District Update

While I was recovering from bronchitis caused by the wildfire smoke, Torrence took part in a community softball game organized by Alderwoman Hadden’s office at Willye White Park.on July 4. This first of many planned pick up games sounded like a blast and I was sad to miss it, even though I am not the softball playing type (I make a great cheering section!). I hope to make it next time and encourage everyone to come out and give it a go.

This week we held a preliminary meeting with Alderwoman Hadden’s office, city departments, and the Glenwood Avenue Arts Council to begin discussions on the long-anticipated project to restore the historic cobblestones that make that stretch of Glenwood so charming. A couple of years ago, I was able to secure $1.5 million from a fund designated for projects that will enhance regional attractions and our special stretch of Glenwood with all it has to offer fit the bill. It was helpful to meet with both the Water and Transportation Departments to ensure there’s smart coordination between this project and other planned infrastructure projects such as lead pipe replacement. This is just the beginning of what is likely to be a multi-year project, so we’ll be sure to update folks here as we get more information.

This week also brought shocking allegations of sexual abuse of asylum seekers being housed in one of the city police districts. If true, it’s truly disgusting and must be criminally prosecuted. I immediately called for a swift, thorough, and transparent investigation. In this week’s newsletter, Alderwoman Hadden shared a helpful update on the city’s ongoing response to the crisis:

This week, we learned of accusations of sexual abuse and rape against at least one police officer in the 10th District involving underage migrants staying at the station. I'm appalled at even the possibility that vulnerable people in the care of our City have been victimized in this way. If these allegations prove to be true, I hope that the offending officer is met the most severe consequences. There are internal police department investigations as well as COPA investigations underway to determine what happened. In the meantime, the City has relocated all migrants from the 10th District while the investigations are ongoing.

I want to reassure people that there are no such accusations in our 24th District. Our office has been working closely with the 24th District staff and leadership, mutual aid volunteers, local faith and nonprofit partners, and city departments to do our best to provide a safe and healthy environment for new arrivals while they are in our district. As of a couple of days ago, all migrants at the 24th District were relocated due to the start of a previously scheduled construction project that includes the Schreiber Plaza in front of the district building. There are currently no migrants at the 24th District. There are about 100 families with children at the Leone Beach Park Fieldhouse shelter and 120 single men and women at the High Ridge YMCA shelter.

The City is moving forward with plans to transfer staffing from the private emergency firm that has cost us so much, to local community organizations. We've also secured additional Federal and State funds and assistance. This includes the State assisting with housing assistance and services for 7,000 people including existing residents experiencing homelessness. I serve on an Aldermanic Working Group on this issue as well as on the Committee on Immigration and Refugee Rights and will continue to keep our community updated on this work.

I hope everyone has a safe weekend,

Alderwoman Maria Hadden

As we head into the heart of summer, I’m enjoying starting to see some results from our garden, but really looking forward to the arrival of my favorite part of summer - tomato sandwich season! I hope your garden is showing you some love too. I’d love to hear what you’re growing and what’s going well this year. Over here, we’re drowning in kale, the carrots are starting to go nuts, tomatoes are starting to set fruit, and it looks like we’re gonna have another bumper crop of tomatillos. The dill and parsley have once again been designated for butterfly nurseries - we’ve got 5 black swallowtail caterpillars chowing down on the plants that used to be part of the kitchen garden in a tent now. I’ll share pics next week. On the flip side, our peppers have been struggling, so it looks like I’ll have to supplement with bought produce to make the salsa verde the boys wait all summer for!

In the meantime, I’m looking forward to seeing folks out at the farmer’s markets and festivals around the district. Look for us next weekend at Truckin’ On The Square with live music, art, and fun on Jarvis Square - if you’ve been meaning to update your voter registration or need help with a state agency, come see us (or just stop and say hi!).

Neighborhood Shoutouts

Congratulations to 49th Ward Chief of Staff Leslie Perkins!

Leslie Perkins, who has served as Chief of Staff in the 49th ward office during Alderwoman Hadden’s entire tenure, is moving to City Hall! Leslie has accepted a promotion to Chief of Staff and Policy Director for the Alderwoman's Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy. Leslie will retain Chief of Staff duties, but is stepping away from constituent services work to focus on Alderwoman Hadden’s legislative goals for this term. Leslie has been an exemplary public servant, and we are all excited for her new adventure!

Congratulations to Clark Devon Hardware!

Third-generation owners Ken and Ed Walchak sold Clark Devon Hardware (6401 N. Clark St.) to their 65 employees. Despite out-of-state offers from corporate suitors, the Walchaks decided their longtime employees were the best to "carry on the family legacy," according to Ken Walchak. We're excited to see Clark Devon Hardware flourish under new leadership and management!

In the District

Representative Cassidy's Weekly Neighborhood Office Hours

Our office will be hosting weekly neighborhood office hours to help connect constituents with resources and assistance. The office hours will take place every Friday, unless notified, from 10 am to 2 pm, in the Betty A. Barclay Community Room at the Edgewater Library, 6000 N. Broadway. 

20th Police District Monthly Meeting

The 20th Police District's July monthly meeting will be held on Monday, July 10th, from 6:00pm to 7:30pm at Ebenezer Lutheran Church. Click here to register.

Andersonville Arts Weekend

Calling all artists!



Andersonville Arts Weekend is back from Friday September 29 - Sun Oct 1 and is now accepting applications for artists that would like a chance to present their work all weekend throughout Andersonville. 

You can find the application here.

Whether you specialize in painting, photography, mixed media, puppeteering, sculpting, or any other form of artistic expression, this is your chance to shine! This three-day extravaganza promises to captivate art enthusiasts, locals, and visitors alike. 

Located in the heart of Andersonville, arts weekend provides a supportive platform for artists to exhibit their work, gain exposure, and build meaningful connections within the creative community. 

Don't miss out on the opportunity to showcase your creativity, inspire others, and potentially make sales! The Andersonville Arts Weekend attracts a wide range of art enthusiasts, collectors, eager to discover new talent. 

Free Movies in the Park

Join the Rogers Park community at Loyola Park for the first free movie screening of the season, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, this Saturday, July 8 at approximately 8:30pm. More information about the event, including future screenings and free movies at other Chicago parks, can be found here.

Edgewater Historical Society Walking Tours

The walking tours are back, and now is the time to sign up by going to www.EdgewaterHistory.org. They are allowing up to 20 participants on each tour. Masks are recommended, but optional.

Here is the schedule of walking tours of the Edgewater neighborhood as of 6/28/2023. The fee for each tour is $15. The schedule is subject to change. The link to register is bit.ly/ehswalk9.

Here are descriptions of walking tours and their scheduled dates/times: 

North Edgewater Beach: You will see seven Chicago landmarks and homes from the 1890s in the area around Granville and Kenmore. Learn from discussion of examples of each major residential building boom and housing transition in Edgewater since the 1890s. The walk is little over a mile, beginning at Kenmore and Granville (get coffee at Metropolis on Granville), and ending at the Colvin House on Thorndale and Sheridan.

DATE: JULY 12, 2023; TIME; 6 p.m.

DATE: August 16, 2023; TIME: 6:00 p.m.

Edgewater North: The tour begins at Broadway and Granville and extends throughout the neighborhood for about 1.5 miles. Along the way you’ll see a home that was featured in a Steven Seagal movie, and the home of Chicago’s first female judge, who was an advocate for child welfare in the early 20th century. The tour includes both single family homes and apartment buildings.

DATE: July 9, 2023; TIME: 1:00 p.m.

Surprising Broadway: This tour of the main business area of Edgewater has many surprises because it features several of the significant Motor Row buildings and a collection of two-flats built before the street was designated commercial. This tour captures a moment in Edgewater history when homes and businesses were side by side. The walk begins at St. Ita Catholic Church, on Broadway and Catalpa, and ends at Broadway and Rosedale, near the Broadway Armory.

DATE: July 16, 2023; TIME: 1:00 p.m.

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 foot of the pier at Kathy Osterman Beach (Hollywood Avenue Breakwater).

DATE: July 22, 2023; TIME: 11:00 a.m.

Community Events in the Jarvis Square Alfresco

The Jarvis Square Alfresco is planning a variety of community events this summer. Make sure to mark your calendars for all these incredible events!

The Jarvis Square Alfresco is located just steps off the Jarvis Square Red Line station in the 1500 block of Jarvis Avenue. Have an idea for a free event you want to host? Email the Rogers Park Business Alliance at info@rpba.org to book the space! 

Glenwood Sunday Market

Monday Market

Edgewater's Monday Market is back! From 3-7pm every Monday until September 25th, the Market offers an expansive assortment of produce and goods, while emphasizing the vibrant connection between those in the Edgewater community.

Monday Market is an exciting opportunity to support local vendors and engage with other Edgewater residents in a welcoming and lively environment. Monday Market is located in The Broadway Armory at 5917 N Broadway. More information on Monday Market and a list of vendors can be found at https://www.edgewater.org/programs/farmers-market/.

P.O. Box Collective Medicaid Event

July Colvin Concert Series

Chicagoland talent will be performing all month long in the beautiful parlor of the historic Colvin House, located at 5940 N. Sheridan Road.

Tues, July 11: The Chris Greene Quartet

Tues, July 18: Los Perros Cubanos

Tues, July 25: Radium Swing Band

While RSVP is free, there is a suggested donation that goes toward paying the musicians and staff for their efforts in producing these community concerts.

For more information, click here.

Taco Crawl 2023

Rogers Park is celebrating TACOS and all the Clark Street restaurants that serve the ultimate handheld delight that brings joy with every bite! Tacos are more than just food. They are a cultural icon. So, join us for an afternoon of tacos, tacos and más tacos.

Embark on a flavorful adventure with the Taco Crawl! Tickets are $20 in advance.

Choose from two tempting routes, each showcasing local culinary gems. Limited tickets will be available.

This will take place on July 20th from 3-7:00pm along Clark St. between Devon Ave. and Touhy Ave: rain or shine.

More information can be found here.

C24/7's Great Giveaway

C24/7's Great Giveaway was started a few years ago in honor of Nate (The Great) who passed away. This event is way to give back to the neighborhood with a day full of fun, laughter, and love. Almost 500 people came out with their kids last year. C24/7 is looking forward to brining the community together again this year on July 22! All are welcome, and volunteers, donations of funds, toys, food, and more are needed! Please visit c247fam.org/events to learn more and get involved!

Vote for Glenwood Sunday Market!

American Farmland Trust and the Farmers Market Coalition are giving away $15K in prizes (and more!) to the nation’s favorite farmers markets. We know you love GSM, so show them your love by taking a minute and casting your vote. The deadline to vote is Sept 18, 2023.

Vote here!

Congresswoman Schakowsky's Weekly Neighborhood Office Hours

Congresswoman Schakowsky's office will be hosting weekly neighborhood office hours to help connect 9th District constituents with a variety of federal government resources. The office hours will take place every Friday, from 10 am to 2 pm, in the Betty A. Barclay Community Room at the Edgewater Library, 6000 N. Broadway. 

Youth and Teens

Miss Mack's Summer Youth Dance Classes

Click here for more information.

Rogers Park Library Events

The Rogers Park Branch Library, 6907 N. Clark, offers a variety of events and programming for people of all ages, but especially for the little ones. Make sure to check out a list of their upcoming events and register to attend one. More information is available on its website here. 

Empower Youth

Job Resources

Sincerely,

Kelly Cassidy

State Representative, 14th District



Office of State Representative Kelly Cassidy

1507 W. Morse Ave

Chicago IL 60626