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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,
It's been quite the week! Our air quality reached hazardous levels that were off the scale this week due to smoke from devastating wild fires from Canada. Our thoughts are with the First Nations Peoples and all who have been impacted by the fires. While conditions had improved a significantly by yesterday evening, please continue to monitor the National Weather Service and local news for advisories. The poor air quality meant that we had to reschedule our Block Party Town Hall - we'll be holding it on Thursday, July 23 at 4pm outside my office. And if you signed up for our Tree Walk that was supposed to be yesterday morning, we will send you the rescheduled date as soon as we have it.
On Monday I held a hearing in our Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy on the newly released Sustainable Data Centers Report from our Dept. of Environment (DOE). You can find the report here. Some key recommendations from DOE on how Chicago City Council should take action to ensure that we maintain sustainability with economic development in regards to data centers:
1. Enact strong environmental safeguards to protect people and the environment.
2. Develop a responsible zoning and land use structure for data centers.
3. Require transparency in reporting and accountability about energy and water use.
While there is much engagement to do to create the legislation to meet all three of these recommendations, I was eager to take action after our hearing. So on Wednesday, at our July City Council meeting, I introduced an ordinance that would help us achieve recommendation number three - transparency in data. My ordinance, O2026-0027165, will amend our existing Chicago Energy Benchmarking law to require data centers to report annually to the City on energy and water consumption. This is a key part of the comprehensive regulations we need. I'm excited that we had 20 co-sponsors at introduction and am confident that with time to share with more members of City Council, we'll be able to pass this legislation when we return from our August recess.
On City Council - we did not make any decisions on the re-sale of our parking meters. CPM and Stonepeak Partners did not have the support of Council and have gone back to the drawing board to revise their deal. I'll keep you posted when they come back with any news.
We freed our Bird Friendly Design ordinance from the cage of the Rules Committee! While we're still working with stakeholders to craft the best possible legislation, I'm excited that we've cleared this important hurdle. If you want to know more about the importance of Chicago fully committing to becoming a bird friendly city, check out the Flyway City exhibit currently at the Chicago Architecture Center. The exhibit runs through January 3, 2027.
I look forward to seeing folks tomorrow at our community meeting about the water main replacement work on Estes between Ridge and Clark. We'll be meeting at the Rogers Park Baptist Church at 1900 W. Greenleaf at 10am with the Dept. of Water Management. Come for the meeting, and stay for the community picnic that the church is hosting!
On Monday, we're having the long-awaited meeting with Loyola University and the Ignatian Mission Center about a re-development proposal for the former Waldorf School site and the church. We will be meeting on Monday, July 20 at 6:30pm at St. Ignatius church 6559 N. Glenwood Ave.
And of course, check out all of the other great events happening this weekend below!
Have a safe and restful weekend,
The 49th Ward Team
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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 Disability Pride Month
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July is Disability Pride Month where we celebrate the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act on July 26, 1990. 1 in 4 Americans live with a disability - Disability Pride Month is about joy, visibility, fighting for inclusion and recognizing the battles we still need to win for human rights and dignity for all. This year's theme is, The World Works Better with Us.
It was an honor to recognize 49th Ward resident, Prof. Matt Andersen, during out City Council Honorary Resolution for Disability Pride Month. Prof. Andersen is a Deaf, native ASL signer who uses his his unique experience to the study and teaching of linguistics. He uses digital technology to innovate ASL instruction. That includes bringing a new ASL Interpretation program to Chicago City Colleges. We are so fortunate to have his talents benefitting our city.
"When people with disabilities are included, respected, and supported, communities work better for everyone. That includes schools, workplaces, healthcare, transportation, and public life." - The Arc
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Remembering Lyndsay Marie Sullivan
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Lyndsay Sullivan was born on February 2nd, 1985, in Long Beach, California. She passed away on April 6 of this year. She was a leading disability rights activist in Chicago. She was a leader in ADAPT, a 501(C)(4) disability rights organization that organizes disability rights activists to engage in nonviolent direct action to fight for the civil and human rights of people with disabilities. She resided most of her last decade in nursing facilities, primarily in Rogers Park, and experienced countless obstacles to acquiring home-based services, which is the lived reality of thousands of other Illinoisans with disabilities. Lyndsay became a fierce advocate for her fellow residents during her time in these nursing homes to fight for disability rights and staff who were denied appropriate support.
Lyndsay worked with our office to organize a first-of-its-kind resource fair for institutionalized neighbors, bringing more than a dozen disability services and rights organizations to hundreds of residents with disabilities. She helped fellow residents gain access to legislators, public servants, and professional individuals, assisting with voting access and securing disability benefits that facilities had inappropriately withheld.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, she co-founded the Institutional Rescue & Recovery Coalition (IRRC), which exposed multiple Illinois organizations to the impacts of the pandemic on residents of long-term care facilities. Lyndsay helped organize an online peer support group for institutionalized Chicago residents and advocated for many individuals in their pursuit of community living. She was a member of the Alliance for Community Services and deeply engaged in the Humanize Long-Term Care campaign that pushed for the passage of state legislation that protects residents in nursing facilities from retaliation for seeking improved conditions in their facilities. She was actively involved in Access Living’s disability rights work and received the Access Living Morley Williams Community Advocate of the Year in 2020.
Lyndsay fought valiantly to live independently in her community and ensured that her peers, regardless of how difficult it may have been to do so, now have access to legal resources and rights in their nursing homes. I and my team were honored to know Lyndsay and work with her to improve access and services to our residents in nursing homes and all of our residents with disabilities.
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On Thursday, our office had a fantastic time participating in this year's Taco Crawl! The Rogers Park Business Alliance put together two delicious taco routes, and our team split up to try both! Due to the hazardous air quality, we wore masks while outdoors, which we highly recommend for anyone while outside this weekend. Congratulations again to the Rogers Park Business Alliance and all the participating restaurants for such a wonderful event!
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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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St. Ignatius Campus Community Meeting July 20th
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The 49th Ward office will join the Ignation Mission Center (IMC) and Loyola University for a community meeting to discuss the future of the St. Ignatius campus located at 6559 N. Glenwood. The meeting will take place on Monday, July 20th, at 6:30 p.m. in the church's main sanctuary.
In 2021, the Archdiocese merged St. Ignatius with nearby St. Gertrude, closing the St. Ignatius campus due to declining church attendance and diminishing financial resources to maintain the building. In 2023, Loyola announced it had purchased the site for redevelopment. Since its closure, a group of parishioners, the Ignation Mission Center, has worked closely with the Archdiocese, my office, and Loyola University to find a solution that continues the mission of St. Ignatius of Loyola, who founded the religious order of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits)—known for its missionary work—while preserving the historic cathedral.
The Ignatian Mission Center and Loyola University will join my office to discuss the redevelopment and reimagining of the St. Ignatius campus. The proposal includes preserving the cathedral 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, 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.
Learn more about both proposals during the community meeting on Monday, July 20, at 6:30 p.m., at St. Ignatius Cathedral, 6559 N. Glenwood.
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Block Party Town Hall Rescheduled for July 23
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Due to the dangerous air quality from the wildfire smoke and Friday night thunderstorms, we will be RESCHEDULING our annual block party town hall for Thursday, July 23, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.! Mark your calendars for this new change of date and come join us at 1447 W Morse Ave for community, food, and resources!
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Community Softball July 21 and 22
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Our first community softball games are next week, on July 21 and 22! The July 21 game will be at 6:00 p.m. in Pottawattomie Park (7340 N Rogers Ave), and the game on the 22nd will be at Willye B White Park (1610 W Howard St). If you cannot make these games, keep an eye out for our kickball games on August 12 and 22! These events are free and open to everyone, so stop by if you are able!
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49th Ward Back to School Bash August 8
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Join us for our annual Back to School Bash on Saturday, August 8th, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Willye B. White Park (1610 W Howard St)! We will have free school supplies, free food, games, music, splash activities, inflatables, and more!
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Join Family Matters to Tour its Fossil Fuel-Free
Building on July 22nd
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Join Family Matters for an intimate conversation and tour of their sustainability projects as they work to be fossil-fuel-free by 2030.
Established as a demonstration project for vintage Chicago 3-flat apartment buildings, and funded in part by a City of Chicago Climate Infrastructure Fund grant, Family Matters has replaced gas-powered systems with energy-efficient electric and heat pump models, upgraded their electrical system, installed solar panels, implemented composting practices, replaced chemical rodent control with an outdoor "working cat" colony, and much more. Learn about their work and how to replicate it in similar Chicago buildings.
The tour will take place during Chicago Climate Week on Wednesday, July 22nd, at 5:30 pm, at their building located at 7731 N. Marshfield. For more information and RSVP, click here.
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Old Firehouse Zoning Change Survey Results Available
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Thank you to all who voiced their thoughts on the proposed reuse project planned for the former firehouse at 1721 W Greenleaf Ave. We appreciate your feedback to help gauge the community's thoughts on this proposal.
As a refresher, the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) announced that a café and event space is the winning proposal to repurpose the former Rogers Park firehouse at 1721-23 W Greenleaf Ave. The $3 million project by developer Ryan Cummings will reuse the 111-year-old, City-owned structure as a 2,000-square-foot coffee house with more than 4,000 square feet of event space and offices on the second level. The proposed purchase price is the building’s market value of $350,050.
The project was one of five responses to an October 2025 DPD Request for Proposals (RFP) that prioritized the 6,323-square-foot structure’s adaptive reuse. Submissions were evaluated based on the proposed concept as well as the development team’s financial capacity, relevant experience, and overall project feasibility, among other factors. The project team also includes Michael Salvatore of Chicago-based Heritage Hospitality
Group. The building will need to be rezoned from RT-4 (a primarily-residential zoning designation) to B3-4 (a more business-oriented zoning designation) to allow the development team to repurpose the firehouse. If a project was not selected, the property would continue to be owned by the city and would lie dormant until the process restarted at a later date.
Our survey findings demonstrated strong community support for the development, particularly the adaptive reuse and community-oriented design. Based on the positive feedback, Alderwoman Hadden will be supporting the zoning change from RT-4 to B3-4 for this proposal.
Neighbors expressed parking concerns, questions about hours of operation, and inquiries about making this café different from others in the area. You can see the results of the presentation here. This property will have on-site parking available for patrons. Additionally, as they officially purchase the property and finalize their plan of operation, we will share their proposed hours of operation and event space usage plans with the community.
We have shared the feedback with the developer as well and look forward to working with them to include community thoughts in their plan as they proceed with the support of Alderwoman Hadden in their project.
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Participatory Budgeting Idea Collection Now Open!
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How would you spend $1 Million to improve the 49th Ward?
Our office is starting our next cycle of Participatory Budgeting for 2026, and idea collection is now open! Now through July 26th, you can submit any ideas you have on how our office should spend $1 million of our Aldermanic Menu (Infrastructure) Funds on any infrastructure project that would improve the 49th Ward!
Examples of projects funded in previous cycles include outdoor sports equipment for Loyola Park, the installation of additional public benches throughout the district, and even the creation of new murals. You can find more information about PB here.
Submit your idea here! You can also submit an idea in person anytime at our office (9 am-5 pm Monday-Thursday) or at our Idea Collection Assembly on Saturday, July 11th, at Gale Community Academy (1631 W Jonquil Terrace) from 10 am-11 am.
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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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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. This year's festival will take place the weekend of August 14th-16th.
Interested in applying? Click here: https://gaaf2026.artcall.org/
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Upcoming Street Grindings
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Neighbors, please be advised that street grindings will be occurring on the following streets:
- Glenwood Ave between Devon and Pratt (6400 - 6800 N Glenwood) - Scheduled for 7/22/26
- Arthur Ave between Bosworth and Glenwood (1400 - 1530 W Arthur) - Scheduled for 7/23/26
- Loyola Ave between Lakewood and Glenwood (1300 - 1400 W Loyola) - Scheduled for 7/23/26
- Wallen Ave between Ravenswood and Ashland (1600 - 1800 W Wallen) - Scheduled for 7/24/26
- Hermitage Ave between North Shore and Pratt (6700 - 6800 N Hermitage) - Scheduled for 7/27/26
- Chase Ave between Sheridan and Lake Michigan (1200 - 1300 W Chase) - Scheduled for 7/27/26
- Damen Ave between Rogers and Jarvis (7400 -7700 N Damen) - Scheduled for 7/27/26
- Damen Ave between Fargo and Jarvis (7400 - 7432 N Damen) - Scheduled for 7/28/26
- Damen Ave between Birchwood and Fargo (7432 - 7500 N Damen) - Scheduled for 7/28/26
- Paulina St between Juneway and Jonquil (7700 - 7764 N Paulina - Scheduled for 7/28/26
Please make sure to be aware of all orange CDOT signs in the public way to avoid being ticketed or towed!
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Neighbors, please be aware that, as part of their new Nursing and Science Center construction at 1123 W Loyola Ave, Loyola University is closing W. Loyola Ave from N Sheridan to the alley between the new Sciences Center and 1120 W Loyola Ave until mid-August. There will be a cement truck parked along their construction site to create the ground floor of the Sciences Center. Vehicular traffic will be prohibited from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and crews will open up the street when not operating. Pedestrian traffic on the south sidewalk will remain accessible at all times.
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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Joyce Kilmer Triangle Monument Improvements
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While not completed in time for Memorial Day, we're excited that construction improvements for the Joyce Kilmer Triangle Monument began. Joyce Kilmer was a celebrated American Poet best known for his poem, "Trees." He also enlisted and served in the New York National Guard during World War I and was deployed to France in 1917 with the 69th Infantry Regiment. He was killed in battle at the Second Battle of the Marne in 1918 at the age of 31. Many schools and parks across the country are named in his honor, including our very own Kilmer Elementary School.
The monument was installed in 1953 and donated by the American Legion Post 780. It is located in a triangle at the intersection of Birchwood, Ashland, and Rogers. Last year, CDOT completed a necessary intersection redesign for pedestrian and vehicular safety. Care and future plans for the monument, including providing a more prominent placement for it, were included in the redesign. Plans include brick pavers, a pedestal for the monument, and natural stone landscaping features that will create a mini-plaza for reflection around the monument. We look forward to hosting opening the newly improved space in a couple of weeks.
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Loyola University Telecom Work Incoming
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After hearing concerns from residents through community surveys of 2024 and 2025, Loyola University will be conducting telecommunication cabling work on the west side of Sheridan Rd to bring upgraded lighting and safety features to the 1200 block of West Loyola Avenue.
The next phase of this work will take place south of the L-embankment from mid-June until mid-July. For intermittent short periods of time, commuters and pedestrians should be aware of temporary sidewalk closures and temporary vehicle lane closures as crews push cable under the street from east-to-west; seen as a red line in the above diagram. Please exercise caution and awareness in the area once construction begins.
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Kilmer Nature Play Area Construction Ongoing
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Just to the west of Kilmer Elementary, the school’s new playground is taking shape! There will be two separate play areas with age-appropriate equipment, funded by CPS, 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 our Participatory Budgeting process. Already, the entire space has been fenced off and the old play equipment removed, with the full project scheduled for completion in time for the fall semester. There will be a temporary No Parking restriction during work hours on the east side of N Bosworth, directly in front of the playlot, while construction is in effect. The result will be a wonderful asset both to Kilmer students and to the surrounding community!
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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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Rogers Park Baptist Church Picnic Today
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Join the Rogers Park Baptist Church on Saturday, July 18, for a church picnic from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.! This will be a community-oriented event, filled with food, fellowship, and fun. Stop by 1900 W Greenleaf Ave for a great outdoor community event!
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Culture of Safety Workshop Today
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Join Culture of Safety on Saturday, July 18th, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. for their next self-defense workshop. Learn how to feel and be safer, stronger, and more self-confident through their empowerment-based workshop. This workshop includes both physical resistance skills to slow down an attacker and get away to safety, as well as communication strategies to deter violence before it starts. Workshops are always interactive, engaging, accessible for all bodies and abilities, LGBTQIA-affirming, and trauma-informed. Open to adults of all genders and gender identities (age 17+). Sliding Scale pricing! Register online: https://bit.ly/CoSSelfDefense26
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Jarvis Square Flea Market July 19
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On July 19, Jarvis Square (Jarvis/Greenview) will be hosting a vintage flea market from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Entrance is free for attendees. Email [email protected] to sign up.
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24th District Council Meeting July 19
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The next meeting for the 24th District Council will be held on Sunday, July 19, at 3:00 p.m. in the Indo American Center (6328 N California). Attendees will hear about CPD's request for open comment on their use-of-force suite of directives. You can join this hybrid meeting via Zoom at https://bit.ly/DC24-JULY2026. 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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Tree Identification Walk July 19
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Want to learn more about trees? Join local arborist Carl Hament for a walking tour through Leone and Loyola parks, where he will point out characteristics of the many diverse species present and give tips for tree identification. Participants will meet at 1222 W. Touhy, close to the entrance to the oak savannah/prairie at the Leone Beach Park fieldhouse. The event will start at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 19. Registration is not required for this fantastic free event!
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Rogers Park Library July & August Events
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Still figuring out fun things to do this summer? Check out the Rogers Park Library (6907 N Clark St) for the above events, all of which are free to the community!
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Dance In The Parks July 24
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Dance in the Parks will be performing a FREE, professional dance concert at Touhy Park (7348 N Paulina) on Friday, July 24th, at 6:30 p.m.! The show features seven professional dancers performing six world‑premiere contemporary dance works by Chicago choreographers. The professional company will be joined by youth guest dancers from Synapse Arts. This family‑friendly, come‑as‑you‑are performance invites casual viewing, curious newcomers, and joyful dancing‑along from your lawn chair or blanket. Pack a picnic, grab a seat, and join them for an evening of dance in your park!
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2026 Youth Voice, Real Change Summit July 25
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Are you 14-19 with big ideas and a passion for making a difference? Great news! Registration is now open for the 2026 Youth Voice, Real Change Summit, hosted by the Mayor's Youth Commission!
This dynamic event invites young Chicagoans ages 14-19 to come together for an inspiring afternoon of youth-led discussion, networking, and opportunities to make their voices heard. This event will be on Saturday, July 25, at the UIC Student Center East (750 S. Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60607). Lunch, snacks, and drinks will be provided. Youth attendees will have a chance to win 4-day general admission Lollapalooza wristbands!
Any interested youth must register by July 17. Space is limited.
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JASC Senior Health & Wellness Fair July 30
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Join the Japanese American Service Committee and the Chicago Mabuhay Centennial Lions Club for a senior health and wellness fair on Thursday, July 30. From 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., attendees will receive healthcare education, enjoy refreshments, and learn more about the many resources available to the senior community. Stop by JASC (5700 N Lincoln Ave) to learn more!
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Latin Social Dances Until August 25
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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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Hope's Kitchen Free Meal August 4
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Join Hope's Kitchen, located at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church (2727 W Winona St), for a free home-cooked meal on Tuesday, August 4, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. All are welcome at this community meal!
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Culture of Safety Summer Offerings
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Looking for last-minute enriching activities for youth and teens during the 2-week post-camp August break? Culture of Safety still has spots in both of their August camps:
- Karate Basics & Board Breaking Camp (8/3-8/7) for kids ages 6-14
- Youth and Teen Empowerment Camp (8/10-8/14) for kids ages 10-16
Youth and teens will learn and practice emotional regulation strategies, tools for developing self-confidence, team-building skills, and more. Youth also learn and practice a variety of physical skills--learning empowerment through embodiment. As a queer/trans/non-binary run business, CoS openly encourages trans, gender-questioning, gender-nonconforming kids (and kids with queer or trans parents) to register. Allies are always welcome. All Culture of Safety camps are neurodivergent-friendly and LGBT-affirming. Immigrants welcome! Registration and more info: https://bit.ly/COSSummer26
Additionally, don't forget to check out these weekly wellness offerings:
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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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Purchase A Square For Chalkfest
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Chalk Howard Street is back! This vibrant event invites national and local street artists, neighbors, families, and art lovers to transform Howard Street in Rogers Park into a creative canvas. Want to be part of transforming Howard Street? Express your creativity by purchasing a 4’ x 4’ square for $25. Chalkfest will be on Saturday, August 22, from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. on Howard Street between Paulina & Ashland. Learn more here!
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Hamdard Health Alliance Substance Use Recovery Available
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If you are interested in assistance with substance use recovery, Hamdard Health Alliance now offers a substance use disorder program with immediate availability for individuals to schedule an appointment with their providers. To learn more about this treatment and recovery services, call 773-465-4600 or visit hamdardhealth.org.
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Howard Evanston Community Center Summer Offerings
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The Howard Evanston Community Center will have several free classes available this summer, including English classes in a variety of languages, GED classes, and healthcare classes. Click here for English/GED classes, which open June 29, and here for the healthcare class, open now through July 24.
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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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Center for Research on Child Development Seeking Interested Families
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Loyola University Chicago's Center for Research in Child Development is looking for interested families to volunteer for paid research studies on infant and toddler development. Participants will earn $40 per visit. You can learn more and volunteer 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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For Youth By Youth Presents: Seedfolks
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For Youth By Youth Theatre will be showing Seedfolks, an outdoor play that brings immigrant stories to life. This engaging, family-friendly show will take place at Hello Howard Community Garden (7519 N Ashland Ave) at 2:30 p.m. on July 25 and July 26. Learn more here.
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Midsommar Presents: As You Like It
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Midsommer Flight is excited to return to Touhy Park this year for their 14th season of free Shakespeare in the park as part of Night Out in the Parks. Shakespeare's As You Like It will tour for free to six Chicago parks this summer, including our very own Touhy Park (7348 N Paulina) on July 31, August 1, and August 2. All performances are at 6:00 p.m. Bring blankets, chairs, and picnics. The show runs 100 minutes with no intermission.
Midsommar Flight will also be coordinating with the Chicago Board of Elections to have a Voter Registration table on site at all Friday evening performances. More info about the production, including a link to make a free reservation, is on their website at https://midsommerflight.com/as-you-like-it-2026/
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Factory Theater Presents: Two Out Of Three Falls
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In 1988, wrestling legend King Kong Bruiser was murdered. His killer walked away clean. In 2019, Johanna Goodish, daughter of the Bruiser, can’t seem to step out of his shadow. So she’s going to do the one thing that might shake off the ghost: she’s going to kill the man who killed her dad. And she’s going to do it in the middle of the ring, live on pay-per-view.
Show dates: June 11-July 18, Thursday, Friday & Saturday @ 8:00 pm
You can purchase tickets here!
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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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Muslim Civic Coalition Internship Available
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The Muslim Civic Coalition offers a robust internship experience for young adults interested in civic engagement, advocacy, policy, research, and community leadership! Interns will gain hands-on experience in community organizing, legislative advocacy, strategic communication, coalition building, and so much more. Current college students, recent graduates, and young adults passionate about civic engagement are encouraged to apply. Learn more and apply here.
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Firefighter for a Day Application Open
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Are you interested in becoming a firefighter, but want to know what the job entails? Great news! The Chicago Fire Department’s Community Outreach, Recruitment, Diversity, and Inclusion Unit, also known as the CORDI Unit, is excited to share upcoming dates for their Firefighter for a Day program.
Firefighter for a Day is a free, hands-on career exposure program designed to introduce youth and young adults to careers in fire service, including opportunities as firefighters and paramedics. This program gives participants a meaningful look inside the work of the Chicago Fire Department while helping them build confidence, ask questions, and explore public safety careers in a supportive environment.
Young Adult Sessions (Ages 18 to 30)
- Thursday, July 30, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
All sessions will be held at the Robert J. Quinn Fire Academy located at 558 W. DeKoven Street, Chicago, IL 60607. The program is free, but registration is required.
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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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Sullivan Summer Program Opportunities
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Are you a student still looking for something to do this summer? Sullivan High School (6631 N Bosworth) has plenty of art, sports, college prep, and other kinds of activities available! Check about the above flyers and try something new this summer!
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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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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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It's summertime, which means trees need care more than ever! Check out these tips from the Urban Forestry Advisory Board on proper tree care:
- Proper mulching is one of the simplest ways to care for a tree. Follow the 3-3-3 Rule: apply mulch 3 inches deep, in a 3-foot-wide circle, while keeping it 3 inches away from the trunk. This creates a donut-shaped mulch ring that helps trees thrive. Avoid creating "mulch volcanoes" by piling mulch against the trunk. Excess mulch around the base of a tree can trap moisture against the bark, encourage decay, promote circling roots, and create conditions favorable to pests and diseases. Spending a few minutes flattening a mulch volcano into a donut-shaped ring can help prevent common tree health issues and support long-term growth.
- To support healthy growth and establishment, provide 10–15 gallons of water each week at the base of the tree—about 2–3 five-gallon buckets. Water slowly and deeply so the moisture penetrates the soil and reaches the developing roots rather than running off the surface. During drought periods, watering can also help established trees stay healthy.
More information can be found here.
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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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CCPSA Public Meeting July 30
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Mark your calendars! The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability's next monthly public meeting will be held on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at the Copernicus Center (5216 W. Lawrence Ave.).
The Commission has invited the Chicago Police Department to provide a presentation on its Community Policing Assessment and Workforce Allocation Study, including how the Department is reviewing recommendations and planning for implementation. The meeting will also include opportunities for public comment and updates on the Commission's ongoing work.
You can register to attend via Zoom 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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49th Ward School Supply Drive Through July 30th
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Help support our students by donating school supplies! Our office is hosting a school supply drive in collaboration with State Representative Kelly Cassidy's Office, State Senator Mike Simmons' Office, and C24/7 Father’s Arms Ministries, starting Monday, June 15th, through Thursday, July 30th. All items must be sealed or brand new.
You can stop by our offices any time between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday to drop off donations:
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49th Ward Office: 1447 W Morse Ave
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State Representative Kelly Cassidy Office: 1507 W Morse Ave
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C24/7 Office: 1543 W Howard St (between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday)
All supply donations will be distributed at our 49th Ward Back to School Bash on August 8th at Willye B White Park. More details regarding this event will be published later in July.
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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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Homegrown Purchase Assistance Program
Open June 8
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Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Department of Housing have announced the HomeGrown Purchase Assistance Program, which aims to help low- and moderate-income Chicagoans achieve homeownership by providing direct financial support. The HomeGrown program will provide up to $70,000 in forgivable grants to eligible homebuyers to purchase a 1-2 unit home in Chicago.
Applications for the HomeGrown program are open. You can learn more and apply here.
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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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