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May News in the 36th Ward! 💐

Gilbert Villegas Ward 36 📞 773-745-4636 ✉️ [email protected]
Relevance: 1/10

Summary

The May 2024 36th Ward newsletter highlights a series of community events, including a mobile Secretary of State voter‑registration drive on May 30, a senior fashion show on May 31, and a veteran‑resources event on June 4, as well as recent initiatives such as a free clothing boutique, a new street sign honoring Coach Larry Thurm, and weekly clean‑ups. Alderman Villegas announces policy progress on MENA community representation with a new census‑classification ordinance and encourages residents to apply for block‑party permits, block‑builder land purchases, and summer‑job programs. The office also promotes block clubs, safety reminders, and resources for veterans, seniors, and community members.

May News in the 36th Ward! 💐
 
Welcome to the 36th Ward Newsletter!

Our Newsletter is sent out every other Wednesday.
Scroll Down for Upcoming Events, Ward Updates, and Resources!

BELOW: On Saturday May 11, I marched in the Bell Park Baseball Parade! Shoutout to Pastor Erik, Coach Eddie, and Coach Luis for your hard work and dedication to our community. 7 years ago we started with 4 teams, and now we're up to 15!
Kedvale Park Clean-Up ⭐
A beautiful sunny morning with neighbors and community coming together. Thank you to everyone who came out and joined us at Kedvale Park for our Clean Up Day.
Dear Residents:

It's the end of May, and we have more events coming up soon! Every week, my office is hosting Community Events, Clean-Ups, and Celebrations.

Here's a list of our upcoming events in May & an update on our recent events!

36TH WARD UPCOMING EVENTS IN MAY:
(Scroll Down for Flyers & More Info on These Events)

🚗 May 30: Mobile Secretary of State Event with Voter Registration and Driver's License Renewal Services
👕 May 31: 36th Ward Senior Fashion Show Senior Suites
🇺🇸 June 4: Veteran Resources Event at 36th Ward Office

RECENT EVENTS IN THE 36TH WARD:
  • 🧹 Community Clean-Ups: Every Tuesday and Thursday, we have been hosting community clean-ups around the 36th Ward!
  • 👚 36th Ward Free Clothing Boutique: On May 4th, my team hosted a FREE pop-up Clothing Boutique at our 36th Ward Office in Belmont Cragin. Community members shopped for FREE clothing and accessories at our boutique. We're so grateful to everyone who donated their clothes and stopped by to shop! Thank you to The Give N Receive for sponsoring this event at our office. We will host more FREE boutiques later this year, so stay tuned!
  • ⚾️ Honorary Coach Larry Thurm Way Sign Ceremony: On May 4th, we unveiled the new street sign for "Honorary Coach Larry Thurm Way." Coach Larry Thurm left an everlasting impact on the Bell Park community. He started the baseball league at Bell Park in 1985. Throughout his 20 years of running the league, he made the baseball program a vital part of the lives of thousands of young people. That legacy is now enshrined on Oak Park Avenue for generations to come and see. Thank you to the Thurm family, past ball players, coaches, and the community that came out to commemorate Coach Thurm this past weekend!

Want to host a Community-Clean Up on Your Block?
This Spring, we are hosting Community Clean-Ups EVERY Tuesday & Thursday from 5-7pm. Call our office at 773-745-4636 to schedule a Clean-Up on your block!

To learn more about clean-ups happening around the 36th Ward & sign up to volunteer, fill out the form at bit.ly/volunteersvillegas! We will then send you more info about upcoming cleanups & where to meet. 💪

Lastly, summer is right around the corner, so we encourage everyone to start applying & planning for Block Parties. You can find more information below!

Sincerely,
Alderman Gilbert Villegas & the 36th Ward Team
 

WANT TO HOST A BLOCK PARTY?
DON'T WAIT, APPLY NOW!

Start preparing for your Summer Block Parties! ☀️ My staff is ready to assist you with Block Party permits and applications at our 36th Ward Offices in West Town and Belmont Cragin. We have all the info you need BELOW ⬇️ 

🎪 Apply for a FREE Jumping Jack Inflatable Playground (Bouncy House) for your Block Party! Jumping Jack Registration is NOW OPEN, first come first served. Register & get more info HERE.

⏰ Submit your requests as soon as possible - at least 30 days in advance of your Block Party! The more advance notice we have, the better.

🎉 Apply now for a Permit to host a Block Party. Print the Application HERE. Bring the completed Permit Application to the 36th Ward Office for approval.
  1. Block party permits are for the use of Chicago residents and can only be applied for the street on which they reside.  Businesses or outside organizations should apply for a festival permit.
  2. Block Party Permits will not be issued for more than one (1) day in succession or to close any street for a commercial purpose.
  3. A block party permit will only be issued for a single block (intersection to intersection).
  4. Permits are issued on a first come, first served basis.
📋 Download & Print a Block Party Petition HERE! Get Signatures from Your Neighbors & Bring the Signed Petition to our 36th Ward Office.

➡️ Optional: Start a Block Club! Organize Your Block to Improve Your Community. Learn more about Block Clubs HERE and Register a New Block Club HERE.
 

CONTACT THE 36TH WARD OFFICE
For all service requests and questions, call our office at 773-745-4636 or send an email to [email protected]. Please include your name, home address, and phone number so my staff can best assist you.

As a reminder, we have two 36th Ward Offices to serve our constituents: one in West Town, and one in Belmont Cragin.
Both offices are open Monday through Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm. We are closed for lunch from 12:45pm to 1:30. Stop by to ask questions and get connected to resources!
 

VISIT OUR OFFICES:

⭐ 36th Ward Belmont Cragin Office
6560 W Fullerton Ave
Unit # C118 - Suite A
Chicago, IL 60707

⭐ 36th Ward West Town Office
2246 W Chicago Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
36th Ward Upcoming Events
Thursday, May 30: Mobile Secretary of State Event

Get connected with:
➡️ Renewal/Correction of Driver's License
➡️ New/Renewal/Correction of State ID
➡️ License Plate Renewal Stickers
And more!

When: Thursday, May 30 at 9am-2pm
Where: 36th Ward Belmont Cragin Office - 6560 W Fullerton Ave Suiite #C118
Register at: tinyurl.com/43mwahax

Street Sweeping Schedule 🧹🧹🧹
Check out our map to see which days your street will be cleaned in 2024.


➡️ Look Up Your Address & Schedule HERE: bit.ly/ward36cleanschedule

➡️ Sign up for Street Sweeping Email Alerts Here: www.wethesweeple.com
POLICY UPDATES FROM ALDERMAN VILLEGAS

In 2023, I introduced and the City Council passed a resolution to survey the MENA community and the disparities they faced. This past City Council, we passed an ordinance that will finally create a classification on official government documents and Census data. Thank you to the Arab-American Business & Professional Association specifically President Rush Darwish, Chairman Mohammad Abdallah, Salman Aftab, and Former Judge Bill Haddad who have been advocating for this for years.

CHA HEARING BRIEF


The Committee on Housing and Real Estate held a hearing with the Chicago Housing Authority and the agency's CEO, Tracey Scott. In this hearing, we heard testimonies of residents from across the city. I am concerned about the issues facing the CHA and urged the agency to take these stories seriously and commit to bettering the condition of its service. 

 
ONGOING 36TH WARD PROGRAMS
Every week, join us for the 36th Ward Vet Connect! 🇺🇸 ⭐ 

My office has resources for veterans, active military personnel, and military families. Staff from the VA and VACCC are there to assist you 🦅 🪖 
No appointment needed!

WHEN: Every Tuesday 10am-2pm & First Thursday of Every Month 5-8pm
WHERE: 36th Ward Belmont Cragin Office - 6560 W Fullerton Ave #C118
Introducing...
WARD WEDNESDAYS! ⭐️ 

Every Wednesday on social media, I spotlight the people, businesses, and cultural institutions of the 36th Ward. Check out our latest posts here: 
36th Ward Instagram

We want to hear from YOU! Want us to feature your business or someone you know? Send an email to [email protected] with your recommendation.
RESOURCES & GRANTS
CALLING ALL GRADUATING SENIORS FROM CPS!

Apply for the 2024 Empower Scholarship by June 30th!
Win $5,000 for your tuition!

Eligibility:
- Chicago resident
- Chicago Public School 2024 Graduating Senior
- Attending an accredited 4-year college/university in Fall 2024
- Demonstrated financial need

LEARN MORE & APPLY HERE: https://chicagocitytreasurer.com/scholarshipopportunties/

 
Protect Yourself from Rogue Towing! Read the tips below to stay safe and retrieve your vehicle.

REMEMBER:
- Never accept a tow from a tow truck you did not call.
- Read all forms carefully before you sign.
- Call 911 if a tow truck driver is harassing you
- READ MORE BELOW!
CHI BLOCK BUILDER: 
Apply Now to Purchase A Vacant Lot! 🏘
(Español abajo)

A new application round to purchase City-owned vacant lots is OPEN NOW - APPLY ASAP. Through an online portal and universal application, ChiBlockBuilder streamlines the sale of City-owned vacant land to residents, community groups, non-profit organizations and developers.

Visit Chicago.gov/BlockBuilder for more information. Need assistance? Email [email protected] or call 312.935.1030.

[ES] ¡Reserve esta fecha! El plazo de solicitud de ChiBlockBuilder se abre el 1 de abril de 2024 🏘⏰

El lunes 1 de abril de 2024 a las 10 a. m. se abre una nueva ronda de solicitudes para comprar lotes municipales vacantes. Por medio de un portal en línea y una solicitud universal, ChiBlockBuilder agiliza la venta de terrenos municipales vacantes a residentes, grupos de la comunidad, organizaciones sin fines de lucro e inmobiliarias.

Visite Chicago.gov/BlockBuilder para obtener más información. ¿Necesita ayuda? Envíe un correo electrónico a [email protected] o llame al 312.935.1030.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES!
CAREER TRADES WORKSHOP SERIES

📣 Interested in the trades? Christ For Life MC is offering a summer workshop series for students 12-18 years old. Register with the link below or use the QR code in the flyer!

Register here: tinyurl.com/2p9znm9b
APPLY FOR ONE SUMMER CHICAGO:

Spring Break is the perfect time to apply for summer jobs! With #OneSummerChicago, youth ages 14-24 can can learn new career skills, expand on their own creativity & make new friends; all while making money! 💰

Apply at onesummerchicago.org
ONE SUMMER CHICAGO:

Empleos para jóvenes de 14 a 24 ânos

Ahora Aceptando Solicitudes De Empleo. Aplicar Antes Del 3 De Mayo.

APPLY TODAY: 
www.onesummerchicago.org
Looking for a Summer Job? Become A Chicago Lifeguard!

Apply today at: 
https://bit.ly/ApplyNOW-Lifeguard & get ready for summer 😎
Calling all attorneys!

The City of Chicago Department of Law is HIRING for Open Attorney Positions. Apply online today! ⭐

There are opportunities for Entry Level, Mid-Career, and Senior Level Attorneys.

Click the link to apply & learn more: https://www.chicago.gov/.../supp.../attorney_vacancies.html
This summer, work for the parks! 🌞

Chicago Park District is now hiring Lifeguards, Recreation Leaders, and Junior Laborers! 🛟 ⛺️ 🏖

See all summer jobs online & apply now: ChicagoParkDistrict.com/Summer-Jobs
¡Este verano, trabaja en nuestros parques! 🌞

Chicago Park District tiene trabajos disponibles. Salvavidas, Líderes de recreación, y Obreros júnior! 🛟 ⛺️ 🏖

Mira todos los trabajos de verano y aplica hoy: ChicagoParkDistrict.com/Summer-Jobs
KEEPING OUR WARD CLEAN
🚨 Stop by the 36th Ward Office to get a "Pick Up After Your Pet" Sign! With the warm weather starting up again, it's important to remind our neighbors to clean up after their pets. Let's keep our streets clean together! 🐕‍🦺 

➡️ Residents, please REMOVE any and all materials that you are using in the street to save yourself a parking spot. If things are seen on the parkway, they will be moved out of the street. If they are placed there again, the Chicago Department of Streets & Sanitation will remove these materials.

🗑♻️ As always, please REPORT any excess trash you see on the streets. Put in a request to 311.chicago.gov & email a picture to [email protected]. Be sure to include the address and a description of the issue in the email. You can also call our office at 312-744-4324.

PROMOTING COMMUNITY SAFETY
- Our office works closely with the Chicago Police Department and the Cook County Sheriff's Office to respond to crimes and keep our residents safe.
- As a reminder, always CALL 911 whenever you see a crime or suspicious activity occurring. That is the only way for CPD to know when & where to target their responses.
- Attend a community meeting with your Police District! At the bottom of this email, you will find the CAPS Police Beat Meeting Schedules for the 11th, 12th, and 25th Police Districts. Find your Police District & Beat here: operations.chicagopolice.org/FindMyDistrict
POLICE BEAT MEETING SCHEDULES:
11th, 12th, and 25th Districts
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36th Ward Alderman · 6934 W Diversey Ave · Chicago, Illinois 60707 · USA