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The 2nd Ward Newsletter for November 10, 2025
In This Edition:
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City of Chicago Offices Closed in Observance of Veterans Day: Tomorrow, Tuesday, November 11
 All City of Chicago Offices will be closed on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, in observance of Veterans' Day. We will reopen on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, with our regular business hours.
Please note: The Department of Streets and Sanitation will not be collecting refuse or recycling on Veterans Day. Garbage will be collected on Wednesday.
On this day, we honor and express our gratitude to the men and women who have served in our armed forces. Thank you for your service and the sacrifices you have made for our country. We salute you!
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Churches Offering Food Assistance in the 2nd Ward
In response to recent SNAP benefit cuts, my office wants to share several resources in the 2nd ward available for individuals and families in need. Whether you are looking to donate or access meals, there are numerous opportunities to help support our community during this challenging time.
Donation Opportunities
- The Greater Chicago Food Depository
The Greater Chicago Food Depository connects neighbors with healthy food and advancing solutions that address the root causes of hunger. You can make a monetary donation or volunteer using this link: www.chicagosfoodbank.org
- Chicago Help Initiative
Chicago Help Initiative provides free dinners every Wednesday from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM at Catholic Charities, 721 N. LaSalle St. You can volunteer, sponsor a meal, or make a monetary donation using this link: chicagohelpinitiative.org
Free Meal Programs
- Fourth Presbyterian Church – Bag Lunch Distribution & Sunday Night Supper
Free bag lunches are available Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM in Anderson Hall at Fourth Church. Additionally, Sunday Night Supper is served at Fourth Church from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. in Anderson Hall. Please see the link for more information: https://fourthchurch.org/meals/index.html
- First St. Paul’s Lutheran Church – Community Meals
Hot meals are served every Saturday morning from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall at First St. Paul's. Please see the link for more information: fspauls.org/community-meals
- St. Josaphat Parish – Don’s Helping Hands Ministry
Bagged lunches are served each weekday from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at St. Josaphat Parish’s Red Door Room. Please see the link for more information: www.stjosaphatparish.org
City of Chicago SNAP Resources
If you need immediate food assistance, you can call 211, text your zip code to 898-211, or visit chicago.gov/snap for more resources.
We hope these resources provide support during this difficult time. Your involvement, whether through accessing services or offering help, makes a difference in our community.
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Lake Shore Park Fall Cleanup
I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the residents who joined us for the fall cleanup at Lake Shore and Seneca Parks. Your hard work and dedication to our local parks made a positive impact on our environment and sense of community. I want to thank the Lake Shore and Seneca Park Advisory Councils for providing hot coffee, hot chocolate, and snacks, which kept us warm on a chilly Saturday morning. Like all cleanups at Lake Shore Park, I was happy to sponsor the lunch for our hardworking volunteers.
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Bus Stop Improvement at Lake Shore Drive and Elm St
I am pleased to report that commuting residents using the 151 Bus will now find new and improved sidewalk conditions at the Elm and Lake Shore Dr (northbound) stop. At my request, and through capital funding I allocated, the Department of Transportation installed the new sidewalk for easier and more accessible egress for riders using the back door.
Please do not hesitate to contact my office at [email protected] with any suggestions you may have about improving the infrastructure conditions in the 2nd Ward.
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Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies in the 2nd Ward
Last Friday, we had the pleasure of welcoming two new businesses to the 2nd Ward. My staff, along with the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce, joined KidStrong, 2031 N Clybourn, and Premiere MedSpa, 2071 N Clybourn joined these new businesses in a monumental step towards their success. Congratulations to our new 2nd Ward businesses!
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Extended Schedule for CTA #124 Bus
Responding to requests from Streeterville residents who commute to the Loop, Alderman Reilly and I asked the Chicago Transit Authority to consider starting the #124 bus earlier on weekdays. Currently, the first trip departs the Navy Pier transit station at 8:28 am. I am pleased to report that the CTA has granted our request. Beginning December 21, the first bus will be scheduled to depart Navy Pier at 8:08 am. I would like to take this opportunity to extend my thanks to Acting CTA President Nora Leerhsen and her planning team for seeing the value in this service addition for residents of our neighborhood.
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Care Package Drive for CPD Heroes Currently Deployed
We are accepting donations for the 6th Annual CPD Heroes Care Package Drive at the Old Town Merchants and Residents Association (OTMRA) tree lighting ceremony on Tuesday, November 18, at 5:30 at Burton Place Plaza.
This drive is collecting items for Chicago Police Officers who serve in the armed forces and are currently deployed. Please scan the QR code in the flyer below for items needed.
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Recent Carjacking Arrests:
Community Alerts:
Additional High-Profile Arrests:
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18th District CompStat Report
Computer Statistics report (CompStat) is a weekly report of incidents that have occurred in the respective police district. Each district compiles a statistical summary of the week's crime complaints, arrests, and data analysis. to learn more about CompStat.
Please see the 18th District CompStat report below:
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18th Police District Council Meeting: Monday, November 25
Join the 18th Police District Council for their monthly meeting on Monday, November 25, at 12:15 pm at the Near North Library, located at 310 W Division St. Commander Christopher Beilfeldt will be this month's featured speaker.
Please note: Limited parking is available in the adjacent lot. If you wish to participate in this meeting virtually via Zoom, please register here or click here to RSVP to attend in person.
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Registration Open for the 2025 Chicago Police Community Academy
The Chicago Police Department is accepting applications for the 2025 Community Academy held at police headquarters, located at 3510 S Michigan Ave.
Training attendees will receive a condensed version (eight weeks) of instruction similar to the training provided to police academy recruits. Class November 12 through January 21, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Contact the 18th District CAPS Office at [email protected] for more information.
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2025 Chicago Police CAPS Meetings Schedule
The Chicago Police Department's Beat community meetings are a key part of the CAPS strategy of partnerships and problem-solving. These meetings are held in-person and are an excellent way to communicate with the officers who patrol your beat and to engage with and meet your neighbors.
The entirety of the 2nd Ward falls inside the 18th District. Click here to find which beat you reside in.
18th District: East of the Chicago River and south of Fullerton Avenue.
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State Resources for SNAP Enrollees
Amid the federal government shutdown, our neighbors who depend on SNAP are still facing delayed/withheld funding and will likely need additional resources to put food on their tables. Please see the following for information about SNAP benefits and other places where those in need can find food:
- The Illinois Department of Human Services has put together a SNAP Federal Impact Center on its website, which will be updated with the latest information regarding benefits. You may view that page by clicking here.
- The Greater Chicago Food Depository has an interactive map showing where Chicagoans can find nearby food pantries. You may view that map here.
- For those interested in helping fight food insecurity during the shutdown, the Greater Chicago Food Depository has a "Take Action" page with ways to support. You may view that page here.
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City Civics Day with the Department of Planning and Development: Saturday, November 15
Join neighbors, community organizations and City officials Saturday, November 15, from 10:30 am to 4:00 pm at the University of Chicago's David Rubenstein Forum, 1201 E. 60th St. for City Civics Day. Learn about projects and initiatives that are making a difference in the city and discover how you can get involved to impact your community and Chicago for the better.
Click here to RSVP.
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Fall Clean Streets Guide
With Fall well underway and street sweeping now finished, 2nd Warders should remember to rake and bag yard waste to help alleviate drainage issues. Please call our office at (312) 643-2299 to request the pickup of waste bags. You may also see the "Clean Streets" below for further information about keeping our neighborhood clean!
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Sit, Stay, Read at Near North Library: Saturday, November 15
This Saturday, November 15, the Near North library is hosting "Sit, Stay, Read," an event where kids can come practice their reading skills with Certified Reading Assistance Dogs. The event will take place from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. All participants will need an adult parent or guardian present to sign a permission form. Only children can register, but families are welcome to join them during the event.
Click here for more information. Click here to view all upcoming events at Near North (select "Near North" under Location on the left side).
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Law at the Library: Wednesday, November 19
 Law at the Library: Changes in the Tax Law: Know Before You File will take place on Wednesday, November 19.
Each Law at the Library program features a presentation by an experienced attorney, followed by a brief question-and-answer session. All events are free, open to the public, and conducted via Zoom unless otherwise noted. Registration is required.
Visit https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/v2/events or https://evanstonlibrary.bibliocommons.com/v2/events. For a referral to a CBA lawyer, visit www.lrs.chicagobar.org.
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Clothing Drive with the Chicago Help Initiative
 The Chicago Help Initiative is accepting donations for warm clothes and outerwear to be dropped off at 721 N LaSalle Dr.
Drop-offs can be made between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm Monday through Friday, or between 8:00 am and 9:30 am on Saturdays. Alternatively, those wishing to donate can find the requested items by clicking here.
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Volunteer at the Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival recruits nearly 600 volunteers from Magnificent Mile district businesses to help produce the event each year. Teams of volunteers can sign up to serve as motorcade marshals, balloon handlers, dispersal volunteers. Larger groups of 10 to 25 volunteers can "Adopt-A-Block" to help out along the parade route!
Click here for more information.
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Know Your Rights and Resources
The City of Chicago has compiled a guidebook full of resources that could help protect you and your family during interactions with federal agencies. Everyone in Chicago—regardless of immigration status—is protected by rights under city, county, state, and federal law. This guide is designed to help you understand those rights at home, in public, at work, during protests, and while using technology or traveling.
Click here to view the guidebook.
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Chicago Fire Department Hiring Paramedics
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RNRA Annual Meeting and Gala: Tomorrow, November 11
Join the River North Residents Association at TAO, located at 632 N Dearborn St, for its 28th Annual Meeting & Gala on Tuesday, November 11th, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. 42nd Ward Alderman Brendan Reilly and 18th District Police Commander Chris Bielfeldt are scheduled to speak. Tickets are required.
Click here for more information.
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Old Town Tree Lighting Ceremony: Tuesday, November 18
Join the Old Town Merchants & Residents Association as they kick off the holiday season at their annual tree lighting on Tuesday, November 18, at 5:30 pm, located at 1447 N Wells. The event will feature a choir performance, hot cocoa, and a visit from Santa Claus.
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112th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony: Friday, November 21
 The 112th Annual City of Chicago Christmas Tree in Millennium Park will be illuminated on Friday, November 21, at 6 pm. The tree will remain illuminated through Sunday, January 11, 2026.
Guests can enjoy multiple viewing areas throughout Millennium Park, complete with giant screens, seasonal treats, and a vibrant main stage along Washington Street, right beside the Chicago Cultural Center. The celebration will reach its magical finale with the illumination of Chicago’s Christmas Tree, followed by a fireworks display.
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Christkindlmarket Opening Day: Friday, November 21
 Chicagoland’s most beloved holiday tradition will be back this winter and opens on Friday, November 21, at all three locations, including Daley Plaza (50 W Washington St). The German-style Christmas Market provides a safe outdoor experience for the whole family. All Christkindlmarkets are always free admission.
Click here for more information.
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34th Annual Magnificent Mile Lights Festival: Saturday, November 22
 The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival® returns on Saturday, November 22, 2025. The spectacular 2025 parade down North Michigan Avenue will feature Grand Marshals Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse of Walt Disney World® Resort, fabulous floats with beloved friends from Walt Disney World® Resort, marching bands from across the country, musical celebrities, Santa Claus, The Wintrust Fireworks Spectacular, and one million lights illuminating The Magnificent Mile's 200-plus trees. Click here for more details.
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Clark Street Cookie Crawl: Sunday, December 7
 The Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Cookie Crawl on Sunday, December 7, from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm, starting at 2577 N Clark St. Visit businesses along Clark Street to collect a variety of delicious holiday cookies. Enjoy surprises along the way, including carolers, hot chocolate, and the chance to snap photos with Santa.
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