95th Street Farmers Market Opens this Sunday, May 3rd

Dear Chicago,



The 95th Street Farmers Market will open this Sunday, May 3rd! It will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. each Sunday, rain or shine, in the commuter lot at 95th and Longwood Drive (1835 W. 95th Street) through the last Sunday in October. Patrons are asked to access the market from the east entrance.

The Farmers Market is home to a variety of farmers, bakers, and artisans. They include Coco’s Tamales, Noffke Family Farms, Stamper Cheese Company, and more. Please see the flyer below.

National Small Business Week: May 3-9
National Small Business Week takes place between Sunday, May 3rd, and Saturday, May 9th. There are so many wonderful small businesses throughout the 19th Ward, and I would encourage residents to take time during National Small Business Week to try a new one, return to an old favorite, or bring a friend to a small business that you regularly visit. Our small businesses bring a variety of important goods and services to the community, and elevate the character and quality of our neighborhoods.

Sincerely,



Matthew J. O'Shea

Alderman, 19th Ward

19TH WARD UPDATES

CITY/STATE NEWS

International Compost Awareness Week (ICAW), May 3-9, is an education and awareness campaign celebrated worldwide!

Composting is a powerful way to reduce waste, improve soil health, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Did you know that through the City of Chicago’s Food Scrap Drop-Off program, you can get your household food scraps composted for free? This thriving program has over 8,800 households participating and has diverted 1,554,000 pounds of food scraps from landfills to composting since its inception in 2023. Thanks to a partnership with Chicago Public Libraries, the program has recently expanded to 33 drop-off locations. In our area, the drop-off location is at 11059 S. Homewood Ave. (immediately behind the 22nd District Chicago Police Station). Operating hours: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm.

Check out the Illinois Food Scrap & Composting Coalition’s ICAW 2026 Calendar of Events for opportunities to learn more about composting taking place in our area and across the state.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

COMMUNITY POLICING

COMMUNITY SERVICES

Illinois Secure Choice

Illinois Secure Choice is a state-facilitated retirement program that makes it easy to save for retirement. Since it launched in 2018, the program has brought retirement savings access to workers in every county across Illinois. Not only is Illinois Secure Choice open to employees who work for an eligible employer, the program is available to anyone who wants to enroll on their own and start saving. The program is open to employers who have at least 5 employees in every quarter of the previous year, have been in operations for at least 2 years, and do not offer or contribute to a qualified retirement plan.

You can read important disclosures, including information about investments, fees, and risks related to Illinois Secure Choice here.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

This e-mail message is paid for and authorized by the 19th Ward Democratic Organization and not at taxpayer expense.