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WARD SERVICE OFFICE
1447 W. MORSE AVE
CHICAGO, IL 60626
773-338-5796
www.49thward.org
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Good morning neighbors,
Yesterday, Officer John G. Bartholomew's family laid him to rest. I attended the services at St. Andrew's Greek Orthodox Church. The services were somber and beautiful. St. Andrew's is a beautiful church in the Edgewater neighborhood and are celebrating their centennial this year. Superintendent Snelling, Commander Alvarez of the 17th District and Commander Alison Christian of our 24th District spoke at the ceremony. My condolences and support go to the family and friends of Officer Bartholomew and especially to the officers of our 24th District where he served for a decade.
Officer Bartholomew's death comes not too long after another line of duty death of Firefighter Michael Altman who also served in the Rogers Park and Edgewater neighborhoods. These are difficult losses for our first responders - so show some extra love to those you see out and about in our community.
This week we held our quarterly town hall at Jordan Elementary School. We had a great time with representatives from our other levels of local government including out School Board Member, Ebony DeBerry. We also had representatives from local nonprofits and community organizations offering services and recruiting volunteers. We're also recruiting volunteers for our summer events and Participatory Budget! Reach out to our office via phone or email to let us know if you're interested.
We also had a representative from the Department of Family and Support Services who joined us to promote Chicago's Summer Youth Jobs program. We're going to employ 31,000 youth ages 14-24 this summer! If you have a young person in your life looking for work and a great experience for the summer, sign up today.
Check out the rest of our newsletter for upcoming opportunities and events!
Have a safe and restful weekend,
Alderwoman Maria Hadden
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Click the links below to select the section that you want to read!
- CELEBRATIONS & APPRECIATIONS - good news for the week!
- WARD UPDATES - Community announcements, city services, and zoning/development updates
- INFRASTRUCTURE UPDATES - City services and infrastructure notices
- COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT - local events and ways to get involved
- ROGERS PARK ARTS - events, theatre, and other public arts news
- YOUTH SHINE IN 49 - school news, scholarship opportunities, and youth employment offerings
- NEED TO KNOW INFO - alerts, services, and government resources
- ADDITIONAL RESOURCES - links to resources housed on the 49th Ward website
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Celebrations & Appreciations
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Celebrating the Life of Amisha Patel
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Last month, we lost the organizing power-house Amisha Patel. Amisha was a fearless organizer, artist and leader. She was a phenomenal human being who brought love and creativity to her every endeavor. Among many ways in which she fought for a better world, she served as Executive Director of the Grassroots Collaborative, led successful campaigns to bring economic justice to the people of our great city, and was a leader on Mayor Brandon Johnson's transition team. Amisha lived in Rogers Park and had a special connection to Lake Michigan. She left our world better than she found it. Learn more about Amisha's life in the Windy City Times article. You can honor Amisha's impact and memory with a donation to a fellowship fund with the Grassroots Collaborative.
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Congratulations, Madeline and Brenna!
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This week, two members of our constituent services team, Brenna and Madeline (from left to right), graduated from Loyola University Chicago! Brenna graduated with dual degrees in Political Science and Sociology, and Madeline graduated with dual degrees in Environmental Policy and Political Science, as well as a minor in Law and Politics. We are very proud of Brenna and Madeline, and wish them success, enjoyment, and happiness in their post-grad endeavors. Go Ramblers!
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KNOW YOUR RIGHTS RESOURCES
As Operation Midway Blitz continues and ICE agents have been active around the City, we want to remind neighbors of our Fighting Against Fascist Occupation resources. Know your rights, stay safe, and stay informed. Find our guide here. |
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Neighbors, as you may be aware, recent federal changes to the Supplemental Food and Nutrition Program (SNAP) mean that up to 250,000 neighbors in Illinois are at risk of losing their SNAP benefits due to new work requirements and other eligibility changes. These changes went into effect on May 1.
If you or someone you know relies on SNAP, take action to protect your benefits today.
- Click here to see if you are meeting the new SNAP work requirements.
- If you qualify for an exemption from the new work requirements, you can apply for this exemption here.
- If you are subject to the SNAP Work Requirements, you must do one or a combination of the following activities for an average of 20 hours per week (total of 80 hours per month):
- Work (paid or unpaid)
- Volunteer to take part and comply with an approved qualifying work program that offers activities such as basic education, vocational training, and work-based learning.
- Do self-initiated community service or volunteering with a community-based organization (see more information below)
- Any combination of the above.
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Deadline to Apply for Property Tax Savings is May 15
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The deadline for homeowners to apply for property tax exemptions is Friday, May 15. Exemptions are property tax savings that contribute to lowering a property owner’s tax bill.
Note that the Homeowner, Senior, and Persons with Disabilities exemptions are automatically renewed. However, homeowners must reapply annually for the Veterans with Disabilities, in some cases, and the “Senior Freeze” exemptions. The Assessor’s Office mailed seniors and disabled veterans who need to reapply application booklets. These must be turned in by May 15.
Applications can be downloaded at www.cookcountyassessor.il.gov/exemptions, where forms are available in Spanish, Polish, and simplified Chinese. Homeowners can also access the online application at www.cookcountyassessor.il.gov/exemptions.
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Seasonal Street Sweeping Has Begun!
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Street sweeping season has begun! If you park a vehicle on the street, please be mindful of the sweeping schedule and make sure to move your vehicle so that we can clean up the trash and organic waste that has accumulated on this winter. The Department of Streets and Sanitation sweeps the city’s streets April through November every year. The city hangs bright orange temporary parking restrictions a few days before sweeping service is scheduled to begin. Those who fail to move their vehicle between the restricted hours of 9 am- 2 pm can be fined $60. The street sweeping schedule is available on our website and is updated for this year.
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Citywide Green Mixer May 14
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Chairwoman Hadden of the Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy will host the inaugural Chicago Citywide Green Mixer on Thursday, May 14th, from 6 pm-9 pm, at Garfield Park Conservatory.
The event will bring together residents, community organizations, environmental leaders, elected officials, and city partners to engage on environmental and sustainability issues across our communities in Chicago. The evening will center community voices through a World Café conversation format, where participants will engage in small-group conversations focused on community priorities, root causes, and brainstorming solutions.
WHEN: 6:00 pm on Thursday, May 14
WHERE: Garfield Park Conservatory
300 North Central Park Avenue
Chicago, IL 60624
RSVP: Space is limited; media can RSVP on Eventbrite.
MORE INFO: Access the full program and participating organizations here.
CONTACT: Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy, [email protected]
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Glenwood Ave Arts Fest Artist Applications Open
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Artist applications are now being accepted for the 25th Annual Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest! The Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest is Rogers Park’s annual outdoor celebration of arts and community, run by a volunteer planning committee to showcase our neighborhood’s arts, talents, and businesses. Interested in applying? Click here: https://gaaf2026.artcall.org/
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Lighting Project on 1615 - 1758 W Chase & 7200 - 7331 N Paulina
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The Chicago Department of Transportation is currently undergoing a residential street lighting project on the 1600 to 1700 block of Chase and the 7200 to 7300 block of Paulina, which will last roughly 2 to 3 weeks, weather permitting. There will be a No Parking tow zone in effect from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. during the duration of the project. Crews are currently working to restore the landscape work, which they estimate will take roughly two weeks.
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Loyola University Construction at 6347 N Broadway
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Loyola University is currently undergoing several construction projects, including one at 6347 N Broadway. Construction at this address resulted in the northbound lane closure at N. Broadway on April 4. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Loyola at [email protected].
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Come celebrate our local small businesses and independent creators on May 10, at the GROW/PROGRESANDO space (7056 N Clark St) from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.! The Rogers Park Business Alliance will be holding a Mercadito, which will give Rogers Park business owners the chance to sell their handcrafted goods and for participants to shop small and find something new. Stop by and support a local business!
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Spring Healthy Hearing Event May 15
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In honor of National Speech Language Hearing Month, Northwestern University will be hosting a Healthy Hearing event on May 15. If you are experiencing bothersome ringing in the ears or difficulty understanding speech in groups or crowded places. If you attend, you will receive a free hearing screening, demo hearing devices, and more. Call 847-491-3165 to RSVP today.
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Howard Street Carnaval May 16
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Chicago’s African & Caribbean diaspora is taking the streets of Rogers Park! The 3rd Annual Howard Street Carnaval, featuring a vibrant parade and festival honoring traditions from across the African and Caribbean diaspora, will be taking place on Saturday, May 16, at Willye B. White Park (1610 W Howard). Interested in learning more? Visit HowardStreetCarnaval.com.
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"Kidical Mass" Returns May 16
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It's that time of year again! Join your neighbors at Kidical Mass for a fun, easy-going bike ride on the second Saturday of each month, May through October! This event is family-friendly and invites bikers of all ages to participate in a slow tour of the Rogers Park neighborhood. The group will meet at Jarvis Square (1500 W. Jarvis) each Saturday at 10:00 a.m., starting on May 16.
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24th District Council Meeting May 17
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The next meeting of the 24th District Council will take place on Sunday, May 17, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Edgewater Library (6000 N Broadway). You can access the meeting via Zoom here. Anyone may submit a written public comment by delivering it at the public meeting or by emailing it to [email protected]
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Red Line Jazz Project May 21
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Red Line Jazz Project is a free public arts initiative from Mandala South Asian Performing Arts, bringing live jazz performances to CTA Red Line stations and surrounding community spaces from May through October 2026. Curated by jazz musician and Mandala Artist-in-Residence Fareed Haque, the series features local jazz musicians and ensembles performing short sets that blend jazz improvisation with global musical influences. Artists including Butter Chicken Brass Band, Ugochi Nwaogwugwu, Renee C. Baker of AACM, and Luciano Antonio are among those scheduled to appear across neighborhoods such as Rogers Park, Chatham, Chinatown, Uptown, Bronzeville, and Roseland. The Howard Station (7519 N Paulina) performance takes place on May 21 from 4 to 6 p.m. Consider showing up for this great experience.
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Protect RP B*tch and Wine Event May 21
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Join Protect RP and your neighbors for a community wine night at Taste Food & Wine (1506 W Jarvis Ave) on Thursday, May 21, where participants will hear stories from one another, celebrate mothers of all kinds, and see performances by Winter Diorr. Consider attending this community-oriented event for a good cause!
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Families Together Messy Morning Playtime May 23
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Join Families Together (1500 W Elmdale) for a messy morning playtime on Saturday, May 23, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. You and your child will have the opportunity to participate in sensory play through playdough, paint, and more, to learn how play-based learning supports children's development. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP to [email protected].
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Jarvis Square Match-Up Market May 23
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If you are looking for a way to connect with non-profits in the 49th Ward, great news! Jarvis Square will be hosting a Match-Up Market at Jarvis/Greenview on Saturday, May 23rd, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Participants can meet local non-profits and learn about the many opportunities to get involved in the City of Chicago. Feel free to email [email protected] to participate as a non-profit.
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Sullivan Community Car Wash June 1
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Stop by Sullivan High School on Monday, June 1, for a free community car wash from 8:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m., located at Parking Lot B on Greenview (6631 N Bosworth). There will be a lunch break from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
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Chicago Parents/Caregivers Survey Open Until May 15
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The Family & Community Engagement (FACE) Workgroup of the Every Child Ready Chicago (ECRC) is interested in hearing from parents and guardians when it comes to accessing and engaging with information about early childhood programs and services across Chicago. One of the clearest challenges we've identified is that information is often siloed or hard to navigate — creating real barriers for parents and caregivers trying to find the support their families need.
This survey looks to understand your needs, preferences, and the challenges you face in accessing early childhood information and resources. As a thank-you, you will have the option to be entered into a raffle for a $50 gift card. Access the survey here:https://theounce.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8kdafjAlZsoOI74. The survey takes just a few minutes to complete and is open to any Chicago parent or caregiver of a young child. The survey is open now until May 15th.
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Women Belong Networking Events
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You're invited to the meeting of Rogers Park Circle, which is a women's networking event for small business owners in the Rogers Park community. This event will be on the first and third Wednesdays of the month, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., located at Culture of Safety (6970 N Clark). You can register for this event here.
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Prenatal and Family Support Services Available
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If you or someone you know is pregnant or expecting, consider exploring Healthy Families Illinois's prenatal and postpartum resources. Healthy Families supports expecting parents and families with children from pregnancy through early childhood. They offer free home visiting services during pregnancy and after birth, free doula support for expecting parents, prenatal education, birth support, postpartum guidance, and referrals to community resources and family support services. These services are at no cost to families, regardless of insurance status, and are provided through Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center. Learn more and register here.
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Events at the Rogers Park Branch Library
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The Rogers Park Branch Library (6907 N. Clark) offers a variety of events and programming for people of all ages. Make sure to check out a list of their upcoming events and register to attend one. More information is available on its website here.
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Strawdog Theatre Presents: 12 Ophelias (A play with broken songs)
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In this play with broken songs, Shakespeare’s Ophelia rises out of the water dreaming of reclaiming her life. She finds herself in a neo-Elizabethan Appalachian setting where Gertrude runs a brothel, Hamlet is a Rude Boy and nothing is what it seems. In this mirrored world of word-scraps and cold sex, Ophelia cuts a new path for herself.
12 Ophelias closes Sun, May 24, and will be showing at the Factory Theatre (1623 W. Howard St). You can purchase tickets here.
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Chicago Tap Theatre Presents: Saturn Returns
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Directed by Molly Smith, Saturn Returns tells the universally human story of getting older through tap dance and live music with new choreography by Smith and the dancers of Chicago Tap Theatre. Based on the Saturn return process in astrology, this show, the ultimate in CTT’s ’25-’26 season, is a heartwarming snapshot of our individual pasts, presents, and futures. Saturn Returns will show at The Edge Theatre (5451 N Broadway) on Thursday, June 11th, at 7 pm, Friday, June 12th, at 7 pm, Saturday, June 13th, at 5 pm, and Sunday, June 14th, at 2 pm. You can purchase tickets here.
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Lifeline Theatre Presents:
LOKI - The End Of The World Tour
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LOKI arrives at Asgard, bringing chaos, comedy, and three monstrous (maybe) children. LOKI tangles with Odin, Thor, and the mysterious Freya; each with their own agenda; their own secrets—but all paths lead to one eternal question: In an us vs. them world, can we envision a new mythology?
LOKI closes Sun, June 14, and will be at the Lifeline Theatre (6912 N. Glenwood Ave.) You can purchase tickets here.
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Pottawattomie Park Summer Camp Open Now
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Get ready for an unforgettable summer! Join the Chicago Park District at Pottawattomie Park (7340 N Rogers) for six weeks of exciting activities, meeting new friends, and creating lasting memories. Day camp will operate Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., for ages 6-12. The registration fee will be $195 for the day camp. For those interested in extended camp, this will operate from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and will cost $70. Both camps will run from June 22 to July 31. You can register online here.
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IB School Kilmer Elementary Changing Their Name
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Back in September, we were so excited to share that our very own Kilmer Elementary School was named an IB World school! To honor this historic milestone, Kilmer has decided they will be changing their name to shape their future identity, and they want your help! Please use this link to vote on their four proposed name changes, ensuring their new title aligns perfectly with the Kilmer mission and vision of academic excellence and global citizenship. The school will be accepting votes until May 15th. We are excited for this new chapter in Kilmer's history!
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Uniting Voices Chicago Programs Available
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The Rogers Park Neighborhood Choir is one of 12 after-school programs, offering instruction twice a week on Mondays and Wednesdays at Indian Boundary Park (2500 W Lunt). The choir has three ensembles for varying ages and musical experiences, and begins accepting singers who are 8 years old and entering 3rd grade. Check out the schedule below!
- Allegro (ages 8-10) - Mondays & Wednesdays, 4:15-5:15 pm
- Vivace (10-12) - Mondays & Wednesdays, 5:15-6:15 pm
- Presto (13+)- Mondays & Wednesdays, 6:15 -7:30 pm
Uniting Voices' programming is tuition-based and determined by family annual income. Fill out this form to get involved today.
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HECC Early Learning Programs Currently Recruiting
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If you have a child aged 0-5, consider applying for Howard Evanston Community Center's Early Learning program for this upcoming school year. Their Early Learning Programs, Head Start and Early Head Start, provide a comprehensive range of services that include play-based education, health and safety, mental wellness, nutrition, disability support, and strong parent engagement. Interested in enrolling? Click this link to learn more.
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Become a Lifeguard This Summer
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Being a lifeguard along Chicago’s gorgeous lakefront or a neighborhood pool is a job unlike any other. You'll be part of one of the country's largest and best-trained lifeguard corps, gaining life-saving skills while making a difference in people's lives. Be part of their team in 2026 & make $20.50 an hour! Apply today & register for a swim test.
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Science in Art Competition Open Now
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Students, are you looking to win a prize and create some art along the way? The Willye White Park Advisory Council 2026 Science in Art Competition invites you to select an active, future, or past mission of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and create a two-dimensional artwork inspired by or interpreting that mission. (NASA missions are found at www.nasa.gov/missions/.) Submit your original artwork along with an entry form to the Willye White Fieldhouse beginning May 1, 2026, and no later than May 30, 2026. This competition is open to all elementary students, or homeschool equivalents, attending school in Rogers Park. Submissions may be dropped off at the Fieldhouse or mailed to:
Willye White Park
Science in Art Contest
1610 West Howard Street
Chicago, IL 60626
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In partnership with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), A Safe Haven provides communal and familial settings through apartment-style accommodations to promote a sense of belonging in safety. Semi-private, fully-furnished apartments, cribs, linens, groceries, bus vouchers, and more will all be provided. If you are interested in these resources, call 312-372-6707 ext. 131 or 132, or email [email protected].
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Chicago Youth Works Application Portal Now Open
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Get Paid. Get Skilled. Get Ahead. Chicagoans from 14 to 24 years old can apply for paid summer jobs and opportunities today at ChicagoYouthWorks.org! Check out this fantastic opportunity for this summer!
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Paid Junior Bike Ambassador Fellowship Available
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The Chicago Safe Ambassador program is currently accepting applications for junior bike ambassadors to educate children of all ages about mobility safety in the city. This paid seasonal mentorship is for Chicago residents 16 or older who enjoy working with kids and navigating the city by bike. For more details about the program, please reach out to [email protected]. For those interested in the job, please reach out to [email protected] or fill out this interest form.
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Chicago Park District Summer Jobs Available
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The Chicago Park District has plenty of opportunities for teens this summer, from ages 13 and up! To see a list of open positions and submit an application, click here.
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Rogers Park Township Property Tax Appeals Open Until June 1
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Properties in the north suburbs & City of Chicago are not being reassessed this year. However, if an individual property undergoes significant changes related to division work, permit applications, or other special applications, then it may be reassessed. Under these circumstances, the property owner would receive a Reassessment Notice containing the new estimated fair market value.
Currently, the Rogers Park township is open for appeals until June 1. If you reside in this township, you still have an opportunity to file an appeal. To file an appeal, click here. To learn more about filing, click here.
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SBIF Applications Opening June 1
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The Department of Planning and Development (DPD) and SomerCor will roll out the Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) grant program for applications for the Devon/Sheridan corridor, serving Edgewater and Rogers Park. Applications open at 9 a.m. on Monday, June 1, and close at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30. The SBIF program uses revenue from TIF districts to help owners of commercial and industrial properties to repair or remodel their facilities for their own business or on behalf of tenants. Tenant businesses are also eligible to apply on their own.
Program participants can receive grants for 30 to 90 percent of project costs, with a maximum grant of $150,000 for commercial properties and $250,000 for industrial properties. The grants are administered by SomerCor on the City's behalf and do not have to be repaid. Those interested in applying can verify that their property is located in an eligible district by using the SBIF Locator Map tool.
DPD and SomerCor will host an informational webinar to review program requirements and the application process. For additional information, visit www.chicago.gov/sbif.
SBIF Informational Webinar
1 p.m. Wednesday, June 3 | Register
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OEMC Flood Relief Funds Available
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The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved a disaster declaration for the severe storms and flooding that impacted six counties in northeastern Illinois from July 25–28, 2025. This declaration will allow homeowners, renters, businesses, and certain non-profit organizations to apply for low-interest loans to help cover damages not covered by insurance.
Homeowners and renters can apply for up to $500,000 in low-interest loans to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners or renters can apply for up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property such as appliances and furniture. Businesses and some not-for-profits can borrow up to $2 million for physical damages.
The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is June 22. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Jan. 25, 2027. Residents can apply for disaster assistance at sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance now.
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WBEZ School Board Survey Open
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Hey, Chicago parents & voters! You get to vote for your first-ever fully elected school board this fall. Inform WBEZ's candidate questionnaire and school board voter guide by telling them what issues are affecting you and your family, and what questions you have for the candidates. Take their survey at wbez.org/survey!
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IL ABLE Account Info Sessions
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Did you know you may be eligible to open an IL ABLE account to save and invest money and build financial independence, WITHOUT jeopardizing your federal benefits, such as SSI or Medicaid? The IL ABLE Account is a simple, tax-advantaged way to save for qualified expenses like housing, education, transportation, and much more. Want to learn more? Then register for a free informational webinar!
These one-hour webinars provide an overview of IL ABLE accounts, eligibility, benefits, and how to get started. Visit illinoisable.com if you want to learn more!
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Connect with Your Elected Officials
Want to get connected with your other elected officials? Find links to sign up to their newsletters and website information below!
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