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36th Ward May Newsletter!

Gilbert Villegas Ward 36 📞 773-745-4636 ✉️ [email protected]
Relevance: 1/10

Summary

The 36th Ward newsletter announces a spring full of community events—Grand Avenue corridor workshop, Veterans town‑hall, immigration rights session, and a mobile Secretary of State voter‑registration drive—alongside weekly clean‑ups, a free clothing boutique, and the dedication of Honorary Coach Larry Thurm Way. Recent policy highlights include Alderman Villegas’ data‑residency ordinance to secure city data and generate revenue, and a second quarterly meeting of the Chicago Taskforce on Innovation & Technology. Residents are urged to apply for block‑party permits, participate in the ChiBlockBuilder vacant‑lot program, and explore summer job openings such as One Summer Chicago and Chicago Park District positions.

36th Ward May Newsletter!
 
Welcome to the 36th Ward Newsletter!

Our Newsletter is sent out every other Wednesday.
Scroll Down for Upcoming Events, Ward Updates, and Resources!

Pictured Below: Students at Prosser Academy take a selfie with Alderman Villegas!
Prosser Career Academy Visit ⭐
On Friday, I met with students at Prosser Career Academy in Belmont Cragin. It was inspiring to speak with our city's future leaders. Thank you Prosser for hosting me for this conversation!
Dear Residents:

It's a busy spring here in the 36th Ward! Every week, my office is hosting Community Events, Clean-Ups, and Celebrations.

Here's a list of our upcoming events in May & an update on our recent events!

36TH WARD UPCOMING EVENTS IN MAY:
(Scroll Down for Flyers & More Info on These Events)
⭐️ May 9: Grand Avenue Corridor Community Workshop
🧹 May 11: 4th District Clean Up Day with State Rep. Lilian Jimenez
🇺🇸 May 14: Military & Veterans Affairs Town Hall Meeting
📣 May 16: Immigration & Know Your Rights Event
🚗 May 30: Mobile Secretary of State Event with Voter Registration and Driver's License Renewal Services


RECENT EVENTS IN THE 36TH WARD:
  • 🧹 Community Clean-Ups: Every Tuesday and Thursday, we have been hosting community clean-ups around the 36th Ward!
  • 👚 36th Ward Free Clothing Boutique: On May 4th, my team hosted a FREE pop-up Clothing Boutique at our 36th Ward Office in Belmont Cragin. Community members shopped for FREE clothing and accessories at our boutique. We're so grateful to everyone who donated their clothes and stopped by to shop! Thank you to The Give N Receive for sponsoring this event at our office. We will host more FREE boutiques later this year, so stay tuned!
  • ⚾️ Honorary Coach Larry Thurm Way Sign Ceremony: On May 4th, we unveiled the new street sign for "Honorary Coach Larry Thurm Way." Coach Larry Thurm left an everlasting impact on the Bell Park community. He started the baseball league at Bell Park in 1985. Throughout his 20 years of running the league, he made the baseball program a vital part of the lives of thousands of young people. That legacy is now enshrined on Oak Park Avenue for generations to come and see. Thank you to the Thurm family, past ball players, coaches, and the community that came out to commemorate Coach Thurm this past weekend!
  • 🩺 36th Ward Hands Only CPR Training Class: On April 27th, my office hosted a CPR Training Class. Thank you to everyone who attend, and to Phillip Leo from American Red Cross for helping bring awareness of this life-saving skill to our community.

Want to host a Community-Clean Up on Your Block?
This Spring, we are hosting Community Clean-Ups EVERY Tuesday & Thursday from 5-7pm. Call our office at 773-745-4636 to schedule a Clean-Up on your block!

To learn more about clean-ups happening around the 36th Ward & sign up to volunteer, fill out the form at bit.ly/volunteersvillegas! We will then send you more info about upcoming cleanups & where to meet. 💪

Lastly, summer is right around the corner, so we encourage everyone to start applying & planning for Block Parties. You can find more information below!

Sincerely,
Alderman Gilbert Villegas & the 36th Ward Team
 

WANT TO HOST A BLOCK PARTY?
DON'T WAIT, APPLY NOW!

Start preparing for your Summer Block Parties! ☀️ My staff is ready to assist you with Block Party permits and applications at our 36th Ward Offices in West Town and Belmont Cragin. We have all the info you need BELOW ⬇️ 

🎪 Apply for a FREE Jumping Jack Inflatable Playground (Bouncy House) for your Block Party! Jumping Jack Registration is NOW OPEN, first come first served. Register & get more info HERE.

⏰ Submit your requests as soon as possible - at least 30 days in advance of your Block Party! The more advance notice we have, the better.

🎉 Apply now for a Permit to host a Block Party. Print the Application HERE. Bring the completed Permit Application to the 36th Ward Office for approval.
  1. Block party permits are for the use of Chicago residents and can only be applied for the street on which they reside.  Businesses or outside organizations should apply for a festival permit.
  2. Block Party Permits will not be issued for more than one (1) day in succession or to close any street for a commercial purpose.
  3. A block party permit will only be issued for a single block (intersection to intersection).
  4. Permits are issued on a first come, first served basis.
📋 Download & Print a Block Party Petition HERE! Get Signatures from Your Neighbors & Bring the Signed Petition to our 36th Ward Office.

➡️ Optional: Start a Block Club! Organize Your Block to Improve Your Community. Learn more about Block Clubs HERE and Register a New Block Club HERE.
 

CONTACT THE 36TH WARD OFFICE
For all service requests and questions, call our office at 773-745-4636 or send an email to [email protected]. Please include your name, home address, and phone number so my staff can best assist you.

As a reminder, we have two 36th Ward Offices to serve our constituents: one in West Town, and one in Belmont Cragin.
Both offices are open Monday through Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm. We are closed for lunch from 12:45pm to 1:30. Stop by to ask questions and get connected to resources!
 

VISIT OUR OFFICES:

⭐ 36th Ward Belmont Cragin Office
6560 W Fullerton Ave
Unit # C118 - Suite A
Chicago, IL 60707

⭐ 36th Ward West Town Office
2246 W Chicago Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
Honorary Coach Larry Thurm Way:
Street Sign Dedication

An inspiration, a leader, and a legend, Coach Larry Thurm has left an everlasting impact on the Bell Park community. That legacy is now enshrined on Oak Park Avenue for generations to come and see.

It takes a village as evident from the stories that were shared throughout the event, from taking the league from four to sixteen teams, always ensuring the fields were in playable condition, and coaching a generation of kids that are now grown, working, and building families of their own, Coach Thurm may your legacy live on.
36th Ward Upcoming Events
THURSDAY, MAY 9th: Share Your Vision for Grand Avenue! ⭐ 🏙 🚧 

Participate in a Community Workshop to shape the future of the Grand Avenue Corridor. To learn more, go to: belmontcragin.org/grandave

WHEN: Thursday, May 9 from 6-8 PM
WHERE: Tequila Rose (5946 W Grand Ave)
Jueves 9 de May: ¡Comparte tu visión de Grand Avenue! ⭐ 🏙 🚧

¡Participa en el taller comunitario para dar forma al futuro de el Corredo Grand Avenue! Visita el sitio: belmontcragin.org/grandave

Cuando: jueves 9 de May, de 6 a 8 pm
Dónde: Tequila Rose (5946 W Grand Ave)
🚨 Saturday, May 11th: Community Clean-Up Day

This Saturday, from 9 AM to 11 AM, join us for a Community Clean Up Day with 4th District State Rep Lilian Jimenez.

We'll start at Kedvale Park and make our way around to the surrounding area.
🚨 Sábado 11 de mayo: Día de Limpieza

Sábado 11 de mayo de 2024 de 9 a.m. a 11 a.m. para un día de limpieza comunitaria con la representante estatal del 4to distrito, Lilian Jiménez.

Comenzaremos en Kedvale Park y recorreremos los alrededores.
📣 Calling all Military Veterans and Families!

On Tuesday May 14th, we're hosting a Town Hall Discussion about Veterans Affairs in Chicago.

Share your thoughts & learn more about what our city is doing to help veterans 🇺🇸

Tuesday, May 14 at 6PM
VFW Armed Forces,
6940 W Diversey Ave
Thursday, May 16th: Immigration & Know Your Rights Event

Join us on May 16th to learn about:
➡️ Immgrant's rights in the workplace
➡️ Asylum eligibility
➡️ Work Authorization
Register today at: tinyurl.com/33en49kt
Jueves 16 de Mayo: Evento de Inmigración y Conozca Sus Derechos

Únase con nosotros el 16 de mayo para obtener más información sobre:
➡️ Derechos laborales para inmigrantes
➡️ Elegibilidad para asilo
➡️ Autorización de Trabajo
Regístrese hoy en: tinyurl.com/33en49kt
Thursday, May 30: Mobile Secretary of State Event

Get connected with:
➡️ Renewal/Correction of Driver's License
➡️ New/Renewal/Correction of State ID
➡️ License Plate Renewal Stickers
And more!

When: Thursday, May 30 at 9am-2pm
Where: 36th Ward Belmont Cragin Office - 6560 W Fullerton Ave Suiite #C118

Street Sweeping Schedule 🧹🧹🧹
Check out our map to see which days your street will be cleaned in 2024.


➡️ Look Up Your Address & Schedule HERE: bit.ly/ward36cleanschedule

➡️ Sign up for Street Sweeping Email Alerts Here: www.wethesweeple.com
POLICY UPDATES FROM ALDERMAN VILLEGAS

Alderman Villegas Introduces Data Residency Ordinance to Help Secure Data and Increase Revenue for the City

I urge my colleagues to work with me and take a serious look at creative ways to create new revenue that doesn’t put the burden on everyday Chicagoans. Investing in Data Centers will lead to increased revenue for our city.

My data residency ordinance, introduced 2 months ago, provides an opportunity to do just that. We cannot continue to rely on the status quo of fines, fees, TIF sweeps and property taxes to fund government when we know there are millions of dollars in savings available through IT modernization.

Chicago Taskforce on Innovation and Technology: 2nd Quarterly Meeting At City Hall, Hosted by Alderman Villegas

On April 29, the Chicago Taskforce on Innovation & Technology convened to discuss improving the city’s digital infrastructure, internal operations, and implementing artificial intelligence to improve procedures and efficiency.

This is the second meeting of the year focusing on improving city services and bringing innovative ideas that other major cities have already utilized to Chicago. Thank you to the businesses, community stakeholders, and city leadership who joined us for this critical discussion.
ONGOING 36TH WARD PROGRAMS
Every week, join us for the 36th Ward Vet Connect! 🇺🇸 ⭐ 

My office has resources for veterans, active military personnel, and military families. Staff from the VA and VACCC are there to assist you 🦅 🪖 
No appointment needed!

WHEN: Every Tuesday 10am-2pm & First Thursday of Every Month 5-8pm
WHERE: 36th Ward Belmont Cragin Office - 6560 W Fullerton Ave #C118
Introducing...
WARD WEDNESDAYS! ⭐️ 

Every Wednesday on social media, I spotlight the people, businesses, and cultural institutions of the 36th Ward. Check out our latest posts here: 
36th Ward Instagram

We want to hear from YOU! Want us to feature your business or someone you know? Send an email to [email protected] with your recommendation.
RESOURCES & GRANTS
CHI BLOCK BUILDER: 
Apply Now to Purchase A Vacant Lot! 🏘
(Español abajo)

A new application round to purchase City-owned vacant lots is OPEN NOW - APPLY ASAP. Through an online portal and universal application, ChiBlockBuilder streamlines the sale of City-owned vacant land to residents, community groups, non-profit organizations and developers.

Visit Chicago.gov/BlockBuilder for more information. Need assistance? Email [email protected] or call 312.935.1030.

[ES] ¡Reserve esta fecha! El plazo de solicitud de ChiBlockBuilder se abre el 1 de abril de 2024 🏘⏰

El lunes 1 de abril de 2024 a las 10 a. m. se abre una nueva ronda de solicitudes para comprar lotes municipales vacantes. Por medio de un portal en línea y una solicitud universal, ChiBlockBuilder agiliza la venta de terrenos municipales vacantes a residentes, grupos de la comunidad, organizaciones sin fines de lucro e inmobiliarias.

Visite Chicago.gov/BlockBuilder para obtener más información. ¿Necesita ayuda? Envíe un correo electrónico a [email protected] o llame al 312.935.1030.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES!
CAREER TRADES WORKSHOP SERIES

📣 Interested in the trades? Christ For Life MC is offering a summer workshop series for students 12-18 years old. Register with the link below or use the QR code in the flyer!

Register here: tinyurl.com/2p9znm9b
APPLY FOR ONE SUMMER CHICAGO:

Spring Break is the perfect time to apply for summer jobs! With #OneSummerChicago, youth ages 14-24 can can learn new career skills, expand on their own creativity & make new friends; all while making money! 💰

Apply at onesummerchicago.org
ONE SUMMER CHICAGO:

Empleos para jóvenes de 14 a 24 ânos

Ahora Aceptando Solicitudes De Empleo. Aplicar Antes Del 3 De Mayo.

APPLY TODAY: 
www.onesummerchicago.org
Looking for a Summer Job? Become A Chicago Lifeguard!

Apply today at: 
https://bit.ly/ApplyNOW-Lifeguard & get ready for summer 😎
Calling all attorneys!

The City of Chicago Department of Law is HIRING for Open Attorney Positions. Apply online today! ⭐

There are opportunities for Entry Level, Mid-Career, and Senior Level Attorneys.

Click the link to apply & learn more: https://www.chicago.gov/.../supp.../attorney_vacancies.html
This summer, work for the parks! 🌞

Chicago Park District is now hiring Lifeguards, Recreation Leaders, and Junior Laborers! 🛟 ⛺️ 🏖

See all summer jobs online & apply now: ChicagoParkDistrict.com/Summer-Jobs
¡Este verano, trabaja en nuestros parques! 🌞

Chicago Park District tiene trabajos disponibles. Salvavidas, Líderes de recreación, y Obreros júnior! 🛟 ⛺️ 🏖

Mira todos los trabajos de verano y aplica hoy: ChicagoParkDistrict.com/Summer-Jobs
KEEPING OUR WARD CLEAN
🚨 Stop by the 36th Ward Office to get a "Pick Up After Your Pet" Sign! With the warm weather starting up again, it's important to remind our neighbors to clean up after their pets. Let's keep our streets clean together! 🐕‍🦺 

➡️ Residents, please REMOVE any and all materials that you are using in the street to save yourself a parking spot. If things are seen on the parkway, they will be moved out of the street. If they are placed there again, the Chicago Department of Streets & Sanitation will remove these materials.

🗑♻️ As always, please REPORT any excess trash you see on the streets. Put in a request to 311.chicago.gov & email a picture to [email protected]. Be sure to include the address and a description of the issue in the email. You can also call our office at 312-744-4324.

PROMOTING COMMUNITY SAFETY
- Our office works closely with the Chicago Police Department and the Cook County Sheriff's Office to respond to crimes and keep our residents safe.
- As a reminder, always CALL 911 whenever you see a crime or suspicious activity occurring. That is the only way for CPD to know when & where to target their responses.
- Attend a community meeting with your Police District! At the bottom of this email, you will find the CAPS Police Beat Meeting Schedules for the 11th, 12th, and 25th Police Districts. Find your Police District & Beat here: operations.chicagopolice.org/FindMyDistrict
POLICE BEAT MEETING SCHEDULES:
11th, 12th, and 25th Districts
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36th Ward Alderman · 6934 W Diversey Ave · Chicago, Illinois 60707 · USA