|
|
|
|
|
WARD SERVICE OFFICE
1447 W. MORSE AVE
CHICAGO, IL 60626
773-338-5796
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Good morning neighbors,
The biggest winter storm system in 40 years is impacting most of the continental United States over this weekend. Snow and ice is expected for areas of the country that aren't accustomed to it and could cause a lot of damage and severely stress our power grid. I'm hoping for minimum impact for our neighbors in the South and Southwest. Locally, the storm system has brought us arctic temps with the extreme cold that can be dangerous. Check out the special newsletter from earlier this week for info on .
This week also was our first City Council meeting of the year. We honored Holocaust Remembrance Day and handled several items of regular business. You can watch the record of the meeting . For Holocaust Remembrance Day, Holocaust survivor Yvonne Aronson joined us in recounting her story of survival. In multiple visits to the , I've been fortunate to hear the stories of other survivors both in person and through the virtual records that the Museum has painstakingly collected and preserved over the years.
In my remarks from the Council floor on Tuesday, I thanked Ms. Aronson for sharing her story because it's from stories of survivors like her that we've learned why it's so important that we take action every day to fight the political violence being perpetrated from the White House in our country. Anti-semitism, anti-Blackness, and anti-Immigrant hate are at the foundation of the white supremacist policies that are being used to tear apart our cities and our country right now. Holocaust Remembrance Day demands, "never again," and urges action in the face of fascist threats. Now is the time for action and we all have the responsibility to live up to this challenge.
We'll have more info about some of the policy items from the January meeting in our legislative newsletter later this week.
Have a safe and restful weekend,
Alderwoman Maria Hadden
|
|
|
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
-NEED TO KNOW INFO - alerts, services, and government resources
- ROGERS PARK ARTS - events, theatre, and other public arts news
- YOUTH SHINE IN 49 - school news, scholarship opportunities, and youth employment offerings
- COMMUNITY AID - organizational and personal requests for support,
- VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES - Opportunities to give back to the community
- EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES - link to the employment opportunities section of our website
|
|
|
Celebrations & Appreciations
|
|
First City Council of 2026
|
|
|
On Wednesday, the City Council met for our first meeting of 2026, which was also my first time back in council in person since my medical leave began. I was delighted to get back to City Hall and work alongside my colleagues on maintaining our city government and fighting for legislation that helps the people of Chicago. For more details on how Wednesday's session went, be sure to check out our committee newsletter or access the
|
|
Happy Birthday Alderwoman Hadden
|
|
|
On Tuesday, Maria celebrated her 45th birthday. Wishing her a wonderful 45th trip around the sun - we hope this year will be the best one yet!
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
Submit Feedback On The 400 Theater Opening
|
|
|
The 400 Theater, formerly the New 400, will be opening at 6746 N Sheridan this year. Currently, residents can share feedback with our office for 35 days, which we will share with the owner. We will be accepting this feedback until Friday, February 6th. If you wish to share your thoughts on this theater, please email our Infrastructure and Communications Coordinator, Zach Joseph, at [email protected].
|
|
Recycle Your Holiday Lights With The City
|
|
|
The holidays are over, but as you take down decorations, don't just throw them away! Please drop off your non-working holiday string lights between now and January 29th at our office (1447 W. Morse Ave), and Reduce Waste Chicago will take them to be properly recycled. Be sure your lights are separated from other decor and are free from other packaging. No plastic bags, please!
|
|
Need assistance with snow shoveling this winter?
|
|
|
The 49th Ward is proud to bring back its Snow Squad for this winter season! This program will connect interested volunteers and those who need assistance to shovel walkways and keep sidewalks safe this winter.
If you are a senior or a person living with a disability and you are a 49th Ward resident who needs help with shoveling snow this winter, please complete .
If you would be interested in volunteering to shovel snow for your fellow neighbors, please complete .
Note: This does NOT GUARANTEE snow will be shoveled; rather, our office will share the location you submit with our Snow Squad Volunteers. Once someone is available, they will stop by to shovel for you.
|
|
DWM Sewer Rehabilitation Work
|
|
Neighbors, please be advised that the Department of Water Management (DWM) began a Sewer Lining project on November 24, 2025, and will have 75 calendar days to complete their work. This work will occur on the sewer west of N Greenview Ave from the alley south of W Pratt to W North Shore.
DWM will be sending letters to residents located in the immediate area to provide notification of the work once they begin lining the sewer mains. No parking signs will be posted in the immediate area one workday prior to the start of any scheduled work. It will be necessary to close some lanes, but the streets will remain open to traffic. Work is typically completed during working hours, and Cure In Place Pipe (CIPP) is non-destructive and requires little to no excavation, limiting the impact to residents.
The rehabilitation work includes cleaning the sewers and the installation of CIPP. The installation of CIPP consists of lining the existing sewers and generally does not require excavation, except when repairs are required prior to lining of the sewer main, catch basin lateral connections, catch basin structures, or manhole structures.
Typical work includes the following:
• Main sewer cleaning and televising
• Catch Basin (drainage structures on the curbside) cleaning, televising, and lining of the pipe connections to the main sewer
• Catch Basin and Sewer Manhole structures lining
• Main Sewer Lining immediately followed by the reinstatement of house drain services and catch basin pipe connections
• The lined sewer will be televised to ensure that the work was done properly
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our office at [email protected] or at 773-338-5796.
|
|
Protect RP Community Gathering January 31
|
|
COMMUNITY GATHERING: RESISTANCE & SOLIDARITY
SATURDAY, JANUARY 31 - 10am to noon
New Field School ()
Join Protect RP's community gathering on January 31st to celebrate and continue building Solidarity & Resistance!
What you can do:
- Attend and invite your friends and neighbors!
- . Protect RP is looking for volunteers to help out at the event, AND they are also looking for folks that have attended an ICE Watch training to patrol the event perimeter in brief shifts and make sure attendees feel safe and welcome.
|
|
49th Ward Night with the Ramblers February 3
|
|
|
Watch Loyola Men’s Basketball take on the La Salle Explorers at Gentile Arena (6525 N Sheridan) on Tuesday, February 3 at 7:00 p.m. for 49th Ward Night! Residents of the 49th Ward can get $7.73 tickets in Section 207.
|
|
Dementia Awareness Training February 3
|
|
|
Dementia Friends is hosting a training on how to support and understand neighbors with dementia. The training will be led by a social worker from Rush Hospital's Alzheimer's center to best support those with dementia in local communities. The training will be on Tuesday, February 3, at 6:30 p.m., at the Edgewater Public Library (6000 N Broadway). You can register to attend .
|
|
Northtown Garden Society Speaker February 5
|
|
|
Northtown Garden Society will be hosting a live talk with Edward Warden, COS president and Chicago Nighthawk Project founder, on Thursday, February 5, at 7:00 p.m. at Warren Park (6601 N Western Ave). They will be discussing the Nighthawk and their current status in Chicago. You can attend the event at
|
|
Loyola’s National Girls & Women in Sports Day February 7
|
|
|
Join Loyola Athletics for their annual National Girls & Women in Sports Day event on Saturday, February 7, for a free pregame youth clinic and women’s basketball game vs. VCU! Clinic participants get a free t-shirt and free ticket to the game. The clinic begins at 12:30 p.m. with the game tipping off at 2:00 p.m. at Gentile Arena (6526 N Sheridan).
|
|
Culture of Safety Classes Start January 19
|
|
|
Weekly community Tai Chi classes at Culture of Safety resume Monday, Jan 19th. Start your new year with improved calm, coordination, balance, and more! Classes are on Mondays at 7 p.m., taught by Sifu Rodrigo. Suggested donation of $15/session. Learn more or register online:
|
|
C24/7 Pregnancy Support Group Starts January 26
|
|
|
C24/7 Father's Arms Ministries is partnering with Holding Hope Birthing Services to create a safe and supportive community among pregnant women. C24/7 wants to invite you into a space to unite with others who are walking in the same season as you and bring educational support, as well as emotional support, in your pregnancy journey. You can register at . Please email [email protected] with questions.
|
|
Glenwood Sunday Market Survey
|
|
|
Each year, asks shoppers like you to share feedback on your market experience and the Rogers Park neighborhood. It only takes 2 minutes to complete their short survey. Help them make the market even better! Take the survey .
|
|
14th District Small Business Security Infrastructure Grant Program: Door Entry Control
|
|
|
The 14th District Small Business Security Infrastructure Grant has launched an emergency door-buzzer initiative in response to the fear and disruption caused by recent ICE/CBP operations in local commercial corridors.
Funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and led by State Representative Kelly Cassidy in partnership with Rogers Park Business Alliance (RPBA), the program has already delivered over $320,000 in security support to 45 neighborhood businesses.
You can find more information and apply .
|
|
Rogers Park Library Open Mic Monday Nights
|
|
|
The Rogers Park branch of the Chicago Public Library is now hosting a monthly open mic night! Participants have five to seven minutes to share their creative work with the community, or sit in the audience to cheer on the community. The first open mic night will be on Monday, February 23rd, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the community room of the Rogers Park Library (6907 N Clark St).
|
|
Take the 2025/26 Loyola
Community Engagement Survey
|
|
|
Last year, Loyola invited neighborhood communities to share their priorities and perspectives about the future of Rogers Park and Edgewater. The campus planning team keeps neighborhood priorities in mind as the future of their campus takes shape. This survey revisits key questions to see what’s changed and how they can continue strengthening their relationship to the community. The survey has a deadline of January 31, and you can access it .
|
|
Free Weekday Admission To Art Institute
|
|
|
From now until February 27, Illinois residents enjoy Free Winter Weekdays at the Art Institute. You can reserve your free tickets in advance or stop by the admissions desks on the day of your visit for assistance.
|
|
Free Meditation Beginner Classes
|
|
|
Join Culture of Safety for a FREE Meditation Beginners Series in the samatha tradition. They meet Sundays, 10 am-11:30 am, Jan 11th-March 22nd. Visit them online for more info or the sign up:
|
|
GeNarrations Writing Workshop February 3 and 4
|
|
|
Goodman Theatre will be hosting GeNarrations, a free seven-week writing and performance class at Willye B. White (1610 W Howard), starting on February 3rd and 4th. The class will take place Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. For more information, contact [email protected].
|
|
Events at the Rogers Park Branch Library
|
|
|
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 .
|
|
SNAP Changes Effective February 1
|
|
|
Effective February 1, 2026, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will require work reporting to be eligible for benefits. A Just Harvest and Northside P.O.W.E.R. created these handouts that detail what these new changes entail. Read on to see what will be coming in February.
|
|
|
Applications are now open for three upcoming vacancies on the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA).
Commissioners serving on the are nominated through the District Council’s and appointed by the Mayor. Applications will close on Friday, February 6, 2026.
To access the application and all the relevant materials visit . Any inquiries or comments can be directed to [email protected].
|
|
VACCC Office Hours February 25
|
|
Are you or someone you know a veteran who needs assistance? Stop by during the VACCC's monthly office hours to talk about benefits available to veterans! During office hours, the VACCC will assist with emergency financial services, including help with rent, mortgage payments, utilities, food, transportation, and navigating the wide range of county and community resources designed to support veterans and their families.
Our next office hours will be on Wednesday, February 25th, 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. If you would like to schedule an appointment to speak with the VACC, please complete .
|
|
Be a Vendor in the 2026 Chicago Farmers Markets
|
|
|
Calling all local growers and artisans! Be a part of the 2026 Chicago Farmers Markets season — running May through October across the city. The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs is looking for passionate producers and creators of handmade and natural goods to join their community of vendors. Showcase your craft, connect with your neighbors, and grow your business! Apply now to secure your spot — the deadline is Friday, January 30:
|
|
Apply for DPD Grants by February 13
|
|
The Chicago Department of Planning and Development has two grants available to apply to, each with different funding levels and purposes. You can click the links below to read about each grant, and make sure to apply by the February 13 deadline.
Community Development Grants (CDG):
Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (NOF):
|
|
Greencorps Chicago is Recruiting!
|
|
|
Greencorps Chicago, the City of Chicago’s green industry job training program for individuals with barriers to employment, is hiring! Greencorps Chicago is currently recruiting potential candidates for this year’s Employment & Training Program. During the nine-month program, Greencorps Chicago trainees earn a starting wage of $18.50, and receive practical experience, professional development, and classroom & field training in a variety of environmentally-related jobs with skills that are easily transferable to other industries. Trainees are offered several professional certifications including Defensive Driving, First Aid/CPR, HAZWOPER, OSHA 10-Hour Safety, Chicago Wilderness Prescription Burn Class, and the Illinois Pesticide license. Throughout the program, trainees are supported with wrap-around social services, a stable income, and assistance finding full time employment upon completion of the program.
More information and how to apply can be found on the attached flyer and at .
|
|
OEMC Winter Preparation Tips
|
|
|
The Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) encourages residents to be prepared for the winter season. Public safety is the top priority, and staying safe during the winter months requires taking steps now to winterize our homes and cars and prepare our families when the cold, wind, ice, and snow come our way. You can find the warming center nearest you by visiting the Warming Center Portal ()
|
|
Sidewalk Shoveling Requirements
|
|
As a reminder to all residents and businesses, per the Municipal Code of Chicago, . Many of our neighbors rely on walking and public transportation as their primary way to get around the city. Without a wide, clear path through the snow and ice, it makes it difficult for pedestrians (especially people with disabilities, seniors, and children) to walk to their destination safely.
If you have a neighbor who needs assistance clearing the sidewalk, pitch in to help out!
|
|
March 17 Primary Election Info
|
|
|
A Midterm Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, March 17. Voter registration for the election is currently open, and Vote By Mail applications are now being accepted.
You can register to vote , in person on Election Day, at an early voting site, or . for more information about registering to vote.
Vote-by-mail applications are now available online . The Board of Elections will begin mailing Vote By Mail ballots in February, and you will be able to return your ballot by mail or using one of the secure drop boxes that will be in place at every early voting site.
PLEASE NOTE: You will not automatically receive a new vote-by-mail ballot unless you are already on the permanent vote-by-mail roster. If you want to vote by mail and are not on the permanent roster, you must apply again now. To join the Vote By Mail Permanent Roster, click .
For more information about the upcoming election, visit .
|
|
Become an Election Judge for the March 17 Primary Election
|
|
|
Are you interested in being a poll worker for the March 17, 2026, Midterm Primary Election? Visit to learn more and apply. You must be a US citizen and a registered voter in Cook County - and you can earn up to $230 for your service. If you are bilingual in Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, Polish, Korean or Tagalog, the Board of Elections is requesting your support. Do you know a high school junior or senior with a GPA above 3.0 and an interest in government? Let them know they can serve as an election judge and see how democracy works from behind the polling place curtain.
|
|
DOH Emergency Heating Repair Program Now Available!
|
|
|
The Chicago Department of Housing has launched its Emergency Heating Repair Program (EHRP), which offers income-eligible Chicagoland properties with repairs or replacement of their furnace or boiler. The property must be the homeowner’s primary, owner-occupied residence within the city of Chicago. Qualified contractors perform the work at no cost to the homeowner, with funding provided through the Department of Housing (DOH). For more information on eligibility and applying for the EHRP, call 311 or visit .
|
|
Theatre Above The Law The Princess Bride Reading February 14
|
|
|
Join the Theatre Above the Law ensemble and friends for a one-time only event: The Princess Bride: A Valentine's Reading. This event will be on Saturday, February 14, at 7:30 p.m. Attendees will be treated to dark chocolate-dipped strawberries and champagne before the reading, located at The Jarvis Square Theater (1439 W Jarvis). A themed dinner pairing with Taste Food and Wine is also available. Limited tickets for both available at .
|
|
New Art Center Opening Close to Rogers Park
|
|
|
6311arts is a new Chicago-based art center housing over 3000-square-feet of gallery, retail, and workshop space. Located at 6311 N. Clark St., they are an inclusive center focused on supporting and empowering local artists. The gallery spaces feature rotating exhibitions of work by Chicago’s northside residents, giving them a platform to share their work and reach a wider audience. Artworks include painting, ceramics, sculpture, collage, and woodworking. Check out their website, , to see all the artists represented in the galleries and shop.
|
|
Choose The Theme For Artists of The Wall 2026
|
|
|
The Loyola Park Advisory Council is beginning planning for Artists of the Wall 2026, and they need your help choosing this year’s theme!
|
|
Student Employment Opportunities Available for Summer 2026
|
|
|
WEC Energy Group is hiring interns for summer 2026! If you know a college student looking for work in the energy industry, please direct them to to review available opportunities.
|
|
Pro Bono Therapy for Immigrant & Refugee Communities
|
|
|
A local Chicago student, Kaiyen Arana, recently founded Healing Without Fear, an initiative to provide compassionate, trauma-informed mental health care to individuals and families affected by the current immigration, detention and deportation crisis here in Chicago.
Healing Without Fear is a confidential network of mental health clinicians who volunteer their time and talent to offer pro bono therapy sessions. These sessions are available to children, adolescents, and adults experiencing stress, trauma, or other mental health challenges related to the current immigration, detention, and deportation threats.
HWF is for individuals and families affected by immigration-related stress or concerns about deportation, and consists of at least five therapy sessions (with the possibility of extension), provided by licensed clinicians at no cost. Spanish-speaking therapists are available but in limited quantities. If you or someone you know may benefit from these services, you can contact Healing Without Fear by filling out this . Once a referral form is received, it will be reviewed and forwarded to a volunteer clinician to initiate services.
|
|
Trilogy Winter Clothing Drive 2025
|
|
|
Trilogy Behavioral Healthcare is accepting donations at their Winter Clothing Drive now through February 2026! You can drop off any gently used winter clothing at their building, located at 1400 W Greenleaf Ave.
|
|
State Sen. Mike Simmons Mutual Aid Food Drive
|
|
|
Senator Mike Simmons’ office is accepting donations of non-perishable food, reusable grocery bags, and new toiletries/diapers/cleaning supplies. Drop off donations Monday - Friday from 10 a.m. -3 p.m. at 1040 W Bryn Mawr. For questions, email s[email protected] or call 773-769-1717.
|
|
Loyola University ICE Map Tracker Live!
|
|
|
The Loyola Phoenix, the official student newspaper of Loyola University Chicago, has launched an ICE tracker where constituents can report ICE sightings in the ward. You can access the map and read more about using the map .
|
|
Protecting Chicago Resources Available!
|
|
|
As part of Mayor Johnson's Executive Order 2025-6 Establishing the Protecting Chicago Initiative, the Mayor's Office has launched the Protecting Chicago website, which can be found at: Protecting Chicago aims to make available information and resources that allow every resident—regardless of background, immigration status, or neighborhood—to live with safety, dignity, and peace of mind. This initiative is Chicago’s commitment to promote the well-being of our communities and to safeguard the rights of all Chicagoans.
|
|
Opportunities to Volunteer for Our Office!
|
|
|
Our office needs you! We have a variety of events coming up and will need your help! If you would like to help our office with tabling, flyering and upcoming events you can sign up to volunteer
|
|
Help Senn High School Students With Work-Based Learning!
|
|
|
Invest in the future of our community and connect with students at Senn High School! Senn is looking to connect our motivated students with local professionals for valuable work-based learning and career experiences.
We are compiling a directory of local professionals interested in:
-
Speaking at career day events
-
Mentoring students one-on-one
-
Providing job shadow or internship opportunities (some students may be able to leave school up to two hours early for these experiences)
If you are eager to build partnerships and connect with talented students, please take a moment to share your interest through this quick form:
We look forward to helping students find success within our community. For questions, please reach out to Dr. Fink at [email protected]
|
|
Volunteer to be a Partner In Learning Tutor/Mentor!
|
|
|
Now recruiting volunteers for Family Matters' Partners in Learning one-to-one tutor/mentoring program! Adult volunteer tutors/mentors meet with their individually matched youth partner for one 90-minute session per week. All experience levels are welcome. Program staff create a personalized lesson plan for every session, and all training and materials are provided.
|
|
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!
|
|
|
|
Cook County:
State of Illinois:
|
|
Federal Government:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
