Kelly's Update

I hope everyone is having a good spring. The summer solstice will be coming sooner than we know it but it already feels like summer has arrived. I look forward to the upcoming summer events. I have the pleasure of representing one of the most fun and creative districts as our summer events are truly a delight to attend each year. Events are already coming up this weekend so please scroll down and take a look.


I will be away this weekend for some much-needed rest and relaxation but I hope you all have a safe time while enjoying the many festivities to come. I promise in the upcoming newsletter we will break down the budget highlights and my thoughts on why we ended up with the budget that was passed. Please click here for an initial look and the official signing of the budget that occurred this past Wednesday.

Welcome Aboard to Our Summer Intern Viveca!

My name is Viveca Magana. I am from Honduras and came to Chicago to pursue a double major in Political Science and Economics prior to going to Law School. As a summer intern, I am excited to understand the process of passing bills and learning about the overall functioning of government at the state level. I am looking to acquire skills and knowledge in conducting outreach to constituents, understanding Human Rights policies, and understanding the impact of budgets on government policy.

General Operating Support Grant and Youth Employment in the Arts Grant Application is now OPEN

The Illinois Arts Council (IAC) is pleased to announce the release of the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) General Operating Support (GOS) and Youth Employment in the Arts (YEA) Grant Application. As part of IAC’s Bold New Changes grant funding revamp, these applications are combined and simplified to provide general operating support and youth employment support to eligible Illinois non-profit organizations.


Additional changes to these grant programs include:


  • Initiating a 3-year cycle for General Operating Support grantees
  • Expanding the eligible ages and grant period for youth employment
  • Shifting to a regional model for application review. 


Potential applicants can review the GOS & YEA webpage for eligibility requirements and the Application Guidelines which provide complete instructions. 


The FY25 GOS & YEA application deadline is Friday, July 19, 2024, at 11:59pm in IAC’s online Salesforce grant portal: arts-illinois.my.site.com.


Drop-in sessions 


Drop-ins are one-hour sessions that have no agenda. Participants may ask questions of the participating Programs staff and get answers in real time. Pre-registration is not available. To join a session, click on the link at the meeting time:


Drop-in #1: Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at 10:00am

Drop-in #2: Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at 6:00pm

Drop-in #3: Monday, July 1, 2024 at noon

Drop-in #4: Thursday, July 11, 2024 at 3:00pm

Drop-in #5: Tuesday, July 16,2024 at 1:00pm

16th District Public Safety Forum

Our office is partnering with the offices of State Rep Kevin Olickal, State Senator Ram Villivalam, State's Attorney Kim Foxx, and other elected officials for a public safety forum on Monday, June 10 from 6:00pm-7:30pm at the Northtown Branch of the Chicago Public Library (6800 N Western Ave).


To register, click on this LINK

Survivor Crisis Fund

The Network, an organization that uplifts survivors of domestic violence, is currently accepting applications for our direct crisis assistance payments (survivor fund) which is a one time $1,000 cash payment. Interview appointments are opening Monday, June 3. To apply click here.

In Memoriam

Beloved Rogers Park Librarian Passes

Beloved Head Clerk of the Rogers Park Branch Library, Idalyn "Lyn" Garrick Weil, passed away peacefully in her home on May 8th, 2024. Lyn was a life-long Chicagoan and graduated from Sullivan High School. Lyn was Sachar BBG President as a teenage girl, and later a member of Beth Emet Synagogue in Evanston. Lyn completed some college at EIU. She had a career at the Chicago Public Library, Rogers Park Branch where she served as head clerk, and was a very dedicated employee. Lyn graduated Sullivan High School in Rogers Park, and throughout her life was active in Jewish life. Lyn was Sachar BBG President as a teenage girl, and later a member of Beth Emet Synagogue in Evanston. Lyn joined the library staff in 1961 and spent over 60 years working at the Rogers Park Branch Library. 


Lyn was known for her lively personality and dedication to all library patrons, always having a book recommendation on hand for anyone who asked. She devoted her spare time to the Friends of the Rogers Park Library organization and was passionate about engaging all readers both young and old in the library's services. Lyn was an anchor in the library and Rogers Park community, and she will be dearly missed. Daughter of David and Faye (nee Rabinovitz), both of whom predeceased her. She is survived by her brother, Marshall (Karen); niece, Rachel, PhD; and many dear cousins, co-workers and friends. We were so fortunate to know Lyn and to count her as part of our beautiful community. May her memory be a blessing.

Neighborhood Shoutout

Gerber/Hart Library Exhibit

In partnership with students attending DePaul University, the Gerber/Hart Library is hosting a summer long exhibit called: "Do Say Gay: Banned Books and LGBTQ+ Freedoms". The exhibit seeks to explore how LGBTQ+ folks have resisted book bans and other forms of erasure throughout history. The exhibit opens up on Friday, June 7th with a free kickoff event from 6pm-8pm that features a drag story hour.


To learn more about this exhibit and the DePaul students that helped to make it possible, check out this blockclubchicago article HERE.


Additionally, to learn more about the Gerber/Hart Library, visit their website by clicking this LINK or by visiting them at 6500 N Clark St.

In the District

Events in Rogers Park

South Clark Street Walking Tour

South Clark Street: Then and Now

Date: Sunday June 9 @ 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm

Starting Point: Rogers Park Library, 6907 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60626


The history of Clark Street as the commercial hub of the neighborhood starts with the earliest days of Rogers Park and continues today. Join neighborhood historian Glenna Eaves on a walking tour of Clark Street between Morse and Greenleaf Avenues and see what has changed, and surprisingly, how much has remained in place. Event begins with an open presentation at the Rogers Park Library, followed by a walking tour for ticketed participants only. 


FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC: Presentation at 1 pm, Rogers Park Public Library Neighborhood-history expert Glenna Eaves will deliver a presentation about the history of Clark Street from Morse to Greenleaf Avenues. She will entertain you with a rich history of the people and businesses that have served and sustained the community for over 100 years. The presentation is open to the public.


REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Walking tour, 2 pm, leave from Rogers Park Public Library


Ms. Eaves will lead a walking tour for registered attendees after the presentation. Walking tour attendees must register in advance. Space is limited. The walking tour will span Clark Street between Morse and Greenleaf Avenues and will take approximately one hour. Tickets are $20 for RPWRHS members and $25 for non-members.


To register, click on this LINK.

Jarvis Square Artisan Market

The Jarvis Square Artisan Market returns to Jarvis Square (Greenview and Jarvis) for another season! The market brings local arts and craft vendors to the Jarvis Square Alfresco area where they can showcase and sell their creations. The market also has live music and food for patrons to enjoy. From 10am-2pm.


Vendors who are interested in participating in this or future monthly markets should email charmersartisans@gmail.com.

Hard Core Cider Fest

On Sunday, June 9th from 1PM-4PM, Jarvis Square (1506 W Jarvis) will be hosting the Hard Core Cider Fest! All proceeds will go to benefit the non-profit organization "Community4Communities" which is an organization that partners with local community organizations to provide life necessities to refugees. Numerous cideries will be in attendance and attendies will also be able to enjoy a wide selection of beer, wine, seltzer, spirits and NA options.


To learn more, click HERE.

Touhy Park Summer 2024

Touhy park is hosting an exciting lineup of programming this summer highlighted by the Taste of Rogers Park on Saturday, June 15th from 12pm-8pm! Touhy park will have events scheduled all summer long across a wide array of interests, so be sure to stay up to date by checking out the Touhy Park Advisory Council's Facebook page. You can navigate to the page by scanning the QR code above or by clicking here.

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.

Broadway Armory Park Open House

Join park district staff at Broadway Armory Park (5917 N Broadway) for an open house on Saturday, June 8th from 11am-1pm! Attendees will be able to view park district program demos, participate in family friendly open gym games, and join park district staff on a guided tour. The event is free and registration is not required to attend.

Edgewater Historical Society: Discover the Art Underfoot Walking Tour

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.

Events in Andersonville

58th Annual Andersonville Midsommarfest

The Andersonville Midsommarfest is coming this weekend, June 7th-9th! Stroll down Clark Street from Foster to Gregory while enjoying live music, dancing, artisan vendors, and food and drinks in this summer kickoff event.


Admission to Midsommarfest is a $10 suggested donation. Proceeds from donations and beverage sales go directly back to the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce, a 501c6 non-profit organization to support festival expenses, neighborhood events, small business networking events, neighborhood beautification, and special services year round. Portions of donations will also directly support over a dozen local non-profits including Peirce and Chappel Elementary Schools, Chicago Women's Health Center, Brave Space Alliance and more.


Our office will be there this weekend too! Stop by the community tent to say hi!


To learn more about the fest, click HERE.

Youth & Teen

Teen Summer DMV

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!

After School Matters Summer Programs

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.

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

American Job Center at Truman College

Chicago Cook Workforce is Partnering with the American Job Center at Truman College to offer free services for job seekers! These services include career coaching, job readiness training, resume building, on-the-job training, job placement assistance, and paid work experience.


June orientation for this program will be held on June 11, 2024 at 10:00am sharp and will run through 12:00 PM at 1145 W Wilson Ave. To pre-register for the orientation session, click on this LINK.

CPS Job Fair

Chicago Public Schools is hosting a Job Fair on Thursday, June 13 at Truman College (1145 W Wilson) from 10am-1pm. Both full time and part time positions are available for applicants to consider. Please also note that a resume is required for entry. To register, scan the QR code above or click on this LINK.

Census Field Representative Positions Open

The United States Census Bureau is accepting applications for its Field Representative Position throguh Spetember 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

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


repcassidy.com

773-784-2002 (phone)

Info@repcassidy.com

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