I hope everyone has had a great week. Back to school season is in full swing already! Every year we work with partner organizations, other local officials, and our small business community to collect much needed school supplies so families don’t have to worry about helping kids start the school year off right. We work with our local schools and social service agencies to make sure that we reach as many families in need as possible. It’s one of my favorite things we do every year and as the weeks pass, our office is full of colorful backpacks and supplies for kids from preschool through high school. We couldn’t do it without the help of our generous neighbors, so thank you from the bottom of our hearts for always stepping up to help our neighbors in need. Take advantage of the sales tax holiday on school supplies from August 5th-12th and help a family in need. For more information on the tax holiday, scroll down for details.
Friday, I had the distinct honor of being the special guests “dunk-ee” in the dunk tank at the Chicago Public Schools Back to School Bash! Mayor Lightfoot did the honors of throwing out the “first pitch” and sending me plunging into the water. Alderwoman Hadden took a turn as well, with less success. But the kids really stepped up and made sure I stayed good and soaked. The Bash was a huge success and a great way to kick off back to school season. I even got my second booster to finish the week off right!
This week marked the first meeting of the Reproductive Rights and the Dobbs Decision working group. We anticipate that the group will meet at least weekly through the coming weeks, seeking input from patients, providers, and other impacted stakeholders as well as legal experts here and in restrictive states to determine the best way that Illinois can provide supports and protections as more states around us implement restrictions and outright bans. As I write this update, Indiana worked into the night pass a near total ban that will take effect in a couple of weeks. We anticipate that this will have a significant impact on the number of patients coming to Illinois seeking services., making our work to ensure that we address capacity issues as well as ensuring the safety of patients and providers that much more critical.
Earlier this week, I was pleased to stand with Governor Pritzker as he announced an easing of administrative burdens for patients on both Medicare and Medicaid seeking access to abortion services, Medicaid reimbursement rate increases for providers as well as increases in family planning funds. He also used the opportunity to introduce the new Director of the Department of Public Health, Dr. Sameer Vohra. Dr. Vohra acknowledged he’s got very big shoes to fill in following Dr. Ngozi Ezike but shared his excitement at the opportunity to get busy in the new role. I look forward to working with Dr. Vohra as we continue to navigate the COVID epidemic as well as confronting the latest challenge of Monkey Pox.
This morning, I joined with 48th Ward Alderperson Harry Osterman & 7th District Senator Mike Simmons to kick off the Chinese Mutual Aid Association’s Dim Sum and Then Sum 5K & 10K race. This year saw nearly 1500 runners and walkers join in this important fundraiser for the critical work they do in the Uptown and Edgewater Communities, which might be a new record for participation! It was great to start such a beautiful weekend with so many neighbors dedicated to ensuring this great organization can continue to provide services.
Hopefully in the days ahead, we’ll be publishing our new and improved website. The team has been working hard on updating and making sure it is as useful and informative as possible. Thanks for your patience!
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School Supply Drive Update & SPECIAL EVENT!
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Our office is steadily filling up with donations for our amazing CPS students as they go back to school. Thank you to all who have generously donated thus far! We are so grateful for our community's commitment to help students succeed this year. To continue the momentum of these efforts, we invite you to a special evening benefitting our CPS school-supply drive:
Join us in Jarvis Square this Sunday night for a special viewing of Disney's Encanto, in coordination with our school supply drive for CPS students. Don't forget to bring a backpack and other school supply donations to be entered into a raffle to win gift cards to various Jarvis Square businesses. See you there!
Movie Viewing Event Details:
Date & Time: Sunday, August 7th at 7pm
Location: R Public House -- 1508 W Jarvis in Jarvis Square
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Can't make it on Sunday night? No worries, there's still time to donate! With rising costs, the need is bigger than ever. We are collecting backpacks and supply donations until August 19th.
You can drop off donations at:
Rep. Cassidy's Office -- 5533 N. Broadway
49th Ward Office -- 1447 W. Morse
Women & Children First -- 5233 N. Clark
R Public House -- 1508 W. Jarvis
Shop and ship directly to our office - here
View CPS' supply lists - here
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We'd love to hear from you! | |
If you live in the neighborhood, you may have seen our recent mailer go out this past week! On the back side there is a QR code to access a survey for our constituents-we'd love to hear from you! If you did not receive our mailer, scan the above QR code to participate in the survey. We appreciate your time to give us feedback! | |
Top Left: Such a Jerk Caribbean Restaurant (1947 W Howard)
Top Right: Morse Liquors (1420 W Morse) Bottom Left: Howard Street Brewing (1617 W Howard) Bottom Right: Khmai Cambodian Fine Dining (2043 W Howard)
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It's always a pleasure to take part in the openings of new businesses in the district. This week there were numerous ribbon cuttings that featured great new owners who will be adding vitality to the area with their food, drinks, and services. My Chief of Staff Torrence Gardner was instrumental in helping many of them open before joining my office during his time with Alderwoman Hadden. Special shoutout to the Rogers Park Business Alliance and Alderwoman Hadden's office for continuing to foster new businesses in the district. | |
Guest Spotlight:
Orion Couling and the Rogers Park Star Wars Garden
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Images Credit: Joe Ward/Block Club Chicago | |
On the corner of Howard St. and Eastlake Terrace there is a new, playful take on a community garden and "little library" that is already putting smiles on neighborhood faces. The aptly named Galaxy's Hedge action figure garden and library, right by the Howard Beach Playground, encourages passersby to borrow, donate, or take away a Star Wars action figure after their imaginative visit to the garden. The garden's curator, Rogers Park resident Orion Couling, formerly ran an organization that taught theater and gymnastics for people with disabilities and views this new endeavor as another outlet for joy and play in the community.
“People forget the power of silliness,” says Couling. “Can we make people smile and give some kids some Star Wars toys? We seem to have achieved that.” (Block Club Chicago)
Come see it for yourself and recreate your favorite scenes from the films!
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Jane: Abortion and the Underground Performance
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Join an amazing group of Chicago artists on Saturday, August 6th for a staged reading of Paula Kamen's Jane: Abortion and the Underground. Directed by Iris Sowlat and presented by Violet Surprise Theatre, this production is not only a history lesson on the fight for women's healthcare in Chicago, but inspiration for all those still seeking to make an impact and fight for reproductive justice.
All proceeds from this event will benefit the Midwest Access Coalition.
Date and Time: August 6th at 7pm, doors open at 6pm
Location: The Coach House Theater -- 6205 N Sheridan
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Join the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce on 1500 W Catalpa for their annual Movies in Andersonville. This year they are showing the 1990 version of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Meet at dusk with your lawn chairs and blankets, and root for your favorite Turtle.
Date & Time: Tuesday, August 9th, 7:30-10pm
This event is free to all! There will be special guests from Chicagoland Exotic Animal Rescue as well as pizza and refreshments on a first come-first serve basis. RSVPs encouraged.
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This year's Taste of Andersonville will take place this Wednesday evening:
August 10th from 5-8pm.
There are two taste experiences to choose between -- the "Fork" and "Spoon" routes -- each with unique vendors.
Tickets are discounted at $30 until August 8th. After, they are $45. For more information on experience options, vendors, and ticket sales, click here.
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48th Ward Back-to-School Celebration | |
The back-to-school celebrations continue! Join Rep. Cassidy's office, along with Alderman Osterman, Congresswoman Schakowsky, and Sen. Simmons, to celebrate the season with the 48th ward.
Date & Time: Monday, August 15th from 5-7pm
Location: Senn High School -- 5900 N Glenwood
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We are proud to be a sponsor for the 2022 Glenwood Ave Arts Fest, a free festival featuring over 120 artists, local food and drink, and live entertainment in Rogers Park! Attendees will also have the opportunity to browse and purchase handmade artworks directly from creators on the cobblestone streets of the Glenwood Avenue Arts District.
The 21st annual Fest will take place the weekend of August 19-21.
The event offers free admission for all ages with easy access off the Morse CTA stop (1400 W. Morse)
For more information, click here
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Bring your roller skates and blades onto Catalpa for an evening of Rainbow free skate on Friday, August 12th from 6:30-10pm. Meet at 1500 W Catalpa.
For more information, click here.
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8/5/2022 Update:
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Total new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 IL residents: 241
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Daily new COVID-19 admissions per 100,000 IL residents: 3.7
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Percent of staffed inpatient beds occupied by IL COVID-19 patients: 6%
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Statewide Totals: 3,594,415 confirmed cases and 34,416 deaths
For more details regarding the status of COVID in Illinois click here.
Please click here to see the status of COVID in our zip codes.
Being vaccinated and boosted is critical to limit the major impacts of future pandemic waves we are to face as new variants come along. Please be up to date with your vaccines and continue to test when needed.
To find a vaccine clinic within the City of Chicago click here.
For questions or info regarding COVID-19 testing click here.
If you have questions related to COVID-19 you can contact the
Illinois Department of Public Health:
Hotline: 800-889-3931
Email: dph.sick@illinois.gov
City of Chicago's Department of Public Health:
Hotline: 312-746-4835
Email: coronavirus@chicago.gov
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Illinois Sales Tax Holiday (Aug 5-14) | |
The state sales tax holiday is a ten-day period (August 5th through August 14th, 2022) during which consumers can purchase qualifying clothing and back-to-school related items and pay a reduced sales tax rate. The sales tax for this period will be 1.25% before returning to the normal rate of 6.25% on August 15th. See the above list for qualifying items.
Take advantage of this tax holiday for your family's back-to-school shopping! Or, if you're able, consider donating to our Back-to-School Drive for our district's CPS students -- we are collecting school supply donations at the office (5533 N Broadway) and other neighborhood locations until August 19th.
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Trilogy has released a report on the outcomes of its First-response Alternative Crisis Team to clarify some of the information about 988 emergency response services.
You can reach immediate support for a mental health emergency by dialing 988 or at Trilogy's direct crisis number: 800-322-8400
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The primary spread of the Monkeypox virus (MPV) is currently through direct contact with a rash or sore on someone infected with MPV. Many have reported symptoms within two weeks of exposure, with early symptoms as flu-like before eventually developing a rash or sores a few days later. Public health officials currently believe that MPV is transmissible from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed. This typically takes about 2-4 weeks. If you have sores/symptoms consistent with MPV, call your health care provider or 844-482-4040 and avoid close physical contact and sharing personal items that may carry the virus.
As of August 5th, there have been 478 confirmed cases of MPV in Chicago.
According to CDPH, the vaccination is available for individuals at greatest risk who have had close physical contact with someone diagnosed with MPV, or those who know their sexual partner was diagnosed with MPV in the last 14 days. Vaccination is also available in select locations for those who are at higher risk due to certain sexual exposures.
As for prevention, recommendations currently state best preventative practices are avoiding crowds or places with unwanted skin-to-skin contact, and/or wearing clothing that covers exposed skin.
In the district, TPAN (5537 N Broadway) will be administering another 100 doses of Monkeypox virus vaccine on Monday, August 8th beginning at 2:30pm. However, TPAN is reminding people that the line may start well before this time. It is first come-first serve for qualifying recipients.
For more resources on the Monkeypox virus in Chicago, click here.
For more on Monkeypox vaccines with TPAN, click here.
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24th District Seniors Movie Event | |
This month's viewing for the 24th District Senior Film Series will be My Best Friend's Wedding. Pre-registration is required, as the event will be at capacity with 30 registrants.
Date & Time: August 10th at 2pm
Location: 24th District Police Station (6464 N Clark St)
RSVP to: caroline.dewinter@chicagopolice.org
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CPS is hosting their final job fair before the start of the school year this Wednesday. Come out to learn more about the paraprofessional career opportunities within your community through Chicago Public Schools. Please bring a resume and a mask with you.
Register for this event by scanning the QR code above. Apply for open positions at cps.edu/careers
Date & Time: Wednesday, August 10th
Location: St. Sabina - McMahon Hall (1210 W. 78th Place)
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Teaching at Mary Crane Center | |
Mary Crane Center is now hiring teaching and support positions at their early childhood education center at 1545 W. Morse Ave. For more information or to send your resume, email enorthern@marycrane.org | |
Sincerely,
Kelly Cassidy
State Representative, 14th District
Office of State Representative Kelly Cassidy
5533 N Broadway
Chicago IL 60640
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773 - 784 - 2002 (phone)
repcassidy@gmail.com
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