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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,
The summer is nearing it's end and just like busy bees gathering as much pollen as possible before the flowers fade, the 49th Ward team and I have been busy with community activities! The Back to School Bash was a big success! We distributed more than 500 backpacks full of supplies to students in our community getting prepared to return to school. Thank you to Rep. Cassidy, Sen. Simmons, Cmsr. Morita, C 24/7, Willye B. White Park, and all of the community organizations that helped make our event happen.
Yesterday morning, I grilled up some lunch for senior citizens organizing for the Senior Bill of Rights. H.O.M.E Illinois, Kenwood Oaklawn Community Organization (KOCO), and others have been fighting to establish Chicago as a City that is friendlier to the elderly and the Senior Bill of Rights is at the heart of the effort. Ald. Jeanette Taylor (20) introduced the ordinance; I am one of several co-sponsors. If you want to get involved in helping to support this effort - contact my office.
Lastly, the Glenwood Ave Arts Fest kicked off last night with the Amazing Heeby Jeebies, The Snobs, and headliner, Sid Kingston! Make sure to come out today and tomorrow to support local artists and businesses, enjoy live music, and share in the joy that has been cultivated for 25 years by this volunteer-run, community festival. I can't wait to see you there!
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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Updated Community Asset Map Now Live
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Check out our new and improved Community Asset Map on our website! Our Advisory Leadership Council (ALC) Asset Map Subcommittee Members led the effort to add new categories outlining all the amazing organizations and resources in our ward.
Residents can now view the following categories on the updated map:
- Health and Social Services (Healthcare & Mental Health Support)
- Recreation
- LGBTQIA+ Resources
- Arts and Culture
- Faith-Based Organizations
- Education
- Housing Resources
- Food Resources
- Immigration Resources
Thank you to our ALC community leaders for taking on this project! We hope you take the time to check out the new map and enjoy seeing all the wonderful resources the 49th Ward has to offer. Check out the updated page on the 49th Ward website by clicking here.
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Community Participates in Kickball at Pottawattomie
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49th Ward staff and neighbors joined in for a community game of kickball this week at Pottawattomie Park. It was a great way to meet new neighbors while having some fun. Weren't able to join? There's another opportunity at 1 pm Saturday, August 22nd, at Willye White Park, 1610 W. Howard. Afterward, hit up Howard Street for the annual Chalk Howard event, where artists turn the street into an interactive tapestry showcasing exceptional 3D artwork.
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Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest Celebrates its 25th Anniversary August 14-16
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It's back! The 2026 Glenwood Ave Arts Fest will be returning to Rogers Park for its 25th year! For over two decades, the Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest (GAAF) has presented a free, weekend-long arts festival featuring 120+ artists, open studios, and live entertainment on two outdoor stages. The Fest brings free live music, performances, and art demonstrations — along with street food and craft beer from local merchants on the cobblestone streets of the Glenwood Avenue Arts District in Chicago’s historic Rogers Park neighborhood.
This favorite neighborhood tradition will return August 14-16. For more information, visit the Glenwood Ave Arts Fest's website.
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Film Notice: 1900 W. Lunt
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Filming for a short film will occur in the ward on Monday, August 17, at 1943 W Lunt. Production will distribute informational leaflets to residents and businesses in the affected area.
"No parking/tow zone" signs will be posted on both sides of Lunt from Damen to Wolcott for equipment staging. Parking will be restricted between 6:00 am and 9:00 pm; the street will be open for traffic. Traffic control will be on site during filming on Monday, August 17, between 11:30 am and 1:30 pm.
For questions regarding this short film or other filming in Chicago, please contact the City of Chicago Film Office at 312-744-6415 or the 49th Ward office at 773-338-5796.
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Kilmer Playground Unveiling Scheduled for August 20
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Join the Kilmer community at 1 pm on August 20th for the unveiling ceremony of the new playground and nature playspace! The playground will be ready for students and the community just in time for the 2026-2027 school year.
The project includes two separate play areas with age-appropriate equipment located on Kilmer's current playground space. Adjoining these two areas will be a nature play space, made possible by $200,000 won by Kilmer parents through the 49th Ward Participatory Budgeting process.
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Community Kickball August 22nd
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Did you miss our community softball games this July? No worries! Join us on Wednesday, August 12, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Pottawattomie Park (7340 N Rogers) and on Saturday, August 22, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. for free community kickball!
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Chalk Howard Street Returns August 22nd
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The popular 3D chalk fest will return to Rogers Park this month! National and local street artists will convene on Howard between Paulina and Ashland, using the street as a canvas to bring vibrant and colorful pieces of art to life.
Want to be part of transforming Howard Street? Express your creativity by purchasing a 4’ x 4’ square for $25. The free event will take place on Saturday, August 22nd, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information on this year's festival and how to purchase a square, click here.
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St. Ignatius Campus Community Survey Open
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On July 20th, Alderwoman Hadden, the 49th Ward Office, Loyola University Chicago, and the Ignatian Mission Center hosted a community meeting regarding a proposed new development for the St. Ignatius Campus at 6555-6559 N Glenwood and the former Waldorf School at 1300-1320 W Loyola Ave. You can watch a recording of the community meeting here.
The Ignatian Mission Center is proposing to preserve the church and rectory on 6559-6565 N. Glenwood by creating a social service center on the St. Ignatius campus that would house a women's shelter for survivors of domestic violence, a childcare center, a food pantry, and provide space for a lay association for religious gatherings and devotions. Since its closure, the IMC has run a weekly food pantry out of 1735 W. Greenleaf Avenue to help our neighbors fighting hunger. The proposal would shift these services to the church basement alongside a social services center that would offer health screenings, counseling, and community events. The plans for the Ignatian Mission Center on Glenwood do not trigger a zoning change, but would require a special use permit to operate out of the space.
Loyola University is proposing to demolish the former Waldorf campus buildings at 1300-1320 W. Loyola to build student apartments. Their proposal includes 65 student apartments reserved for upper-class and graduate students to free up privately owned community housing. They have also committed to providing $625,000 over a period of 10-years to the Ignatian Mission Center to support its programs and services. Finally, they have committed to donating 1,500 square feet of rent-free community space to IMC and its partners. Loyola explored retrofitting the Waldorf School campus to avoid demolition, but the repairs required to bring the building into compliance with the City's building code made the effort financially infeasible. Loyola's plans would trigger a zoning change from the current RS-3 designation to RM-5.5.
To view the presentation slides, please click here.
Alderwoman Hadden is accepting feedback on this proposal. The deadline to complete the survey has been extended through Sunday, August 23rd. You can access the survey here.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our office at [email protected] or (773) 338-5796.
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Loyola University Student Move-In August 14-20
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Loyola University Chicago is preparing to welcome students for the 2026–2027academic year. Soon, approximately 3,000 first- year students will join the Loyola community, with a total of about 5,000 students moving into on-campus housing.
Loyola staff and volunteers will be assisting students as they move into residence halls across campus. Please note that no move-in activities will occur on Saturday, August 15, Friday, August 21, and Saturday, August 22. All move-
ins will end on Thursday, August 20th.
To help facilitate move-in, the City of Chicago has issued permits to designate temporary “No Parking” zones on specific area streets (table below). These restrictions are necessary to accommodate student and family vehicles during the unloading process. Please note: vehicles parked in designated no-parking zones during the listed days and times will be relocated by the City of Chicago at the owner's expense. Loyola does not manage or control towing. If your vehicle has been towed, you may contact Campus Safety at 773-508-SAFE (7233) or call 311, the City’s non-emergency line.
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Many upper-class students live in off-campus apartments not operated by the University. While Loyola does not coordinate move-in for these students, they have asked Streets and Sanitation to monitor the following streets during the move-in week: Loyola, Albion, Arthur, North Shore, Columbia, Wayne, Glenwood, Lakewood, Rosemont, Kenmore, and Winthrop.
Loyola is committed to maintaining strong relationships with neighbors. If you have questions or concerns regarding Loyola students or their presence in the community:
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Appeal Property Tax Value with the Board of Review thru September 1st
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Rogers Park Township property owners can now appeal their assessed value through the Cook County Board of Review. Filing an appeal is one way that property owners can lower their property tax bill.
When a property owner files an appeal, they are not appealing the taxing bodies' levies; rather, they are appealing their property's assessed value. Filing an appeal will never result in a higher assessed value of the property, and property owners should file an appeal every year. If a property owner's appeal is accepted, the changes to the property's assessed value will be reflected on the second installment property tax bill received in 2027.
A step-by-step guide on how to file an appeal with the Board of Review is available here. Additionally, my office is partnering with Commissioner Steel, Alderman Vasquez, Leader Gabel, and Senators Simmons and Fine for a seminar on appealing your property tax assessment. The property tax appeal seminar will be held on Monday, August 31st, at 5:30 p.m. at the Rogers Park Branch Library, 6907 N. Clark. Make sure to bring a copy of your property tax bill for one-on-one assistance from an analyst on how to file an appeal.
Property owners have until Tuesday, September 1, to file an appeal with the Cook County Board of Review. For more information, visit the Cook County Board of Review's website.
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There are so many events in the 49th Ward this summer! Summer is always full of fun opportunities hosted throughout our ward at our parks, beaches, and even some streets! Here is a list you can use to keep track of some of the events that are being hosted through the ward. Be sure to check out the Rogers Park Business Alliance, the Park District, and the Rogers Park Library for information on other events as well!
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CDOT finished installing new benches across the ward. As part of the 49th Ward participatory budgeting process for 2025, we designated roughly $80,000 for 15 new benches across the ward. Thank you to the community for submitting this idea and voting on it during last year's budget cycle. Thank you as well to our dedicated PB volunteers who spent hours surveying the ward to identify locations in need of benches.
The new benches are located at:
- Clark and North Shore (on both sides of Clark)
- Lunt and Wolcott (on the north side of Lunt)
- Lunt and Clark (on both sides of Lunt)
- Lunt and Ashland (on the north side of Lunt)
- Lunt and Greenview (on the north side of Lunt)
- 7440 N. Sheridan (west side of Sheridan)
- Lunt and Sheridan (north side of Lunt)
- Morse and Paulina (south side of Morse)
- Pratt and Lakewood (north side of Pratt)
- Pratt and Glenwood (north side of Pratt)
- Rogers and Ashland (north side of Rogers)
- 7623 N. Paulina (east side of Paulina)
- Farwell and Ashland (east side of Ashland)
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Estes Water Main Replacement Updates
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The Department of Water Management (DWM) is installing a new water main in the 49th Ward on Estes between Ridge and Clark. Excavation of the north side of Estes (westbound lane, between Ridge and Damen) began on August 11th. Construction will only take place during the week. Only in cases of emergency will construction be done on a weekend.
Construction will begin at Ridge and will move east toward Damen. Upcoming construction activities include material delivery, setting out, and saw cutting. Pipe installation is expected to continue throughout the week. No water shutdowns or lead service line work are scheduled for this week. The Department of Water Management (DWM) will relay any changes to our office.
"No Parking” signs will be posted on both sides of the street during construction hours (7:00 AM – 4:00 PM) where work is being performed. Parking will be allowed outside of work hours and on weekends. All signage will be placed 48 hours before work begins and will be limited to the block where work is actively taking place or being staged. Crews will work to preserve as much parking as possible. "No Parking" signs will only be posted where crews are actively working and the parking restrictions will move along as the crew makes progress in the project.
Residents in the affected address range (2040 - 1790 W. Estes Ave) should enter their contact information in the survey here. We receive weekly updates about this project and would like to relay information that may directly affect residents on this block.
Please contact our office with any inquiries at [email protected] or call 773-338-5796.
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Upcoming Street Grindings & Resurfacings
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Neighbors, please be advised of the upcoming street grinding and resurfacing schedule for the 49th Ward provided by the Department of Transportation. Please be aware of all orange CDOT signs in the public way to avoid being ticketed or towed.
Street grinding schedule:
- Glenwood Ave between Devon and Pratt (6400 - 6800 N Glenwood) - Scheduled for 8/11/26
- Arthur Ave between Bosworth and Glenwood (1400 - 1530 W Arthur) - Scheduled for 8/11/26
- Loyola Ave between Lakewood and Glenwood (1300 - 1400 W Loyola) - Scheduled for 8/12/26
- Wallen Ave between Ravenswood and Ashland (1600 - 1800 W Wallen) - Scheduled for 8/13/26
- Hermitage Ave between North Shore and Pratt (6700 - 6800 N Hermitage) - Scheduled for 8/13/26
- Chase Ave between Sheridan and Dead End/Lake Michigan (1200 - 1300 W Chase) - Scheduled for 8/14/26
- Damen Ave between Rogers and Jarvis (7400 -7700 N Damen) - Scheduled for 8/14/26
- Damen Ave between Fargo and Jarvis (7400 - 7432 N Damen) - Scheduled for 8/17/26
- Damen Ave between Birchwood and Fargo (7432 - 7500 N Damen) - Scheduled for 8/17/26
- Paulina St between Juneway and Jonquil (7700 - 7764 N Paulina - Scheduled for 8/17/26
Street resurfacing schedule:
- Glenwood Ave between Devon and Pratt (6400 - 6800 N Glenwood) - Scheduled for 8/21/26
- Arthur Ave between Bosworth and Glenwood (1400 - 1530 W Arthur) - Scheduled for 8/21/26
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Loyola Avenue Construction Updates
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Work is ongoing on Loyola Avenue as part of construction for the new Nursing and Science Center at 1123 W. Loyola. To keep the project on schedule, crews will be working both Saturdays and Sundays for the rest of the month.
Crews are wrapping up the concrete pumping portion of the project this week and will reopen Loyola Avenue east of Sheridan to traffic after the permit expires on August 16th.
If you have any matters you wish to discuss with me or my office, please feel free to contact me at [email protected] or 773-338-5796.
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Loyola Divvy Station Temporarily Relocated
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A Divvy station on Loyola Avenue, adjacent to the Loyola CTA station, has been temporarily relocated to the Northeast corner of Sheridan and Arthur, under the viaduct. The relocation is part of Loyola's telecom work along Loyola Avenue south of the L tracks. Crews will be opening the curblanes along Loyola from Sheridan northwest to approximately 1225 W. Loyola to install fiber communication cabling. All impacted curblanes will be repaved, and the Divvy station will be returned to its original location upon completion of the work.
Asphalt restoration and paving work on Loyola in the impacted work area (phase 1D in the diagram above) is scheduled to occur within the first two weeks of September. All work in phase 1D of the telecom installation is scheduled for completion by September 25th.
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August Events at the Rogers Park Branch Library
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There's something for everyone this month at the Rogers Park Branch Library, located at 6907 N. Clark.
- August 10th & 17th, 6-7:30 p.m.: Card Game Club
- August 24th, 5:30-7:45 p.m.:Q&A with Kyle Henry, director of Time Passages
- August 26th, 6-7:45 p.m.: Discussion and documentary viewing on the works of Ursula K. LeGuin
For more information on the Rogers Park Branch and to view upcoming events, visit its website here.
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Chicago Air and Water Show Returns August 15-16
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The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events is pleased to announce the return of the Chicago Air and Water Show, taking place on Saturday, August 15 and Sunday, August 16, with a rehearsal scheduled for Friday, August 14. This year’s event is part of the nationwide America250 celebration.
While events will be focused around North Avenue Beach, some aspects of the show will likely be visible or audible from our lakefront. Please plan accordingly!
For more information on the Air and Water Show, visit the City of Chicago's website here.
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24th District Council Meeting August 16th
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The 24th District Council will hold its next monthly meeting on Sunday, August 16th, at 3:00 p.m. at the Glenwood Avenue Arts Festival (please note the location has been updated). The 24th District Council will have a booth set up at the festival east of Common Cup and south of Morse Fresh Market on Morse Avenue. Swing by to hear updates and share feedback with district council members.
To learn more about the 24th District Council and view upcoming meetings, visit CCPSA's website here.
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Native Sons Back to School Mini-Camp & Jump Rope Competition August 21st
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Join Native Sons for their third annual Pre-Back 2 School Mini Camp from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., August 17 through 21, at 1631 W Jonquil Terr. Capacity is maxed out at 30 attendees, so early registration is highly encouraged to claim a spot. Additionally, Native Sons will be hosting an all-ages jump rope competition on August 21. Interested in these events? Sign up here.
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Annual Newgard Yard Sale August 22nd
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It's time for the annual Newgard Ave Yard Sales event! Residents will be holding yard sales in the 6400-6700 block of Newgard from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, August 22nd. The rain date is Sunday, August 23rd.
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Upcoming Leone Beach Park Advisory Council Events
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Join the Leone Beach Park Advisory Council for a variety of programming throughout August! There's something for everyone.
- Saturday, August 22, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.:
20 years of dune restoration with steward Ann Whelan event (2nd floor Sky Room at Loyola Park fieldhouse, followed by a walking tour of the Loyola dunes)
- Sunday, August 23, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.:
Conservation workday, dress for the weather (meet outside the Leone Beach Park fieldhouse)
For more information and to sign up to receive emails from the Leone Beach Park Advisory Council, email [email protected].
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Hayt Back-to-School Field Day August 22nd
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Join Protect RP, Rogers Park & West Ridge School Patrols, and Mobile Front Porch for a fun afternoon before school starts back up! Field day games, a craft table, last-minute school supplies, and a chance to meet neighbors from Rogers Park and West Ridge. This event also marks School Patrol coming back for the fall—come celebrate and meet the folks helping keep our kids safe on their way to school!
All families are welcome. No RSVP needed; just come out and join in on the fun!
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Latin Social Dances Until August 25th
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Synapse Arts Collective and Blue Jay Cafe are teaming up to offer Latin social dances this summer! Every Tuesday, from now until August 25, attendees can expect dance lessons and a chance to connect. This program will take place from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Blue Jay Cafe (1230 W Greenleaf). You can register to attend here.
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CCPSA Meeting August 27th
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The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) will hold its next public meeting on Thursday, August 27th, at 6:30 p.m. at Morgan Park Academy, 2153 W. 111th Street. Online participation is also available via Zoom by registering at this link.
The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability is an independent, seven-member civilian body that oversees the Chicago Police Department (CPD), the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA), and the Police Board. Learn more about CCPSA and its upcoming meetings on its website here.
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Chicago Tap Theater Summer Classes
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From July 14 through August 25, CTT will host youth and adult classes for 4-7/8-12 and 16+, respectively. These classes are beginner-focused and will foster a love of dance and music that lasts a lifetime. Students will learn tap dance basic steps and vocabulary as well as musical terms, and the class will blend technique, combinations, and tap history.
Interested in joining? Register here: https://chicagotaptheatre.com/take-a-class/#loyola
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Glenwood Sunday Market Open
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The Glenwood Sunday Market is back every Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., until October 25 (except for August 16). We love this fantastic annual tradition and are excited to celebrate its 17th year in the Rogers Park community!
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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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After closing in 2023, a Rogers Park community staple, The 400 Theater, has finally reopened! The new owner and operator, Jordan Stancil, reopened the theater on July 31st. Joel operates three small theaters in Michigan and plans to bring that experience and love for a small community movie theater to Rogers Park's The 400 Theater, breathing new life into it. Make sure to check out The 400's website and catch a show!
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6311 Arts Presents: NOOKS AND CRANNIES
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6311 Arts Gallery, located at 6311 N. Clark, is showing NOOKS AND CRANNIES through August 22. NOOKS AND CRANNIES features Jeremy Humbert in the Main Gallery, alongside Mike Famous, Lawrence Hoffman, Candice Johnson, and Kevin Johnson. There will be sculpture by Piloto and Film by Yuge Zhou as well.
For more information, visit 6311 Arts' website.
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The Factory Theater Presents: Muffed
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Catch the Factory Theatre’s production of "MUFFED; A Recounting of Farmington, Maine’s 43rd Annual Chester Greenwood Day Devised by the Members of the Meaningful Action Theatre Company and Produced by David New." Don’t let the long title fool you — this IS a full production of a show about a group of actors presenting a reading of their documentary theatre piece about Chester Greenwood Day, the day dedicated to Chester Greenwood, Maine state hero and earmuff inventor.
The show runs August 18th through September 20th at The Factory Theater, 1623 W. Howard. Tickets are available at the Box Office or on The Factory Theater's website.
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Back to School Giveaway August 21st
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Christmas in the Wards is hosting a Back-to-School Giveaway on August 21st at 1900 W Jackson Boulevard. Free backpacks, school supplies, clothes, shoes, and food will all be available!
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VFW Scholarship Opportunities
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The Veterans of Foreign Wars is offering two scholarships for students entering sixth through twelfth grade!
The Patriot’s Pen scholarship is a $5,000 award for middle schoolers and requires a 300-400 word essay on the subject “What a Veteran Taught Me About America”. The Voice of Democracy Scholarship is a $35,000 award for high schoolers requiring a 3-5 minute voice essay on the same topic.
Apply by October 31st!
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Kilmer Kindergarten Enrollment Open
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Kilmer Elementary is now enrolling for its 2026/27 kindergarten class! To enroll your child at Kilmer, visit 6700 N Greenview Ave between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and bring the student's original birth certificate, two proofs of address, the ID of a parent/guardian, and medical, dental, and vaccination records. See the flyer for more details!
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Get Into Summer 2026 Programs
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Teens, check out these great summer opportunities all summer long through Mayor Johnson's "Get Into Summer" 2026 program! From safe spaces to library events, these programs and resources will be free and available to all Chicago youth during the summer. Check out the My CHI My Future website for more.
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Free Access to the YMCA for Teens
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Chicago teens ages 12-18 are eligible for a free membership at a city YMCA location this summer. No fees. No barriers. In addition, all current YMCA members ages 12–18 in the city will receive a complimentary membership in July and August.
WHAT’S INCLUDED: Access to sports, fitness, creative activities, and a place to connect. Try something new, spend time with friends, or just hang out — the Y is yours all summer long! Register in person at one of our seven city YMCA Locations.
PARTICIPATING CHICAGO LOCATIONS-
IRVING PARK YMCA- 4251 W. Irving Park Rd.
KELLY HALL YMCA- 824 N. Hamlin Ave.
LAKE VIEW YMCA- 3333 N. Marshfield Ave.
McCORMICK YMCA- 1834 N. Lawndale Ave.
RAUNER FAMILY YMCA- 2700 S. Western Ave.
SOUTH SIDE YMCA- 6330 S. Stony Island Ave.
WEST GARFIELD PARK YMCA- 4305 W. Madison St.
AGES: 12–17 yrs. old, a parent or guardian must be present and bring a driver’s license, State ID, or City Key with a Chicago address. Teens aged 18: register on your own with a driver’s license, State ID, or City Key with a Chicago address.
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A student is eligible for Summer EBT 2026 without an application if they meet one of the following criteria:
- The student's birthday is between 07/02/2007 and 08/14/2020, AND they've received SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid between 07/01/2025 and 08/14/2026
OR
- They attended a school that participated in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) this school year, and received free or reduced fare lunch
If you want to check if you're eligible, you can fill out this screening tool: Illinois Summer EBT: EBT Screener IDHS can help you fill out the application! Below is the information you will need for your appointment:
- Names and birthdays for everyone who lives with you
- Income information for all members of the household
- Social Security Number (if you have one)
- Contact information
- Social Security Number (if you have one)
- Name of school they are enrolled in for the 2025-2026 school year
- Student's school district
For more information, please visit the IDHS website.
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Federal Changes to Medicaid Begin January 2027
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Cook County Health estimates that nearly three out of every ten patients could be uninsured due to federal government cuts to healthcare that will go into effect in January 2027. This is more than double the number of patients from just a few years ago. Cuts to our healthcare system affect everyone. A strong healthcare system keeps our communities healthy and helps stop the spread of communicable diseases.
To respond to healthcare cuts, Cook County is partnering with healthcare providers and helping patients navigate changes in coverage. The State of Illinois also recently joined a 26-state coalition suit to challenge the changes to Medicaid work requirements.
If you or someone you know could be affected by federal changes, visit GetMedicaidFacts.com to learn about your options.
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Divvy Memberships Start at $5/Year
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Low-income Chicagoans may qualify for the Divvy for Everyone (D4E) program. This program offers access to the Divvy bike network across the city starting at just $5 a year. Learn more and sign up at divvybikes.com/d4e.
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Park District Participatory Budgeting Voting Open Now
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Your voice. Your vote. Your parks. The Chicago Park District's Citywide Participatory Budgeting (PB) initiative gives community members the opportunity to help decide how funding will be invested in parks across the city. Community members can rank the project categories they believe should be prioritized, with the top-voted category receiving funding for improvements throughout Chicago's Central, North, and South Regions. Voting is open to all community members ages 13 and up, and every vote helps ensure future park investments reflect the needs and priorities of Chicagoans. Voting is available online or by paper ballot at all park fieldhouses. Learn more and cast your vote: www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/pb
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Share Feedback to Inform
Police Superintendent Search
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In July, Chicago Police Department Superintendent Larry Snelling retired, officially launching a 120- day nationwide search for the City's next Police Superintendent. Under City ordinance, the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) has until November 12, 2026, to identify three finalists and submit their names to the Mayor. The Mayor must then either appoint one of those candidates or ask the Commission to provide a new list.
Community input will play a key role throughout the search. Chicagoans are encouraged to share what qualities, experience, and priorities they believe the next Superintendent should have by completing the Commission's online feedback form.
Learn more about the process and share your feedback on CCPSA's website here.
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Beat the Heat: Stay Cool & Safe!
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Although the first heat wave of the summer has elapsed, hot temperatures are here to stay for the rest of the season. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the below resources and tips for hot weather as the summer rolls along!
The Department of Family and Support Services’ (DFSS) six community service centers activate cooling areas during periods of extreme heat at 90˚ degrees and above. Our closest dedicated cooling area is at 845 W. Wilson Ave, which typically operates Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Additionally, during hours of operation, residents can also find relief in one of the City’s Chicago 79 Public Library locations, seven City Colleges of Chicago main campus locations, 43 Chicago Park District fieldhouses, as well as pools and 143 splash pads located throughout the city. For all locations, please visit visit: Cooling Centers - Map | City of Chicago | Data Portal. Residents can contact 3-1-1 for the nearest location and hours.
Tips to Beat the Heat
- Stay hydrated – drink lots of water, AVOID alcohol, caffeine, sodas.
- Stay inside, if you do not have air conditioning, keep shades drawn and blinds closed, but windows slightly open.
- Keep electric lights off or turned down.
- Minimize use of your oven and stove.
- Wear loose, light, cotton clothing.
- Take cool baths and showers.
- Do not leave anyone (including pets) in a parked car, even for a few minutes.
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Keep Your Dog on a Leash: It's the Law!
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As the weather gets nicer and pet owners are heading outside for longer walks, remember that Chicago law requires dogs to always be on leashes when they are off the owner’s property. Rescue and law enforcement dogs are exempt from this law. Even without any damage to persons or property, the base fine for a violation of Chicago leash laws is $300. If your unrestrained animal damages property, the fine is between $300 and $1,000, as well as possible responsibility for damage repairs. The fine for an animal attack or bite is between $300 and $10,000, with possible incarceration or community hours required by the owner.
If you want to let your dog off-leash and run around, check out one of Chicago's many dog-friendly areas in public parks! Our closest dog-friendly park is in Pottawattomie Park (7340 N Rogers), but for a complete list of Park District dog-friendly areas, click here!
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Property Tax Appeal Toolkit Available
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Impact for Equity is excited to announce the publication of its property tax appeal toolkit. This toolkit builds on the May publication of their property tax resources hub, a series of educational materials explaining Cook County’s property tax appeal system and appeals process, the burdens and limitations of the process, common types of appeals, and the evidence needed when submitting appeal applications to the Cook County Assessor’s Office and Board of Review.
The toolkit includes resources and two new explainers on Cook County property tax exemptions and Certificates of Error, which allow homeowners to redeem missing exemptions or obtain refunds for missing exemptions or correct a property assessment. Click here to access the toolkit and learn more.
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Neighbors, as you may be aware, recent federal changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance 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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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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