33RD WARD WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - DECEMBER 5, 2025 |
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Dear 33rd Ward Community,
I hope that all of you were able to enjoy time last week with the special people in your lives. My staff and I enjoyed welcoming so many neighbors into our office leading up to the holiday weekend, and certainly appreciated time together with our friends and family, and in particular, time to appreciate our community. As the holiday season progresses, we recognize that so many of our neighbors are experiencing hardship and are in need of extra support this year.
As the weather turns toward extreme cold, we have set up a table in our 33rd Ward Office to distribute free hats, gloves, ear warmers, and other helpful winter gear while supplies last. These supplies were provided by a generous donation, and I continue to appreciate the spirit of community care that unites our communities. |
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I also want to highlight three resources for finding additional clothing, food, and meals throughout the ward. My office has developed an interactive map of local food banks, free meals, and donation drives, including hours and days of operation. The North River Commission has also developed a map with additional information, which can be viewed here. Lastly, you can view a citywide Mutual Aid Map by clicking here. Thank you to everyone for your attention to organizing this information so that it is accessible to everyone in need!
This upcoming week, the 33rd Ward’s Seniors Program, the Sage Brigade, will be hosting their annual holiday art-making event at the ward office starting at 11:00am. The Sage Brigade collects art made by students at local schools, and combines the art into poster board displays to deliver to local seniors for the holidays.
Front Porch Christmas will also be hosting their annual event next weekend on the 3800 block of N Sacramento Ave, beginning at 1pm. Come collect gifts and visit with Santa! You can learn more about Front Porch Christmas by clicking here. There are many other opportunities to meet Santa or celebrate the holidays with our local schools, local businesses, and neighbors posted below in the newsletter, with more updates to come through the coming weeks, so stay tuned! |
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Lastly, I would like to send a reminder that many of us, our friends, and our families experience illness throughout this time of year. It is very important, especially when our federal government is hard at work spreading false information about vaccinations and public health, to talk with each other about the need to visit a doctor for up-to-date vaccinations and check-ups. Our public health department provides free immunizations at city clinics, including flu, Covid, and MPox vaccines. You can learn more by clicking here.
Our health department has also invested in preventing the spread of new HIV infections. On December 1 of each year, we recognize World AIDS Day, which was established to bring awareness to the ongoing efforts to eliminate HIV and AIDS from our communities. Sadly, as access to treatment and access to local, culturally competent clinics becomes more restricted due to limited funding and the increased pressures on more of our neighbors experiencing poverty, we are seeing new HIV infections on the rise in Chicago.
My office is available as a resource to you or your loved ones if you have questions about how to get tested and where to get tested. Our health department also provides these services, free of charge, including counseling and therapy. You can learn more about the city’s sexual health services by clicking here, and mental health clinics by clicking here.
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Thank you for doing this work with me. You can always contact my office if you have any questions. We are here to help. |
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In solidarity, Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez 33rd Ward Alderperson |
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The 33rd Ward Office is now a distribution site for Gun Safety Locks.
Locks are available free of charge by visiting our office at 4747 N Sawyer Ave. |
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The 33rd Ward Office has a new stock of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. They are available free of charge by visiting our office at 4747 N Sawyer Ave. |
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33RD WARD OFFICE INFORMATION |
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Event details are listed in the newsletter below. December 5 — Free Community Meal, Gather Together at Christ Lutheran Church, 5:30-7pm December 6 — Citizenship Workshop, 8:30am - 3:00pm, Appointment only: 773-384-4370 December 7 — Canvass Local Businesses with Know Your Rights information - 10am, RSVP for location December 7 — Free - Silent Movie Night - River Park, 3pm December 10 - 17th Police District Council Public Meeting, 6:30pm, Horner Park or on Zoom December 11 — Sage Brigade - Annual Holiday Art Making Event for Senior Buildings, 11am - 12:30pm at the 33rd Ward Office, 4747 N Sawyer Ave - Supplies Provided. December 11 — Quarterly Community Briefing with Congresswoman Delia Ramirez, 1:00pm - Register HERE to receive the Zoom link
December 13 — Front Porch Christmas, 1pm, 3800 N Sacramento, https://www.facebook.com/frontporchchristmas December 13 — Breakfast and Photos with Santa, 8am - 11am, Cleveland Elementary, 3121 W Byron St - Buy Tickets Here: https://friendsofcleveland.square.site/ December 14 — Free Community Meal, Queen of Angels Church, 6-7pm December 14 — Free Holiday Concert, 2:00pm, Irving Park Lutheran Church December 14 — Free - Park District “Do-It Yourself” Nutcracker, River Park, 3pm December 15 — Neighbor Night at the 33rd Ward Office; Appointments available by email at [email protected] from 4:30-5:30pm; Guest presentation at 5:30pm
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Property Tax Payment Plan Through County TreasurerAvailable December 16 at cookcountytreasurer.com
Property owners unable to pay their tax bills in full by Dec. 15, should look at our free online financial planning tool that helps you make smaller, more manageable payments over time. The calculator lets you: Set up a schedule to pay off a tax bill in smaller increments instead of all at once. Choose between making payments once or twice a month. Create a personalized plan for catching up on delinquent taxes if you owe more than $100.
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Support Our Local Businesses
We know many neighbors are choosing to stay in during this difficult time, and we understand safety comes first. At the same time, our local businesses, corner stores, restaurants, and shops are feeling the impact of the recent attacks on our community. If you’re able, please consider supporting them in ways that feel safe for you, whether by ordering takeout or delivery, shopping online from them, or picking up from a trusted spot. Every gesture of support helps keep these community anchors strong while we look out for one another. |
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Immigrant Rights and Deportation Defense Resources: If you see immigration enforcement or suspect immigration enforcement, first call the Family Support Network (FSN) at 855-435-7693. We encourage you to save this number in your phone. |
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VOLUNTEER WITH THE WARD OFFICE |
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Volunteer with the 33rd Ward OfficeJoin us in strengthening our community! We are excited to offer a range of community engagement opportunities with our office. Whether you’re passionate about connecting neighbors or eager to make a positive impact, we’d love for you to volunteer with us. Help us build bridges and foster a stronger, more connected community. Your involvement can make a real difference.
Our office maintains several programs for neighbors to come together to care for each other and to learn about resources available to our communities. You can sign up to volunteer with our office by filling out our volunteer form by clicking here. |
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The Community Choice Awards Are Back!Deadline: December 15
Save the Date for the Award Ceremony Thursday, February 26, 2026 | 6–9 PM |
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Canvass Local Business to share Know Your Rights informationDecember 7 at 10am Registration required to receive the location: Register |
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Neighbor NightUpcoming Neighbor Night: December 15
Join the 33rd Ward Office for our upcoming Neighbor Night hosted at our office at 4747 N Sawyer Ave. Neighbor Nights offer appointments with the Alderperson between 4:30-5:40pm by appointment only. Call or email our office for an appointment at 773-840-7880 or [email protected]. Beginning at 5:30 we will have a guest presentation from the Department of Planning and Development regarding the Irving Park Road Study. All are welcome to join.
Come hear from DPD about the Irving Park Road Study, which is a planning effort to asses the existing conditions along Irving Park Road and develop a framework plan. Learn more at the website: https://www.chicago.gov/.../irving-park-road-study/home.html
The Neighbor Nights are an effort by the 33rd Ward Office to create opportunities for organizations in our ward to teach neighbors about their work and help people get involved. Meetings with the alderwoman are available by appointment only by emailing [email protected]. |
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Participatory BudgetingIf you would like to volunteer for this year’s Participatory Budgeting committee to review project proposals and develop our ballot, of if you would like to submit ideas for consideration by our PB committee, you can do so at our website: www.33rdward.org |
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Sage Brigade - Annual Holiday Art Making Event for Senior Buildings
December 11 from 11am - 12:30pm 33rd Ward Office, 4747 N Sawyer Ave |
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33rd Ward Snow Shoveling ProgramYou can sign up to help a neighbor with their snow shoveling or sign up to ask for help by filling out the form by clicking here, calling our office at 773-840-7880, or emailing our office at [email protected]. We will help to pair you with a neighbor for the duration of the winter season. |
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Community Driven Zoning and Development
Please follow our Facebook and other social media accounts for the most up to date notices on public meetings and input surveys regarding zoning changes in the ward. You can also regularly check our Zoning page on our website by clicking here. |
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Current Proposals in Review3039 W Irving Park Rd – Project Website Status: In Community Review - Deadline to submit comments is Dec. 19. Application Type: Type 1 Change Request: B3-1 to B2-3 |
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INFRASTRUCTURE ANNOUNCEMENTS |
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Snow Parking In Effect from December 1 - April 1Winter Overnight Parking Ban The City's Winter Overnight Parking Ban helps ensure public safety each winter by allowing emergency vehicles and public transportation to move freely, and reducing hazardous conditions for motorists, pedestrians and other travelers. The ban is enforced on 107 miles of vital arterial streets from 3 am to 7 am starting December 1st through April 1st, regardless of snow.
Signage is permanently posted along the affected routes. DSS also posts flyers on cars parked on the streets affected by the parking ban as an additional reminder before restrictions begin.
Cars left parked on these designated roadways obstruct the path of snowplows and prevent routes from being fully plowed and salted when it snows. Violators of the parking ban will be towed and face a minimum $150 towing fee, a $60 ticket, and a storage fee of $25 per day. Vehicles in violation of the ban will be towed to Pounds 2 (10301 S. Doty Ave.) or 6 (701 N. Sacramento).
Two-Inch Parking Ban A separate snow related parking ban exists for another 500 miles of main streets and can be activated after there are at least two inches of snow on the street, no matter the time of day or the calendar date. While the 2” inch snow ban is not activated often, motorists who are parked there when it snows could receive a ticket or find that their vehicle has been relocated in order to facilitate snow clearing operations. |
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ChiStreetWorksWondering what construction is taking place near you? Try the ChiStreetWork tool which allows you to view all the construction work happening anywhere in Chicago. The ChiStreetWork tool allows you to view all the active and permitted construction work taking place near you. You are also able to opt into updates to receive real-time notifications related to construction work. |
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Grid-Based Tree TrimmingCurrent Grid Area: N044 - W032 — 3300 Block of W. Eastwood
Outside of Grid Area: 4800 Block of N. Albany
The Bureau of Forestry is no longer receiving individual tree trimming requests and has shifted to a grid-based maintenance schedule similar to the street sweeping schedule. You can view the map here. If you’re worried about the immediate safety of the area around a given tree due to its conditions, you can reach out to 311 or our office so the appropriate service request can be made. |
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ANNOUNCEMENTS AND RESOURCES |
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Provide Input on the Irving Park Road StudyDecember 6–7 and 13–14, from 11 AM–4 PM At the Merry Market, 4842 W Irving Park Rd.
Department of Planning and Development will be gathering community input for the Irving Park Road Study, which is currently assessing existing conditions across several focus areas between California Avenue (east) and Overhill Avenue (west). Phase One of the study is exploring opportunities to: Increase residential choices Promote land uses that support access to bus and rail transit Ensure new development fits well with nearby lower-scaled residential areas Strengthen pedestrian connections to open space and transit stops
Attendees are encouraged to stop by the DPD table to learn more and share their ideas for the future of the corridor. Sign up to receive email alerts at: https://cloud.citynews.chicago.gov/IrvingPark More information about the Merry Market: www.portageparkchamber.org/merry-market |
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CTA and CDOT Seeking Input on “Bus Priority Corridor Study"Upcoming Virtual Meeting:
Monday, December 8, from 6 – 7:30pm
Learn more and RSVP
CTA and CDOT are collecting community feedback and input on potential design concepts that will aim to make bus travel faster, more convenient, and more comfortable on five key corridors across the city, including: Pulaski Road (from Peterson to 87th) Western Avenue (from Howard to 79th) Cottage Grove Avenue (from 35th to 115th) Fullerton Avenue (from Grand/Nordica to Halsted) 55th Street/Garfield Boulevard (from Cicero to South Hyde Park)
Visit the Bus Priority Corridor Study project webpage for more information. |
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Quarterly Community Briefing with Congresswoman Delia RamirezThursday, December 11th at 1:00pm CST. Register HERE to receive the Zoom link
Quarterly, Congresswoman Ramirez gathers stakeholders to share the latest updates about her work in Congress, answer questions you may have about the federal government, and outline ways to engage with our office. |
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Citizenship Workshop with Congresswoman Delia RamirezSaturday, December 6th, 8:30am - 3:00pm Call to reserve an appointment |
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Free Meal - “Gather Together”
December 5, 5:30-7pm
Christ Lutheran Church |
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Free Holiday Concert
Sunday, December 14 at 2:00pm
Irving Park Lutheran Church, 4100 N. Harding Avenue.
Join us for Eclectic Holidays, a vocal performance featuring Tamara Bodnar, Stephanie Stockstill and Christopher Richard, accompanied by Roger Bingaman on piano. Our Eclectic Holidays concert will feature a joyous collection of holiday favorites and some not-so-well-known numbers including a set of songs from the American Music Theater. Festive reception to follow.
The FREE concert is open to all ages and parking is available in the lot at Pulaski & Belle Plaine. We hope you will join us to celebrate the holidays!
For more information on this concert, and the Irving Park Fine Arts Concert Series, please visit our website at: https://carlsoncommunityservices.org/programs/fine-arts/this-season/ |
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ESL Classes at Cleveland! We are partnering with Truman College to offer another semester of ESL Classes! Classes will begin on Tuesday, January 13th at 9:30am-12:30pm for 16 weeks. We ask that all folks that are interested come to the Parent University on Wednesday, December 10th for on-site registration. More information can be found in the flyer attached |
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Coffee and Canvas Series!Join us for another session of Cafecito and Canvas on Tuesday December 16th! Enjoy a warm cup of cafecito, good company, and let your inner artist shine as we paint, sip, and connect. Registration is required and the QR code can be found in the flyer below |
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Family Literacy Program to Improve English LiteracyCommunity Integration at RICS-Refugee and Immigrant Community Services is excited to share about our Family Literacy Program that supports parents and pre-school aged children who are learning English. |
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Throwing a Sustainable Partyhttps://www.chicagoenvironmentalists.org/sustainable-parties Want your group gatherings to be more eco-friendly? From the invitations to the food to the decor, this Sustainable Party guide has some hot tips for minimizing environmental impact and waste, and can also save you money and storage space in the process. Even if you’re not throwing the party, there is also a section on being a sustainable guest. Be sure to check it out!
Sustainable Giftinghttps://www.chicagoenvironmentalists.org/sustainable-gift-guide There are plenty of ways to show love for family and friends while minimizing your waste and overall environmental footprint! This sustainable gifting guide will give you some great Chicago-specific ideas that can save you money and support local sustainable businesses over big box stores. Check it out! Graphic: Attached |
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Holiday Sing AlongDecember 13, 3:00-4:00pm Renewed Hope Methodist Church, 3100 W Wilson Ave |
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St Mary of Providence is Hiring |
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Registration Opening for Park VoyagersDecember 8 Register Online: tinyurl.com/RiverPV
Bringing Museum Fun to Parks! Join us this Winter to discover the fun of Chicago's World-Class Museums through engaging hands-on activities and projects run by Museum Educators! This Program is FREE, but registration is required. |
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Rickover Naval Academy School Play |
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Rickover Naval Academy Winter Arts and Crafts Fair |
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Irving Park Food Pantry Toy DriveAccepting Donations until December 13 |
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APMA Game NightJanuary 31, from 5:30 - 9:00pm
3600 W Irving Park Road |
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Albany Park Mutual Aid - Winter Gear Drive
3000 W Lawrence Ave Drop off times: Mondays & Wednesdays 4pm - 8pm; Saturdays 12pm - 4pm |
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Roosevelt High School - Holiday Help Drive |
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Trilogy - Winter Clothing Drive
We are accepting donations through Feburary 2026
Drop-off locations: Rogers Park- 1400 West Greenleaf Ave. Albany Park - 3737 West Lawrence Ave. Chatham - 8541 S. State St. (Wednesday only 8:30am to 5:00pm)
As temperatures fall, many struggle to access warm clothing. Trilogy aids adults and children with a mental illness and seeks donations of gently used winter clothing (coats, hats, gloves and winter boots), particularly larger sizes.
Your generosity can enhance their dignity and well-being. Let's collectively spread warmth and kindness in our community! |
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Breakfast with Santa Fundraiser (With Photos!)December 13, 8am - 11am Grover Cleveland Elementary, 3121 W Byron St
Buy Tickets Here: https://friendsofcleveland.square.site/
Bring your families for a delightful morning filled with joy and wonder. Join us for Breakfast with Santa Claus, where children can share their holiday wishes, enjoy a delicious breakfast, and revel in the magic of the season
Adult Meal: $15.00 (any person over the age of 11) - All you can eat Kids Meal: $10.00 (any person under the age of 10) - All you can eat |
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December Hot-Meals To-Go ScheduleEvery Thursday from 12:00 - 1:30pm St. Nicolai United Church, 3000 N Kedzie
All food will be given on a first-come, first-served basis. No ID or registration necessary. |
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Free Community Meals - Second SundaySunday, December 14, from 6-7pm Holy Family Hall (basement of Queen of Angels Church), 2330 W. Sunnyside.
The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul invites you and the members of your household to a new free Community Meal. Come, relax, and share a hot meal with other members of the community! Pick up a to-go bag with a packed lunch to eat the next day.
If you have questions, please call the Queen of Apostles Parish Office at 773-539-7510. Leave a message and the team will call you back. |
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Our 33rd Ward Office maintains resources pages on our website as a helpful starting point for anyone that needs support. We are also available by phone call or email to help you explore any options that work best for you.
If for any reason our office is unavailable, please call 2-1-1 or visit www.211metrochicago.org. 2-1-1 is a hotline that is staffed 24/7 by trained resources navigators to help you find information and programs related to a wide variety of needs including utility billing relief and housing assistance. |
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Albany Park Mutual Aid - Free StoreLocated at 3000 W. Lawrence
Hours: Mondays 5-9pm, Wednesdays 5-9pm, Saturdays 12-4pm
You can learn more about Albany Park Mutual Aid, support their work, or find help at www.albanyparkmutualaid.com. |
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Free Narcan and Drug Test Strips Available at Our Ward Office
They are available free of charge by visiting our office at 4747 N Sawyer Ave. |
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Free Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors Available at Our Ward OfficeThey are available free of charge by visiting our office at 4747 N Sawyer Ave. |
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Free Gun Safety Locks Available at Our Ward OfficeLocks are available free of charge by visiting our office at 4747 N Sawyer Ave. |
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Connect with our local Chamber of CommerceSign up for the Albany Park Chamber of Commerce newsletter by clicking here. |
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Monthly Newsletter for “Service Members, Veterans, their Families, and Supporters”We are happy to feature the following community-managed resources guides for service members, veterans, their families, and supporters including events and services for veterans in Chicago and surrounding municipalities. Please email: [email protected] to be added to their monthly emails. You can view this month’s updates, a calendar, and fliers by clicking here. |
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Meet our 33rd Ward Office Staff Veronica Tirado-Mercado, Chief of Staff John Cruz Barcenas, Deputy Chief of Staff Jonathan Nagy, Director of Communications and Policy Rebecca Rios, Director of Infrastructure and Zoning Abraham Espino, Neighborhood and Business Services Coordinator Camila Garcia, Neighborhood Services Intake Coordinator Ariana Aguilar, Neighborhood Services Representative Eric Ramos, Ward Superintendent
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