edgewater Historical Society invites the community to submit images ranging from ornate architecture to the sleek lines of modern windows or even the pleasure of a room with a view that connects us to the world outside. They want to be impressed by your imagination!

·    Submissions: July 1- September 30, 2024

·    Winners announced October 20, 2024

·    Winner categories: 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place winners

·    Photo boundaries – Ravenswood to the Lake and Foster to Devon

·    Open to all ages

·    Include address of the photograph

·    Accepted files, jpg, pngs no pdfs

·    Two photos maximum per entry

·    Photos must be original and taken within the contest time frame

·    Submit photo or send questions to ehsphotosubmit@yahoo.com

Beyond the Waters is hosting a Beach Party at Osterman Beach (5800 N DuSable Lake Shore Drive) on Sunday, August 25th from 12-5 PM. Beyond the Waters is a local organization that seeks to provide adaptive recreation opportunities for Chicago's disability community on the lakefront. Join them for music, food, and many activities at their beach party!

To learn more about the event, visit their Facebook page HERE.

Events in Andersonville

The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce welcomes all to the annual Taste of Andersonville on Wednesday, August 7th from 5pm-8pm! Pick a route or even both! Attendees travel Clark Street and sample small plates that may feature a dinner item, dessert item, or beverage depending on the location. Please note that routes are subject to change and there are no refunds.

Tickets are $40 in advance for single routes and $75 in advance for the Nom Nom Nom (Nibble and Nosh Combo Route) Tickets will increase on August 5th to $45 for single routes and $80 for the Nom Nom Nom Route.

Early check-in begins at 3PM and check-in ends at 6:30PM. The check-in location will be stationed outdoors at 1554 W Hollywood. Tasters are encouraged to check-in early and explore the neighborhood, as well as the Andersonville Farmers Market which opens at 3PM at 1500 W Catalpa.

To see the list of routes/participating restaurants and purchase tickets check their website here.

Youth & Teen

Teens in the Park: Open Gym at Broadway Gymnastics

The Teens in Park program will be hosting an open gym day at the Broadway Armory Gymnastics Center (5917 N Broadway) on August 6th from 12:30 pm-2:00 pm where teen gymnastics enthusiasts of all skill levels are free to practice or perfect their techniques in a safe and supervised environment. Must be at least 13 to register, you can register online here for free.

Edgewater Public Library Hosting a Teen Crafternoon

The Edgewater branch of the Chicago Public Library (6000 N. Broadway) will be having a Teen Crafternoon on Tuesday, August 6th from 2:00pm-3:30pm. This time they will be making Polymer clay jewelry. They recommend wearing clothes you don't mind getting dirty, and require a registration. You can find out more, check for future events, and register 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!

Job Openings

The Chicago Parks District is Hiring

As one of the largest municipal park managers in the nation, the Chicago Park District works to improve the quality of life in Chicago with recreation and leisure opportunities in safe and beautiful parks. They offer thousands of programs and events, and are responsible for maintaining 28 indoor pools, 50 outdoor pools, and 28 miles of lakefront including 23 swimming beaches plus one inland beach. If you’re looking for a job where you can use your expertise to improve the quality of life in our city, look no further than the Chicago Park District! 

Whatever your passion, schedule, or experience–they have a job for you.

Apply today!

Da Vinci Paws Looking for Dog Walkers

Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for (audience)? Why should they care (benefit)? What do I want them to do (call-to-action)?

Create a great offer by adding words like "free," "personalized," "complimentary," or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take action, so consider inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining!"

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.

We encourage you to apply for one of our open positions and experience the co-op difference. Instead of being owned by a corporation, we are cooperatively owned by members of our own community. We are a business that puts people and our planet over profit. We offer fair pay and benefits so that our employees can earn a living wage.

We are looking for people who are community oriented, passionate about local foods, and want to be part of an inclusive and diverse workplace. If that sounds like you, consider applying today.

Sincerely,

Kelly Cassidy

State Representative, 14th District



Office of State Representative Kelly Cassidy

1507 W. Morse Ave

Chicago IL 60626