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Last weekend’s shred event was a huge success due to the all hands on deck crew of our office, Alderwoman Hadden’s team, and Commissioner Maryana Spyropoulous’ staff. Thank you to everyone involved and to Midway Moving and Storage for being so easy to work with.
This week was a busy one on the constituent services front. Our team is able to advocate for you with state agencies to solve challenges you might be facing whether that’s in accessing benefits, applying for professional licenses, searching for unclaimed property via the State Treasurer’s office, or any other state issue. While we can’t solve every problem, I am proud of how tenacious our team can be when facing challenging problems.
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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 here? (Call-to-Action)
Create a great offer by adding words like "free" "personalized" "complimentary" or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take an action, so think about inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining"!
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I was honored this week to participate in the opening plenary of The Center for Reproductive Rights State Leadership Summit which was hosted here in Chicago. Along with leaders from across the country, we spoke of the work to implement “shield” laws in states like ours that are seeing increases in out of state patients seeking reproductive or gender affirming care. These laws are designed to provide protections for patients, providers, and supporters of inbound patients against civil and criminal penalties for providing health care that is legal in this state. Illinois’ law is one of the more broad and inclusive laws in the country.
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I was delighted to share the CRR stage with Khadine Bennet of the ACLU of Illinois and found a photo of the two of us doing the same thing at the 2019 summit in Washington, DC, then speaking about the recent passage of our Reproductive Health Act which was also seen as a model for other states. Illinois has been at the forefront of this issue for many years and will continue to take the steps necessary to ensure that we protect access to reproductive and gender affirming care.
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I was also honored to have the opportunity to appear before the Illinois Funeral Directors Association to discuss HB3158, the Natural Organic Reduction bill. We had a lively discussion of the ways that Funeral Directors across the country are adapting and embracing this new greener method of disposition. The bill is currently in the Senate with Sen. Mike Simmons as lead sponsor. We are hopeful that we can advance the bill when we return for Veto Session.
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 |  | Continuing a very active week of events, it meant a lot to me to join with my friends and partners at Equality Illinois for a reception in honor of the work being done by Equality Florida to defend against the heinous attacks on our LGBTQ siblings there. Rep. Michele Raynor of the Florida House talked about her experience as a Black Queer woman facing the vitriolic rhetoric attacking trans youth and anyone that supports them in their chamber. She also expressed hope when she talked about how she and her colleagues find small wins along the way, such as when the Florida High School Athletic Association abandoned a plan to force female athletes to disclose their menstrual histories in order to compete. She and I are of the same mind that while we represent our individual districts, we have a special responsibility to our queer siblings all across our states. As a transplant from Florida, I extend that responsibility to include doing everything in my power to make sure that we provide protections here while helping my colleagues in my home state in their efforts.
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Speaking at the Equality Florida Event | |
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It looks like we’re in for another gorgeous weekend, and there’s plenty going on in the district to take advantage of! As I write this, I’m finishing my coffee and looking forward to checking out everything going on at Andersonville Arts Weekend. I’m excited to kick off the Jackalope Theater Block Party this afternoon at 3 on Catalpa between Clark and Ashland. And of course, no summer weekend would be complete without starting my Sunday morning at the Glenwood Sunday Market.
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Tomorrow afternoon, I’ll end another whirlwind weekend by seeing the Jeff Award recommended play “Jane: Abortion and the Underground” about the collective of women who facilitated and provided abortion care in Chicago before Roe legalized abortion. After the play, I’m excited to participate in a discussion with the audience with the playwright Paula Kamen, who I originally met when I worked for Chicago NOW and she published her first book Feminist Fatale: Voices from the 20something Generation Explore the Future of the Women’s Movement. We will be joined by two of the original members of the Jane collective to share their stories and perspectives as we face the new normal of a post-Dobbs world. More information on the play is included below
However you spend your weekend, enjoy these last glorious days of summer weather!
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Illinois Secretary of State Mobile DMV | |
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Our office is hosting an Illinois Secretary of State Mobile DMV at 1505 W. Morse Ave. from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M. on Thursday, October 12th. Limited appointments are available so it is important to register soon.
If you are applying for a Real ID, click this link for more information on its specific requirements.
To register for an appointment, click this link or on the image above.
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Wild Onion Market Fundraiser | |
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The Wild Onion Market is hosting a fundraiser at The Rhapsody Theater (1328 W. Morse Ave) from 8-9 P.M. on Wednesday October 11.
The Wild Onion Market is a co-operative grocery store that seeks to open its doors at 7007 N. Clark St. The "magical evening" is flagship event of its "Stock the Shelves" campaign. The event is priced at $50 and covers free valet parking, catered food, drinks including beer, wine or mixed cocktails, a silent and a live auction, and live music featuring the Beaver Moon Band.
To register, click on the following LINK
For more information, click on the following LINK.
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Property Tax Appeals Workshop | |
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Our office will be hosting a Property Tax Appeals workshop on October 6th from 10 A.M to 4 P.M at our district office, 1507 W Morse Ave. No appointment required!
Analysts will be able to assist you one on one to help create on online account with the Board of Review, look up your Property Index Number (PIN), file your property tax appeals, and help answer any questions.
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Jane: Abortion and the Underground | |
"Jane" was the code name for an underground service in Chicago, run by a collective of housewives and students, that brought safe and affordable abortions to 11,000 women from 1969 to 1973. Based on interviews with the women who ran this legendary organization before Roe v. Wade, Jane: Abortion and the Underground tells their stories from the fight for freedom over women's bodies that continues today. The Jane: Abortion and the Underground runs September 16th - October 15th at the Idle Muse Theatre at The Edge Off - Broadway at 1133 W. Catalpa. | |
Beginning today, The Secretary of State has launched two “Senior Only” walk-in centers in the Chicago area. The two locations include the Evanston Civic Center, 2100 N. Ridge Rd. Evanston, IL 60201 and Seat Geek Stadium, 7000 S. Harlem Ave. Bridgeview, IL 60455. Seniors at these locations will not need appointments, as these walk-in centers are specifically designed to meet their needs. Please reach out to our office at 773-784-2002 if you have any additional questions. | |
Andersonville Arts Weekend | |
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Hope you're feeling Artsy because the day is here! Andersonville Arts Weekend officially kicks off tonight at 5PM all around the neighborhood.
A reminder that we'll be at Pizza Lobo from 5 - 8PM where you can come pick up your Andersonville Arts Weekend booklet, enjoy some live jazz with Emma Tromblau, and some beautiful bouquets from Floriography Fellows! The first 50 people that check-in will receive a drink ticket for any wine, beer, or soda. One ticket per person.
You're invited to take yourself on a tour of all the art and artists popping up this weekend! Head to this link to see all the participating businesses and share your favorite spots with us on Instagram. Tag us @avillechamber and use #AvilleArtsWeekend. We may even share your post!
View the digital art weekend guide here.
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24th District Community Conversation | |
Reeling 2023 LGBTQ+ International Film Festival | |
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Reeling, the 41st Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival, has released its full film lineup for 2023!
Reeling 2023 runs from September 21 - October 8th for two weeks of powerful filmmaking, celebrating Queer expression with over 100 films, including 41 features, from LGBTQ+ filmmakers all over the world. Reeling's Opening Night film, The Mattachine Familly , holds its Chicago Premiere at the Music Box Theatre on September 21 at 6PM, with expected in-person appearances by director Andy Vallentine, and local Chicago star, Nico Tortorella.
Visit www.reelingfilmfest.org to browse the films, buy passes and tickets, and get more information about special events and screenings
For tickets visit reelingfilmfest.org
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49th Ward In-Person Town Hall | |
20th District Monthly Meeting | |
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The 20th Police District is hosting its monthly meeting on Monday, October 9th from 6-7:30 P.M. at 2751 Winona St.
To register, visit the following LINK.
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Gale is hosting a series of community events and you are invited to join!
Dance classes: Wear comfortable shoes and bring a bottle of water as you learn hip hop every Mon & Wed 2:30 - 3:30pm.
Workshops: Learn from topics of credit building, bullying and communicating with your child on Tues 2:30 - 3:30pm.
Entrepreneur classes: Come out and learn how to be an entrepreneur or how to earn extra money on Thurs 2:30 - 3:30pm.
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CTA's Second Chance Program | |
The CTA's Second Chance is hiring! If interested, complete a survey of interest at https://transitchicago.questionpro.com/CTASecondChanceProgram. All job seekers who complete a Second Chance Program interest survey and meet eligibility requirements will then be invited to attend a direct recruitment event. | |
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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)
repcassidy@gmail.com
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