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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,
Happy Independence Day! On our nation's 250th birthday, I can't help but contemplate the challenges that we are facing. Leaders in our government are attacking we the people. In a nation by the people, and for the people this is nothing short of a direct threat to our nation. But we are strong and we are resilient - we shall overcome.
This Independence Day, enjoy the love and diversity of our community. So much of who we are as Rogers Park residents and Chicagoans is what truly makes us great.
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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Today, July 4th, is Independence Day, and the country's 250th birthday! We wish everyone a very happy 4th of July.
There are many ways to stay safe while enjoying the festivities. If you are grilling at the parks, make sure to use the appropriate red bins to dispose of coals. Drink plenty of water and check in on your neighbors who may be vulnerable to the summer heat. Lifeguards will be on duty from 11AM-7PM even during the holiday and we encourage everyone to practice beach safety: only enter the water when there is a lifeguard on duty!
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Leather Archives & Museum Begins Renovations
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Cool news, 49th Ward! The Leather Archives & Museum (6418 N Greenview) was recently featured in Block Club Chicago for its $2.2 million renovation. Our office is thrilled for LA&M's new design and is excited to celebrate the museum once it reopens. Read the article here.
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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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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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Remember: Fireworks are Illegal!
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With the Fourth of July holiday this weekend, our office wants to remind residents that all fireworks are still illegal in Chicago. Leading up to this holiday, residents have complained about the increased use of fireworks. The use of fireworks can cause undue stress and anxiety to our neighbors who struggle with PTSD. They also can cause pets to become easily stressed and anxious. Finally, their usage can be disruptive to our sleep and overall quality of life.
Over the years, we have seen fireworks use evolve from small, personal celebrations to full-on displays in our major parks and schoolyards. This is dangerous and disruptive to many residents' enjoyment of the Independence Day celebrations and can cost taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars in repairs and clean-up. Violations are subject to fines.
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Inaugural 49th Ward Tree Walk Sign-Ups
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Join Alderwoman Hadden and Chicago City Foresters on our first-ever 49th Ward Tree Walk on Friday, July 17th at 8:00 a.m.! We will be joined by Chicago City Foresters on a walk down Greenview Avenue from Morse to Touhy, learning more about our tree canopy.
There are 10 spots available. Please RSVP here only if you are sure you can attend. Spots will be given on a first-come, first-served basis!
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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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1721 W Greenleaf Zoning Change
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On May 28, 2026, the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) Commissioner Ciere Boatright 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 re-use. 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.
Above, you can see the firehouse as it currently stands on the left, and the rendering of the proposed space on the right.
In order for the development team to repurpose the firehouse, the building will need to be rezoned from RT-4 (a primarily-residential zoning designation) to B3-4 (a more business-oriented zoning designation). Alderwoman Hadden wishes to gather the community's feedback on this zoning change to allow for this new café/event space and hear your thoughts on this adaptive reuse proposal.
You can fill out this survey here, which will be open for two weeks and close on Sunday July 5.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our Infrastructure and Communications Coordinator, Zach Joseph, at [email protected], or call our office at 773-338-5796.
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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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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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Glenwood Sunday Market Open
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The Glenwood Sunday Market will be back on Sunday, July 5, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Our favorite market will return 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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Glenwood Ave Arts Fest 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! From August 14 through 16, attendees will get to experience the very best of the Rogers Park art scene, featuring live music, art demonstrations, and, of course, fantastic community. Interested in attending? Learn more here!
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Glenwood Ave Arts Fest Artist Applications Open
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Artist applications are now being accepted for the 25th Annual Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest! The Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest is Rogers Park’s annual outdoor celebration of arts and community, run by a volunteer planning committee to showcase our neighborhood’s arts, talents, and businesses. Interested in applying? Click here: https://gaaf2026.artcall.org/
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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 7/16/26
- Arthur Ave between Bosworth and Glenwood (1400 - 1530 W Arthur) - Scheduled for 7/17/26
- Loyola Ave between Lakewood and Glenwood (1300 - 1400 W Loyola) - Scheduled for 7/17/26
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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Join the Rogers Park Library (6907 N Clark) on Wednesday, July 8, for a house music jam in their community garden. The event will last from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and will feature DJ Nicky D'Vine, a respected DJ, radio personality, and entrepreneur whose passion for house music has made a lasting impact across Chicago, Detroit, Houston, and beyond. As the founder of D’Vine One Enterprises, Nicky D’Vine created more than a social networking group—she built a vibrant community centered around music, culture, connection, and celebration. Bringing together DJs, music lovers, and partygoers alike, D’Vine One Enterprises has become synonymous with good vibes, unforgettable events, and a deep love for house music.
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Artemis Singers Performing July 8 to July 12
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From July 8 - 12, 2026, Artemis Singers, Chicago’s Lesbian Feminist Chorus is hosting a national choral festival at Loyola University.
Power in Harmony will bring together over 950 members of the Sister Singers Network, a cooperative web of feminist choruses, ensembles, composers, arrangers, and individual singers working together to support and enrich the women's choral movement (now expanded to include trans and nonbinary feminists as well). The festival is a rare occasion where a critical mass of voices come together from around the country to participate in daily rehearsals and performances, including a spectacular mass chorus which combines the singers in a stunning collaboration. Learn more at this link.
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Movie at Juneway Beach Park July 9
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Join the Chicago Park District and the Greater Eastlake Terrace Park Advisory Council on Thursday, July 9, for a special outdoor screening of an iconic Chicago movie: Ferris Bueller's Day Off! The movie will begin at dusk at Juneway Beach Park (7751 N Eastlake Terr), and is free for all. For more information, visit the Chicago Park District website.
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Join the Rogers Park Business Alliance for a fun-filled taco crawl and spice up your taste buds!
RPBA is throwing a fiesta for tacos and all the incredible Rogers Park spots along Camino Clark that serve up this beloved handheld treat! Tacos aren't just a meal, they're a cultural treasure and a delicious tribute to Mexico's vibrant culinary heritage. Come and enjoy an afternoon dedicated to tacos, with plenty to savor and celebrate!
Choose from two tempting routes, each showcasing local culinary gems. Limited tickets will be available. The crawl will take place along Clark St. between Devon Ave. and Rogers Ave.
All ticket sales are final. Tickets are non-refundable. Taco Crawl is held rain or shine. Get tickets here!
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Culture of Safety Workshop July 18
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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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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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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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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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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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Join Community Corner Gardens Today
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Do you want to connect with the Earth and help beautify your neighborhood, but aren't sure where to start? A Rogers Park community garden group is looking for neighbors to help maintain and/or expand corner gardens around Hoyne, Seeley, Damen, Jarvis, Fargo, and Birchwood. For more info, please email [email protected].
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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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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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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.
Youth Session (Ages 13 to 17)
- Friday, July 10, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Young Adult Sessions (Ages 18 to 30)
- Thursday, July 16, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
- 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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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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OEMC Thunderstorm Damage Survey Available
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Cook County’s Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security (EMRS) and the City of Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) are reviewing damage from the severe thunderstorms that occurred between June 10 and June 11, 2026, and asking that residents who have been impacted by these storms submit an initial damage assessment.
EMRS and OEMC are partnering with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency – Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) to compile additional information. This supplemental information will help determine if the County, along with partners at OEMC and IEMA-OHS, can pursue any options for additional assistance for residents. The objective of this survey is to help State and local emergency management officials across Illinois identify and gain an understanding of the damages that occurred during recent natural disaster activity. Reporting damages to emergency management is voluntary. It is not a substitute for reporting damage to your insurance agency and does not guarantee disaster relief assistance.
To fill out a survey, please visit the Illinois Residential Self-Assessment Survey online.
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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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