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WARD SERVICE OFFICE
1447 W. MORSE AVE
CHICAGO, IL 60626
773-338-5796
www.49thward.org
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Good morning neighbors,
It's great to be home. I'll be using the long holiday weekend to get caught up work and write about my time at PolicyLink's We Are the Founders Summit. Please check out the newsletter for important updates and engagement opportunities. A few things I want to highlight from this week:
1. There was an anti-trans protest near the Loyola Redline stop on Thursday. It was ugly, hateful, and made neighbors feel unsafe. If you experienced any physical violence at the hands of the protestors, please contact my office to share any police report information or video from the interaction that you may have. We will not tolerate hate in our community; and we need to be organized about how we address it when it happens to keep people safe and prevent physical violence. Any hate that you may have experienced because of the actions of the protestors should also be reported to my office and our Commission on Human Relations who tracks and responds to hate crimes and hate incidents. You can email us [email protected] or call us 773-338-5796.
2. Our Chicago Progressive Caucus - which I Co-Chair - has endorsed two important pieces of legislation this week aimed at supporting and protecting a large number of Chicagoans from exploitation and economic burdens. Just in time for Labor Day, we're endorsing Ald. Julia Ramirez's Last Mile Driver Protection Ordinance which aims to hold Amazon responsible for the working conditions and broader community safety involved in the delivery of packages to consumers. This ordinance will require real training, consistent job expectations, employee rights, and regulation of urban delivery centers.
Additionally, we also endorsed Mayor Johnson's Protecting Renters Ordinance (PRO). PRO would update the Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance (RLTO) to meet the changes that have occurred in the rental market since it was first enacted 40 years ago. This is a generational opportunity to improve the lives of Chicagoans, both renters and landlords.
I'll keep working hard to serve our community!
Have a safe and restful weekend,
The 49th Ward Team
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Click the links below to select the section that you want to read!
- CELEBRATIONS & APPRECIATIONS - good news for the week!
- WARD UPDATES - Community announcements, city services, and zoning/development updates
- INFRASTRUCTURE UPDATES - City services and infrastructure notices
- COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT - local events and ways to get involved
- ROGERS PARK ARTS - events, theatre, and other public arts news
- YOUTH SHINE IN 49 - school news, scholarship opportunities, and youth employment offerings
- NEED TO KNOW INFO - alerts, services, and government resources
- ADDITIONAL RESOURCES - links to resources housed on the 49th Ward website
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Celebrations & Appreciations
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Taste of Peru Celebrates 28 Years!
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One of the best restaurants in Rogers Park is Taste of Peru. Tony and Julie Izquierdo and their family have been serving delicious food, culture, and community here for 28 years! Congrats to the whole Taste of Peru family on another amazing year.
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Welcome E Glow Beauty Spa
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It was so exciting to visit E Glow Beauty to Clark Street! Founder, Elsa is an entrepreneur with a passion for natural beauty, wellness, and preserving traditional Ethiopian healing practices. Contact her for an appointment to be introduced to this Ethiopian Yoni smoke ritual and other holistic beauty treatments.
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Successful Property Tax Appeal Seminar
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This past Monday, the Board of Review hosted a successful property tax appeal seminar in partnership with Alderwoman Hadden, Alderman Vasquez, Leader Gabel, and Senator Simmons.
We appreciate the staff at Commissioner Steele’s Office who directly assisted Rogers Park residents in appealing their properties’ assessed value.
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Ward Office Closed in Observance of Labor Day
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Please take a moment this weekend to reflect on the efforts of workers who fought for workplace protections, 40-hour workweeks, and collective bargaining. It's because of their fights that we enjoy these rights in the workplace today and get to celebrate the Labor Day holiday.
Chicago has always been at the forefront of labor rights. From the Haymarket Affair to the Pullman Strike, Chicago has never shied away from fights to advance worker protections. Today, we are faced with a federal administration that is adamant in rolling back worker protections.
The Chicago City Council must act to strengthen and safeguard protections for our working families in the absence of federal or state regulations. Whether it's enacting protections to keep workers safe from a changing climate or ensuring that multi-billion-dollar corporations don't exploit workers, City Council has the opportunity to pass legislation that honors our legacy rooted in workers' rights. That is why I am working hard to pass my heat protections ordinance for outdoor workers and support Alderwoman Ramirez's last-mile warehouse workers ordinance. Please keep an eye on our monthly legislative newsletter for updates on these efforts in the coming months.
Please be advised that in observance of the Labor Day holiday, the office will be closed on Monday, September 7th. It will reopen on Tuesday, September 8th, at 9 am.
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Changes to Refuse Collection for Labor Day Holiday
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In observance of the Labor Day holiday, the Department of Streets and Sanitation will be making minor changes to the refuse and recycling schedule the week of September 7th. Streets and Sanitation will collect all refuse Tuesday through Friday. To ensure refuse is collected, residents should leave their black carts accessible throughout the week of collection, not solely on the regular day of collection.
With the shift in the regular collection schedule, residents might see a slight delay in their regular trash collection. For more information on your regular collection day, you can email my office at [email protected], call 773-338-5796, or check the schedule on the 49th Ward map.
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Submit a Tree Planting Request
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Request a new tree to be planted now through September 27th!
Unfortunately, our neighborhood lost many trees due to the number of torrential rains and severe storms this summer. To restore our canopy, the 49th Ward is working closely with the Bureau of Forestry to plant new trees across the ward.
Please complete this form to request a new tree to be planted. Requests will be accepted now through September 27th. Please note that completing the form does not guarantee that a tree will be planted.
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St. Ignatius Campus Community Survey Updates
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The community survey for the St. Ignatius Campus proposal closed on August 23rd with over 450 responses! Staff is compiling and analyzing the responses and will share the results with the community soon. Please keep your eye on this space for updates.
To learn more about the proposal, visit the 49th Ward website here. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our office at [email protected] or (773) 338-5796.
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49th Ward Shred-a-Thon September 13th
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The 49th Ward annual Shred-a-Thon event is back! Join us on Sunday, September 13th from 10 am-2 pm in the Byline Bank Parking lot at the northwest corner of Clark and Morse (6950 N Clark St) to have your documents shredded and recycled. You may bring a maximum of two boxes of documents per person.
Also, new this year, we will have electronics recycling! You may also bring one box of electronics for recycling in addition to two boxes of documents to be shredded. All electronics donated will have their data completely and securely erased.
Acceptable electronics include:
- Computers + Laptops
- Servers and Networking Equipment
- Monitors + TVs
- Printers + Scanners
- Phones and mobile devices
- Circuit boards and components
- Hard drives
See you there!
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Share Your Input on a New Mural in Jarvis Square
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Jarvis Square will soon be home to a beautiful new mural design by local artist Oscar Joyo! Oscar and his team want your input on how they can make this mural the best representation of Jarvis Square and Rogers Park.
To complete the survey, visit bit.ly/JarvisMural. Learn more about Oscar Joyo and view his portfolio at oscarjoyoart.com.
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Free Smoke Detectors and Wheel Clubs Available in the 49th Ward Office
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The 49th Ward Office has a limited number of free smoke detectors and steering wheel clubs, courtesy of the Chicago Fire Department. Both items will be made available during office hours on a first-come, first-served basis. One smoke detector and one wheel club will be provided per household.
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Upcoming Tree Trimming Schedule
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Our office has received notice from the Bureau of Forestry that the following blocks are scheduled for tree trimming the week of September 7th. Please be advised that the schedule is weather and staff permitting:
1400 W Pratt
1200 W Northshore
1300 W Northshore
6600 N Bosworth
6700 N Bosworth
In spring 2023, the Bureau of Forestry within the Department of Streets and Sanitation switched from the individual request-based 311 system to a proactive, grid-based trimming process. This system has allowed more of our City's urban canopy to be maintained.
Please watch for "No parking" signs posted on the affected blocks next week to allow the Bureau of Forestry's machinery to occupy the public way.
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Green Alley Slated for Construction between Rogers, Wolcott, Chase, and Honore
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Crews are slated to begin construction on a new Green Alley on Monday, September 14th, for the alleys bounded by Wolcott, Chase, Rogers, and Honore. The Green Alley program is an initiative through the Chicago Department of Transportation to create more environmentally friendly and resilient infrastructure throughout our city. Green alleys incorporate a variety of characteristics, including:
- Permeable pavement (asphalt, concrete, or pavers) that allows stormwater to filter through the pavement and drain into the ground instead of collecting on hard surfaces. This can reduce garage and basement flooding.
- Catch basins connected with a perforated pipe and installed in a retention trench to capture water and funnel it into the ground.
- High-albedo pavement, a lighter-colored surface that reflects sunlight instead of absorbing it, helping reduce the urban heat island effect.
- Recycled materials, such as concrete aggregate, slag, and recycled tire rubber.
Because of the scope of the work involved in constructing a green alley, these projects take longer than a typical alley resurfacing project. Once started, construction is expected to take approximately six (6) weeks, weather permitting.
As part of the green alley improvements, the existing pavement in the alley will be removed to install five new catch basins and two manholes to collect stormwater. Alley entrances will also be reconstructed where necessary, and speed bumps will be installed to manage vehicle speeds.
During construction, residential garbage will be moved curbside. The contractor's crews will post "No Parking" signs in advance of the project to designate areas where private dumpsters can be moved. Residential properties that have their garbage collected by the Department of Streets and Sanitation will need to relocate their garbage cans to the front of their property for curbside pick-up during the project.
While construction is underway, barricades will be placed to block the entrances to the alley, and access to garages from the alley will be unavailable for the duration of the project, starting on September 16th. Anyone who parks in the alley will need to seek alternative parking.
The contractor for this project is Summit Construction Company. They can be reached at 773-276-4600.
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Estes Water Main Replacement Updates
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The Department of Water Management (DWM) is installing a new water main in the 49th Ward on Estes between Ridge and Clark. Excavation of the north side of Estes (westbound lane, between Ridge and Damen) began on August 11th. Construction will only take place during the week. Only in cases of emergency will construction be done on a weekend.
On September 2nd, contractors completed the water source connection at the Estes and Ridge intersection. Once the water main is connected to Wolcott, the contractors will initiate pressure testing, chlorination, and flushing of the line between Ridge and Wolcott.
This week, contractors will replace private drains, sewers, and catch basins on Estes between Ridge and Damen. The following week, contractors will replace private drains, sewers, and catch basins on Estes between Damen and Wolcott. During the upcoming weeks, contractors will hold lead service line replacement preconstruction meetings with individual homeowners.
No lead service line work or restoration work is scheduled for this week. The Department of Water Management (DWM) will relay any changes to our office.
A partial lane closure remains in effect on the northern side of Estes (westbound lane, between Ridge and Damen). Local traffic may be limited during work hours due to staging of trucking and the movements of other machinery needed to perform the work. One lane will always remain open in each direction during construction hours for buses and regular traffic. With the lane closure in effect, local traffic will have limited access. Emergency vehicle access will be maintained for the duration of the closure.
"No Parking” signs will be posted on both sides of the street during construction hours (7:00 AM – 4:00 PM) where work is being performed. Parking will be allowed outside of work hours and on weekends. All signage will be placed 48 hours before work begins and will be limited to the block where work is actively taking place or being staged. Crews will work to preserve as much parking as possible. "No Parking" signs will only be posted where crews are actively working and the parking restrictions will move along as the crew makes progress in the project.
Residents in the affected address range (2040 - 1790 W. Estes Ave) should enter their contact information in the survey here. We receive weekly updates about this project and would like to relay information that may directly affect residents on this block.
Please contact our office with any inquiries at [email protected] or call 773-338-5796.
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Upcoming Street Grinding & Resurfacing Schedule
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Neighbors, please be advised of the upcoming street grinding and resurfacing schedule for the 49th Ward, provided by the Department of Transportation. Please be aware of all orange CDOT signs in the public way to avoid being ticketed or towed.
Street resurfacing schedule:
- Arthur between Bosworth and Glenwood (1400-1530 W. Arthur) - Scheduled for 9/14/26 (pending AT&T manhole repair)
- Loyola between Lakewood and Glenwood (1300-1400 W. Loyola)- Scheduled for 9/15/26 (pending DWM repair)
- Wallen between Ravenswood and Ashland (1600-1800 W. Wallen)- Scheduled for 9/16/26
- Paulina between Juneway and Jonquil (7700-7764 N. Paulina)- Scheduled for 9/18/26
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Loyola Divvy Station Temporarily Relocated
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A Divvy station on Loyola Avenue, adjacent to the Loyola CTA station, has been temporarily relocated to the Northeast corner of Sheridan and Arthur, under the viaduct. The relocation is part of Loyola's telecom work along Loyola Avenue south of the L tracks. Crews will be opening the curblanes along Loyola from Sheridan northwest to approximately 1225 W. Loyola to install fiber communication cabling. All impacted curblanes will be repaved, and the Divvy station will be returned to its original location upon completion of the work.
Asphalt restoration and paving work on Loyola in the impacted work area (phase 1D in the diagram above) is scheduled to occur within the first two weeks of September. All work in phase 1D of the telecom installation is scheduled for completion by September 25th.
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Connect Your Block Club with the 24th District
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The 24th District Chicago Police Department’s Office of Community Policing is reaching out to current, former, and future block clubs throughout the 24th District community. Block clubs provide residents with an organized way to communicate concerns, share information, access resources, and work together on solutions that strengthen their neighborhood.
Current block clubs are asked to confirm their leadership and contact information and remain involved in neighborhood outreach, beat meetings, community events, and follow-up efforts. Former or inactive block clubs are encouraged to reconnect.
Residents interested in starting a new block club are also welcome. You do not need to have everything organized before contacting the 24th District. We can help guide you through the beginning steps and connect you with available district and community resources.
Please provide or confirm the following information:
- Contact name
- Block club name or proposed name
- Block boundaries or location
- Telephone number and email address
- Beat of residence
- Current status: active, inactive, reorganizing, or new
- Assistance or resources needed
For more information and to get involved, email Mayra Gomez-Santana with the 24th District at [email protected].
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St. Jerome's Grand Kermés Event September 4th-6th
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St. Jerome Parish's annual Grand Kermés event returns this weekend in the parking lot located at Paulina and Morse. Join family, friends, and community for a weekend full of music, food, and live entertainment. There is something for everyone at this neighborhood tradition.
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Jarvis Square Artisan Market September 12th
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The Jarvis Square Artisan Market returns to the Jarvis Square Alfresco on September 12th.
Stroll through a thoughtfully curated mix of local artisans, makers, and small businesses showcasing everything from handcrafted goods and original art to one-of-a-kind gifts and delicious gourmet treats.
Come for the shopping, stay for the community. The market will take place on Jarvis between Greenview and the Red Line station on Saturday, September 12th, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
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Upcoming Rogers Park Branch Library Events
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There's something for everyone t at the Rogers Park Branch Library, located at 6907 N. Clark.
- September 5th, September 28th, and October 26th:
Open Mic
- September 9th, October 14th, and November 11th:
Song Club
For more information on the Rogers Park Branch and to view upcoming events, visit its website here.
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Upcoming Leone Beach Park Advisory Council Events
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Join the Leone Beach Park Advisory Council for a variety of programming throughout August and September. There's something for everyone!
- Saturday, September 12, 8:00 a.m. (rain date September 13th):
Fall Migration Bird Walk
(Leone Beach Park, 1222 W. Touhy)
For more information and to sign up to receive emails from the Leone Beach Park Advisory Council, email [email protected].
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Next Weird Book Club Meeting: September 16th
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Do you like science fiction, fantasy, horror, or other just plain strange books? Meet fellow weird readers to discuss strange and speculative fiction at Weird Book Club, a 21+ book discussion group that meets at Rogers Park Social on the 3rd Wednesday of the month.
This month, the Weird Book Club is reading Blob by Maggie Su. Encountering a gelatinous pile of goo outside a bar one night, protagonist Vi decides to take it home and...mold it into her perfect partner! What could go wrong?
Reserved book club copies are available to check out at the Rogers Park Branch information desk, while supplies last. Many titles are also available as eBooks or eAudiobooks on the Hoopla and/or Libby app.
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11th Annual Howard Beach Bonfire September 18th
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The Greater Eastlace Terrace Beaches (GET Beaches) Park Advisory Council will host its 11th annual Howard Beach Bonfire on Friday, September 18th, starting at 6:30 p.m. This is a great opportunity to connect with neighbors old and new. S'mores will be generously provided again this year by Eamonn.
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Goodman Theatre's GeNarrations Classes Return to Willye White Park this Fall
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Registration for the upcoming sessions of GeNarrations, led by the Goodman Theatre and teaching artist Zahra Baker, opens on September 1st! Classes take place on Tuesdays or Wednesdays from 10 am to 12 pm, September 22nd through November 4th at Willye White Park, 1610 W. Howard.
To sign up for a class and learn more, visit GoodmanTheatre.org/Registration.
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Jazz Night at L'Angolto Italiano September 19th
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Sentieri Italiani and L’Angolo Italiano have collaborated to host a Jazz Night on September 19th from 6:30-8:30 pm. Enjoy small bites and beverages accompanied by John Roothaan on Piano, Charles Jaffe on Drums, and Lou Marini on Bass.
Tickets can be purchased via Zelle - [email protected] - by September 14th. Sentieri member tickets are $70.00, and non-member tickets are $80.00.
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Senior Movie Day at the 24th District September 23rd
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The 24th District will host its September Senior Movie Day on September 23, 2026, at 1:00 pm, at the 24th District station, 6464 N. Clark. The featured movie will be Spirit of the Marathon, which features marathon runners from the Rogers Park community!
To register, email Daniel Gajewski at [email protected]. Popcorn and water will be provided. Only 30 seats are available, so sign up fast!
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Glenwood Sunday Market Open
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The Glenwood Sunday Market is back every Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., until October 25 (except for August 16). We love this fantastic annual tradition and are excited to celebrate its 17th year in the Rogers Park community!
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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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The Factory Theatre Presents: Advance Man: Part One of the Honeycomb Trilogy
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Astronaut Bill Cooke returns from the first manned mission to Mars bearing secrets and illicit cargo. Now his wife and teenage children are all that stand between Bill and a shocking action that will alter not only their lives, but all of humanity. ADVANCE MAN is the first part of Mac Rogers’ epic "The Honeycomb Trilogy," three stand-alone plays set in the same universe chronicling a conflict both intimate and global that will redefine the nature of the human race.
In this heart-pounding first play of Strawdog’s ambitious two-year project, playwright Mac Rogers tackles xenophobia, climate change, and family drama with his distinctive blend of sci-fi and horror.
Enjoy Part One of the Honeycomb Trilogy at The Factory Theater at 1623 W Howard through September 27th. Tickets are available online at strawdog.org.
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Lifeline Theatre Presents: A Wrinkle in Time
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Ever since her father vanished under mysterious circumstances, Meg Murray’s life has been spiraling out of control. But one dark and stormy night, Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which appear with a promise to help rescue him from the monstrous darkness that threatens the universe.
Join Meg, her brother Charles Wallace, their pal Calvin, and a host of extraterrestrial friends and foes as they journey into the heart of a terrible evil in the hope of reuniting a fragmented family.
A Wrinkle in Time previews at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood, on Friday, September 11. The show will open on September 14th and run through October 18th. Learn more and purchase tickets online.
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6311 Arts Presents: Portrait Mode and Trying to Keep it Together
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6311 Arts Gallery has a new show! “Portait Mode” features artists Mr. Brooks, Alejandra Guerrero, Hector Hernandez, Eddwin Meyers, Harry Sudman, and Adrian Zavala. “Trying to Keep it all Together” features Bryan Eaton. The shows will run from August 29th through October 17th. These showings will be accompanied by Sculpture by Kara James and Video by DePaul Experimental Film.
For more information, visit 6311 Arts' website.
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The Factory Theater Presents: Muffed
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Catch the Factory Theatre’s production of "MUFFED; A Recounting of Farmington, Maine’s 43rd Annual Chester Greenwood Day Devised by the Members of the Meaningful Action Theatre Company and Produced by David New." Don’t let the long title fool you — this IS a full production of a show about a group of actors presenting a reading of their documentary theatre piece about Chester Greenwood Day, the day dedicated to Chester Greenwood, Maine state hero and earmuff inventor.
The show runs August 18th through September 20th at The Factory Theater, 1623 W. Howard. Tickets are available at the Box Office or on The Factory Theater's website.
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Apply for After School Matters' Fall Programs
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After School Matters’ (ASM) fall application is now open! ASM fall programs will run September 28th through December 12th and are open to Chicago teens ages 14-18. Through hands-on programs in the arts, communications and leadership, sports, and STEM, teens can explore their interests, build new skills, connect with caring mentors, and earn a financial stipend for their participation.
Eligibility and program benefits are outlined on ASM's application page.
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Reduced Transit Fares for Students
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Thanks to additional funding from the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) Act, the cost for Chicago’s students to ride the CTA and PACE is now just 75 cents per ride! This fare is available any time of the day, any day of the week, even during summer and school breaks, for all K-12 students with a valid Student ID. For help getting started, families can visit the student reduced fare pages on CTA, Metra, or Pace.
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No-Cost Vaccines Available for Students
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Throughout the fall, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) will be providing student vaccines required by CPS at no cost to families. These include the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) and varicella (chickenpox), as well as seasonal vaccines for the flu and COVID-19. Please visit the CDPH website for complete details on immunization clinics and upcoming vaccine events.
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VFW Scholarship Opportunities
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The Veterans of Foreign Wars is offering two scholarships for students entering sixth through twelfth grade!
The Patriot’s Pen scholarship is a $5,000 award for middle schoolers and requires a 300-400 word essay on the subject “What a Veteran Taught Me About America”. The Voice of Democracy Scholarship is a $35,000 award for high schoolers requiring a 3-5 minute voice essay on the same topic.
Apply by October 31st!
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Check for Missing Property Tax Exemptions
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Property tax exemptions are savings that can lower your property tax bill. Check the bottom left-hand corner of your Second Installment Property Tax Bill for exemption deductions. Most homeowners are eligible for the Homeowner Exemption, and most senior homeowners over the age of 65 are eligible for the Senior Exemption. You can learn about exemptions on the Assessor’s website.
If you are missing an exemption that you believe you are eligible for, apply for a Certificate of Error to correct your property tax bill. Submit your online application immediately to have your missing exemptions applied.
To learn more about how to apply for missing exemptions, attend an upcoming workshop:
Workshops in English:
Workshops in Spanish:
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Neighborhood Market Grant Application Now Open
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Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) launched a new grant program designed to support small business owners and farmers market operators, providing funding to strengthen local food systems and expand access to fresh, healthy food across the city. Through the Neighborhood Market Grant Program, one-time grants will be provided to small food businesses operating in priority geographies across Chicago. The program will focus on businesses that are both economic anchors and food access points in neighborhoods historically impacted by disinvestment.
For more information and to apply, visit Chicago.gov/BACPRecoveryPlan. Applications will be accepted through Friday, September 25, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. CST.
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Learn More about Becoming a District Councilor
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Are you interested in becoming an elected District Councilor? If so, join an info session to learn how to represent your neighbors on policing and public safety issues.
The information sessions run every other Wednesday and select Saturdays through October 21st. Register for a session below:
Wednesdays at 12:30 pm: bit.ly/2027DCElectionsLunch
Wednesdays at 6:00 pm: bit.ly/2027DCElectionsDinner
Select Saturdays at 11:00 am: bit.ly2027DCElectionsSaturday
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Apply to Become a CAPS Community Leader
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The Chicago Police Department is seeking community members who are passionate about serving their neighborhoods and working collaboratively to build trust, strengthen community partnerships, and support safer, stronger communities across Chicago.
Your involvement can help the department:
- Build relationships that last
- Address neighborhood concerns and share ideas
- Strengthen communication between residents and law enforcement
- Connect residents with community resources and opportunities
- Encourage positive community involvement
- Develop solutions through collaboration and problem-solving
- Create safer and stronger neighborhoods together
You do not need to be an expert to make a difference. The department is looking for residents who care about their community, are willing to listen and share ideas, and want to be part of positive change.
Apply using the QR code or by visiting chicagopolice.org/caps-community-leaders.
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Apply for the Community Engagement Response Team's (CERT) Fall Training Program
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The City of Chicago Office of Emergency Management & Communications (OEMC) invites residents to register for the Community Engagement Response Team (CERT) training program for Fall 2026.
This volunteer program was developed by the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) in 1985 and implemented nationally by FEMA in 1993. CERT members train for a minimum 27 hours of classroom and 3 hours hands-on practical skills in the following areas before becoming a registered volunteer:
- Disaster preparedness
- Fire safety & utility controls
- Light search and rescue
- Team organization
- Disaster psychology
- Terrorism response
- Disaster medical operations
Upon completion of the class, participants have the option to become a Chicago Citizen Corps CERT volunteer and assist professional emergency services in various deployments. Past participants have played a role in emergency exercises and assisted the City of Chicago during various large-scale emergencies such as the response to COVID-19, Emergency Operations Center activations, and other natural disasters. Other special events that CERT volunteers assist in are the Chicago Air and Water Show, St. Patrick’s River Dyeing, Chicago Marathon, Summertime beach safety patrols, and more.
Residents can register online by clicking here.
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Second Installment Property Tax Bills Now Available
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Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas announced that property owners can now go to cookcountytreasurer.com to view, download and pay their Second Installment bill for the 2025 Tax Year.
The Treasurer’s Office plans to mail 1.8 million bills to Cook County property owners on or before Sept. 1. Those 2025 second installment bills will be due a month later on Oct. 1.
Property owners who wish to view, download, print out and electronically pay their bills should visit cookcountytreasurer.com. Once there, select the blue box labeled “Pay Online for Free” and enter the address or Property Index Number (PIN).
Taxpayers also can pay at nearly 400 Chase Bank locations in Illinois, including those outside Cook County, or at more than 100 participating community banks. But if you choose to pay in person at a bank, you must bring your physical bill or a copy. Taxpayers can also pay at the Treasurer’s Office at 118 N. Clark St., Room 112, in downtown Chicago.
Lastly, payments can be mailed to the Cook County Treasurer’s Office, with the taxpayer’s PIN, contact and property information included. The canceled check serves as the receipt
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Residents Impacted By Storm May Be Eligible to Receive a One-Time $150 Gift Card for Groceries
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The Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) announced that households that experienced an extended power outage of two (2) consecutive days or more due to severe storms this summer may be eligible for one-time food assistance to help cover the cost of lost perishable foods. Using Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funding, storm-impacted eligible households may receive a one-time $150 Visa grocery gift card.
Eligibility Requirements
- City of Chicago residency
- Household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) Guidelines, required by CSBG and determined by the Department of Health and Human Services.
- Documentation from ComEd verifying a power outage of two (2) consecutive days or more. See attached FAQ for details on confirming a power outage.
Eligible residents can visit one of the six DFSS Community Service Centers (CSCs) to apply. For locations and contact information, residents should visit chi.gov/CSC or call us at 312-743-0300.
Because funds are limited, eligible residents should contact their nearest CSC in advance to confirm availability and to schedule an appointment.
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Federal Changes to Medicaid Begin January 2027
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Cook County Health estimates that nearly three out of every ten patients could be uninsured due to federal government cuts to healthcare that will go into effect in January 2027. This is more than double the number of patients from just a few years ago. Cuts to our healthcare system affect everyone. A strong healthcare system keeps our communities healthy and helps stop the spread of communicable diseases.
To respond to healthcare cuts, Cook County is partnering with healthcare providers and helping patients navigate changes in coverage. The State of Illinois also recently joined a 26-state coalition suit to challenge the changes to Medicaid work requirements.
If you or someone you know could be affected by federal changes, visit GetMedicaidFacts.com to learn about your options.
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Share Feedback to Inform
Police Superintendent Search
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The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) announced five community listening sessions across Chicago as part of its nationwide search for the next Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. Feedback gathered during these sessions will help inform the Commission’s search and evaluation of candidates before it submits three finalists to the Mayor for consideration later this fall, as required by ordinance.
Residents who are unable to attend a listening session are encouraged to submit feedback through the Commission’s online community feedback form at ccpsa.chicago.gov.
For more information about the Superintendent search, upcoming engagement opportunities, or to submit feedback online, visit CCPSA's website.
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Divvy Memberships Start at $5/Year
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Low-income Chicagoans may qualify for the Divvy for Everyone (D4E) program. This program offers access to the Divvy bike network across the city starting at just $5 a year. Learn more and sign up at divvybikes.com/d4e.
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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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