Kelly's Update

The scheduled end of our Spring session came and went this Friday without a resolution on some outstanding issues, most notably the budget. We spent the week working through regular legislative items while negotiation teams worked on the budget and a handful of larger legislative efforts. When it became clear that the 24th was not a realistic finish line, we adjourned with plans to bring both chambers back this weekend in hopes that some of the more complicated issues and the budget could be resolved via weekend negotiations. We had “contingent session” days scheduled through the end of May on the spring calendar since last year when the calendar was released, so we always knew this could happen.

Since we had planned to be done on Friday, Candace came down to help me shut down our apartment for the season and provide overall support as these days are truly challenging on the body and mind. Having them here, along with the support of an amazing array of folks who become “session family,” makes it easier to push through tiredness and frustration toward our goals.

We passed some really good and meaningful bills this year! Next week’s newsletter will highlight those legislative accomplishments as well as the major highlights in the budget. This was another crazy session year but like we say here at the Capitol, “watch the roller coaster, don’t ride it!.”

Have a good and restful Memorial Day weekend!

Office Closed on Memorial Day

Our office went remote until 1:00 PM this past Friday, May 24 and we will be closed all day on May 27th in observance of Memorial Day. Please direct any urgent communication to info@repcassidy.com. Enjoy the holiday!

Andersonville Chamber of Commerce Announces

The Elise Malary Plaza

The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce (ACC) is pleased to announce the neighborhood’s much-anticipated first pedestrian plaza will be named in honor of late trans activist Elise Malary. Set to open in 2025, the project, to be named “Elise Malary Plaza,” will transform the intersection of Catalpa (between Clark St. and Ashland Ave.) into Andersonville's first shared, pedestrian-only public plaza, offering a vibrant space for residents and visitors to gather, enjoy events and foster economic growth within our community. The plaza will feature fully accessible walkways, state-of-the-art rubbish and recycling services, sustainable green spaces and improved accessibility for community events and markets.

In March 2024, the same stretch of Catalpa was named “Elise Malary Way,” with the unveiling of an honorary street sign. Malary, a Black trans woman who died in March 2022, spent years advocating for transgender rights in Chicago. She was a founding member of the Chicago Therapy Collective, an organization dedicated to alleviating mental health disparities in the LGBTQIA community through education, therapy, advocacy and the arts.

Chicago Therapy Collective Founder Iggy Ladden (they/them) comments, “We wish to express our heartfelt gratitude for the community's ongoing recognition of Elise Malary's work to make Andersonville more safe and welcoming for all. Elise's contributions have left an indelible mark on this neighborhood. She fought fiercely for Andersonville – the community she loved so much – striving to ensure it was a place where everyone could thrive, especially her Black and Brown Trans siblings. We hope that naming this community plaza in Elise's honor will remind us all to continue her legacy and work together to build a more inclusive Andersonville and Chicago.

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

Federal Reserve Board Accepting Applications for its Community Advisory Council

The Federal Reserve Bank is accepting applications for its newly formed Community Advisory Council for a three year term starting January, 2025. CAC members provide a range of perspectives on the economic circumstances and financial services needs of consumers and communities, with a particular focus on the concerns of low- and moderate-income consumers and communities. the CAC advises the Board on issues affecting consumers and communities. It serves as a mechanism to gather feedback and perspectives on a wide range of policy matters and emerging issues that align with the Federal Reserve’s mission and responsibilities.

The CAC is composed of a diverse group of experts and representatives of consumer and community development organizations and interests, including from such fields as affordable housing, community and economic development, labor and workforce development, financial technology, small business, and asset and wealth building.

The deadline for applications to be submitted is Friday, May 31.

For more information, please view the provided press release and application form.

In the District

Events in Rogers Park

Sherwin Ave Yard Sale

If you are out and about this weekend, be sure to check out the Sherwin Ave Yard Sale. There will be clothing, decor, equipment, records, crafts and much more! The yard sale centers around 1220 W Sherwin Ave on Saturday, May 25 from 10AM-2PM.

You can even purchase a bag for $25 and fill it up with clothes. Organizers accept Venmo and Zelle.

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 Yard & Sidewalk Sale

Join Edgewater Chamber of Commerce and Edgewater Block Clubs (ETNA, BARGE, EPIC, EGA, and NEON/ENN) for their annual Edgewater Yard and Sidewalk Sale kicking off at 9AM, June 1, 2024.

Come stroll around one of the coolest and thriftiest neighborhoods on the north side with friends, neighbors, and visitors during the Edgewater Yard & Sidewalk Sale. Hunt for treasures, unique gifts, or that one item you’ve always been searching for. Hundreds of local residents open up their yards for one of the largest and liveliest combined yard sales in the entire region.

To make the deal even sweeter, Edgewater Chamber works with DOZENS of local retail establishments to host their Sidewalk Sale on the SAME DAY at the SAME TIME, so you can hit everything on one day. It’s a spectacle you won’t want to miss.

Edgewater Yard & Sidewalk Sale is a rain or shine event.

Edgewater Businesses: Sign up here to be featured in the Sidewalk Sale

Edgewater Residents: Click here to sign up for the Yard Sale

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.

Friends of the Edgewater Library: Edgewater Stories

Everyone has a story and Friends of the Edgewater Library want to hear yours!

Edgewater Stories is an initiative created by Friends of the Edgewater Library to reach out to community organizations, businesses and individuals to hear their stories about how and why they came to Edgewater.

The Friends' group wants to learn about and become more aware of the diverse cultures in our neighborhood, and feel the community would be interested in this, too. The stories are whatever individuals want to share. What is their connection to Edgewater? It may include where and why the journey to Edgewater began. (e.g., Was it to move to Chicago for a job, to start a business, or to be near family? Was it to immigrate to the United States?)

Stories should be submitted in written form; they should be sent to info@foelchicago.org by July 1. Read more about Edgewater Stories at https://www.foelchicago.org/edgewater-stories

What is Friends of the Edgewater Library?

Friends is a non-profit volunteer organization that supports the Edgewater Branch of the Chicago Public Library. It raises funds to supplement the library’s budget to provide programs for the community. The group also purchases equipment, books, and supplies for children, teens, and adult activities.

Events in Andersonville

Andale Market Patio Pop-Up

Andale market is hosting a Patio Pop-Up event featuring local Foxtrot & Dom's Vendors that were impacted by the store's recent closures. Help support them by visiting the market on Saturday May, 25 from 11am-4pm.

Highlighted vendors include: Carolyn's Crisps, Onigiri Kororin, Pink Salt, Freeman House Chai, For Good Granola, Bright Endeavors, Keep it Savory Salt Co, and Duck Inn Dogs.

To learn all about them, visit this LINK.

Migrant Crisis Town Hall: First Free Church

Join 40th and 48th Ward alders and local organizations on Wednesday, May 29th from 7:00PM to 8:30PM to discuss the efforts that have been made in the community to address the migrant crisis and support our new neighbors. Additionally, the meeting will also offer a lot of great information on how you can help with the cause! The meeting will be held at the First Free Church (5255 N Ashland).

Youth & Teen

Loyola Park Baseball

Sign up for t-ball and little league is still open! The season has already began, but games run through August 3rd, so there is still time to get out there and play!

To register for T-ball, click on this LINK.

To register for baseball, click on this LINK.

Job Openings

Edgewater Environmental Council Internship Position

EEC invites energetic, community-minded individuals to join us as interns and help manage our local environmental sustainability projects and advocacy. This position entails a combination of project management, public and volunteer communication, marketing and public outreach, and administrative tasks.

This is a bi-annual position. Applications for the Jan–June internship are accepted during the prior November–December; for the July–Dec internship, April–May. For more information, read this document.

To apply, send your resume and a short cover letter to sustainedgewater@gmail.com.

Chicago Park District Summer Jobs