Dear 33rd Ward Community,
Today marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage month. This day is important across Latin America as the day that Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua all achieved independence. This weekend we also celebrate Mexican independence on September 16th, and the independence of Chile on September 18th. These celebrations of independence remind us of the legacy of struggles for peace across Latin America and the Carribean that lasted for hundreds of years. Many of these struggles continue today under new forms of oppression. As we honor Chicago’s long history of providing sanctuary and welcoming people from across Latin America and from around the world, please remember to celebrate safely and care for your neighbors.
Albany Park remains a sanctuary for migrants and refugees, and has played an important role in welcoming new Chicagoans during periods of great migration. My office is proud to have partnered with our neighbors to create the Community Care Collective. This group was started by 33rd Ward residents to offer mutual aid to migrants in the hopes we can provide for essential needs and simple comforts. You can learn more by following this link. As Chicago continues to welcome increasing numbers of migrants seeking a new home in the United States, we ask our neighbors to please care for each other. You can find more information about how to volunteer below in our newsletter.
Our office has also heard calls from many of our neighbors requesting updates regarding city shelters for migrants. We continue to work within City Hall to push for humane solutions to our community’s concerns prior to the turn toward winter. For our office, this means stable and secure housing, the opportunity to work, and access to public health infrastructure. The city recently created a public dashboard that provides insight into the number and distribution of migrants in Chicago and where they are being sheltered. Mayor Johnson’s administration has been working rapidly to redirect city funds toward opening temporary shelters like Brands Park nearly once per week, with a focus on keeping new arrivals merely off of the streets, knowing that permanent solutions will take time.
Please know that through this time you can rely on our office to answer your questions and to help connect you to information. We continue to be your ally in this matter, so please keep us informed. We are here to offer support to everyone through this challenging time. We hope you are able to enjoy time with community at this weekend’s festivities.
You can find more about our office hours, office location, or how to contact us below.
-Rossana
33rd Ward Alderwoman
Please note that the Chicago Department of Public Health released its website connecting Chicagoans to free updated Covid vaccines and flu shots. Vaccines will be available beginning next week. You can learn more information by clicking here.
33RD WARD OFFICE INFORMATION
Address: 4747 N Sawyer Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
Office Hours: Monday – Thursday 10am – 5pm; Friday 9am – 4pm
Phone: 773-840-7880
Email: info@33rdward.org
Website and constituent resources: www.33rdward.org
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
WARD EVENTS
Ward Night Out
Upcoming: Monday, September 18, from 4:00pm – 6:00pm outside Horner Park
Next: Monday, October 16, from 4:00pm – 6:00pm at 4747 N Sawyer Ave
Ward Night Out is an opportunity to bring your questions or concerns to the Alderwoman in a one-on-one meeting. Each Ward Night Out is first come, first serve. Walk-ins will be taken until 6:45 pm. For more information, please contact our office at info@33rdward.org or 773-840-7880.
Property Tax Appeal Workshop
September 19, 2023 from 10am – 2pm
4747 N Sawyer Ave
Our office will be collaborating with Cook County Commissioner Anthony Quezada’s office to host a Property Tax Appeals workshop. We are requiring that everyone RSVP for an appointment so that we can be thorough with this process. Please reach out to our office at info@33rdward.org or call 773-840-7880 to RSVP. We can provide you with more information and details at the time of scheduling.
If you cannot attend this workshop, you can reach out to the County Assessor’s office to schedule an individual consultation with an analysis. You can also appeal online by yourself following the step-by-step application found here and watching the simple video here.
Participatory Budgeting
This year’s Participatory Budgeting process (PB) has begun. You can still join our committee to learn the ins and outs of Participatory Budgeting and help us involve our community. Your voice matters, and together, we can improve and maintain our community through direct participation in infrastructure decisions. Let’s shape our community together! To be added to our PB email list, please reach out to info@33rdward.org
Next meeting: Thursday, September 14 from 4:30pm – 6:00pm at Roosevelt High School (see below for entrance details)
Upcoming: October 12th, October 19th
The PB Committee will meet weekly unless otherwise noted from 4:30pm – 6:00pm at Roosevelt High School, Room 314. You can enter the doors off of the parking lot on Leland. Ring the doorbell and the security guard will open the door for you. Each meeting is open to the public. You can participate as you are able. We do not hold the expectation for you to attend every meeting. Please come join us to learn, share your thoughts, and eat some snacks!
Sage Brigade Fall Senior Meetup
When: Thursday September 28th, 2023 from 11AM- 1PM
Where: 4747 N Sawyer (New Ward Office!)
You are cordially invited to the Fall Sage Brigade Senior Meet-Up! With guest speaker from Metropolitan Family Services with information on Senior Services.
CONSTITUENT RESOURCES
CDOT Infrastructure Improvement Map
33rd Ward Community Driven Zoning
Recycling and garbage schedule
2023 Street Sweeping schedule and interactive map
COMMITTEE CORNER
City Council met yesterday to introduce many important pieces of legislation that our communities have been organizing for years to pass. Legislation includes Bring Chicago Home, Treatment not Trauma working group, One Fair Wage, Chicago Peace Book, and the South Shore Housing Preservation Ordinance. You can learn more about each ordinance by clicking here. Stay tuned for updates from the Committee on Health and Human Relations as we hold hearings to establish the Treatment Not Trauma working group.
City Council will meet again on October 4, 2023. We will use this space to share updates on legislation coming through the committee.
WARD UPDATES
Property Tax Appeal Window for Jefferson Township has begun
Jefferson Township is now open for Cook County Assessor Appeals. The deadline is October 2nd. If you need help filing your property tax appeal you can reach out to the County Assessor’s office to schedule an individual consultation with an analysis. You can also appeal online by yourself following the step-by-step application found here and watching the simple video here.
Federal Flooding Assistance
President Biden approved a Disaster Declaration for the State of Illinois, and Cook County more specifically, for this summer’s heavy rainstorms. Residents and business owners who sustained losses during the flooding during the period of storms from June 29 – July 2, 2023 can immediately begin to apply for assistance by clicking here. You can also call FEMA at 800-621-3362. Block Club Chicago has provided a guide for applying for disaster assistance. FEMA is taking applications for assistance through October 16, 2023. More detailed information about applying for relief can be found below in our newsletter.
Grid-Based Tree Trimming
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.
Previously completed grid section: N032 W028, which covers Addison to Belmont from California to Kedzie
Current grid section: N040 W028, which covers Montrose to Irving Park Rd from California to Kedzie
Each grid segment can take between three weeks and two months to complete. Tree trimming personnel will be in the ward weekly, weather permitting. Similar to street sweeping notifications, trees will be posted with signage in advance of tree trimming. Upon the completion of each grid segment, we will make an announcement about which grid will be completed next. 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.
The results of both increased funding for the Department of Forestry and move to a grid-based system has resulted in more than triple the amount of trees being trimmed this year compared to the same time period last year. This change in system, along with an increase in full-time equivalents for forestry operations in the 2023 budget, will mean more trees in our ward, and the city, will be maintained than year’s past.
Having trouble filling a vacant apartment? Chicago Rents can help:
Ariel Parrella-Aureli reported on the Chicago Rents program for Block Club. Chicago Rents is a program that offers guaranteed rents and additional incentives for landlords interested in providing affordable housing for tenants.The program has already housed more than 2000 Chicagoans. Chicago Rents provides support to both the tenant and the landlord throughout the duration of the lease. If you’re a landlord who’s interested in learning more, click here. Landlords can also fill out a survey by clicking here and Chicago Rents staff will reach out to you.
Kedzie Avenue Complete Streets realignment
The Chicago Department of Transportation is in the final stages of a new Complete Streets curb alignment along Kedzie Avenue that further shields both bikes and pedestrians from car traffic. Within the 33rd Ward, this new alignment is in place for four blocks from Belmont Avenue to Addison Street.
This new parking configuration will take time to get used to for residents and business owners and customers; in the long term this will make Kedzie safer for all users of the road. CDOT has prepared instructional materials with how to park in this new alignment. Our office also encourages drivers to familiarize themselves with “The Dutch Reach” when exiting a vehicle. This way of exiting a vehicle encourages drivers and passengers to open a car door with their far-hand. This gives a person exiting the vehicle a better line of sight of oncoming traffic. This technique has saved the lives of countless bike riders and pedestrians around the world who might otherwise have been doored and can also be extremely helpful for keeping people exiting vehicles safe from oncoming traffic.
Traffic and Pedestrian Safety reminder
As traffic violence continues to increase against pedestrians, bicyclists, and even first responders like firefighters and paramedics, remember to obey traffic signals including red lights. Our office also asks that drivers remember that they must yield to pedestrians at crosswalks. If you see this sign and a pedestrian is present, you must let them cross before proceeding. Additionally, our office encourages drivers to be patient and generous with all users of the road. Remember that pedestrians and cyclists are not surrounded by air bags or encased in a ton of steel.
Narcan and Fentanyl Test Strips Available at Our Ward Office
Our office has been certified to distribute Narcan and Fentanyl testing resources to our community. You can stop by during our open hours or reach out to info@33rdward.org for more information.
Applications open for Chicago Early Learning program at CPS
Learn more on their website. Are you ready to apply for a high-quality early learning program? Learn about the process on our How to Apply Page or call our Family Support Hotline at 312-229-1690 with your questions.
SUPPORTING NEW CHICAGOANS
Donations
Our office continues to receive calls, emails, and walk-ins from constituents who wish to support new Chicagoans. One of the immediate ways to help is to check the Instituto del Progreso Latino Amazon Wish List which is updated frequently to meet the needs of new arrivals in the city’s temporary shelters. Only new items are being accepted at this time. Additionally, Instituto del Progreso Latino is accepting monetary donations to purchase items in bulk. Donations can be made by visiting InstitutoChicago.org. For additional information, visit chicago.gov/support.
Please do not drop or donate any items at Chicago Police Districts.
Furniture can be donated to Chicago Furniture Bank. The Furniture Bank, in partnership with New Life Centers, is providing furniture to new arrivals who are being resettled into permanent housing. The Furniture Bank is also the largest provider of free furniture to the unhoused Chicagoans as well.
Volunteer Opportunities
Members of our community have formed the Community Care Collective to direct mutual aid efforts in the 33rd Ward. You can learn about volunteer opportunities by following this link.
APPLYING FOR FLOOD RELIEF FROM FEMA
The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is Monday, October 16, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. CT. You must register with FEMA to receive assistance.
FEMA is rapidly opening Disaster Recovery Centers across Cook County, with five new centers in operation this week. You can find our nearest center at: Washington Square Mall, 4851 W North Ave, Chicago, IL, 60639. They are open from 7am – 7pm every day.
How to Apply:
If you have insurance coverage, first file a claim. If you have uninsured or underinsured losses, contact FEMA by going online to disasterassistance.gov, downloading the FEMA app or calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. You can also watch this instruction video. If you use video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. When calling the FEMA Helpline, multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish and 3 for other languages).
How to Appeal: Fliers can be found by clicking here
Federal assistance may include temporary lodging, basic home repairs and other disaster-related expenses.
Have the following information ready when you register with FEMA:
- A current phone number where you can be contacted
- Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying
- Your social security number (or the social security number of a minor child in your household, if you’re applying on their behalf).
- A general list of damage and losses
- Banking information if you choose direct deposit
- If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name
When registering, one member of a household needs to comply with citizenship criteria. That means a minor child who is a citizen, non-citizen national or qualified non-citizen can have a parent or guardian who is not eligible apply for assistance on the child’s behalf.
What to Expect After You Apply:
A FEMA inspector may call you to set up a time and date to perform the inspection at the damaged address. If you have filed for assistance and receive a call from an out of state number, pick it up. Be sure to have your application number available.
During the inspection inspectors will: - Observe social distancing guidelines
- Show their credentials
- Ask to see a photo ID
- Ask to see documents to verify the home ownership or occupancy if FEMA has been unable to verify
- Walk around the interior and exterior of your home if feasible
- Document damage
Inspectors WON’T decide if you will receive assistance, ask for money, bank account information or credit card information. Residents can call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 to verify a FEMA visit is legitimate.
Within 10 days after the inspectors visit, you will: - Receive a letter of electronic correspondence explaining FEMA’s decision
- If you are determined eligible for assistance, you may receive a U.S. Treasury check or direct deposit
- For more information click here
COMMUNITY EVENTS
North River Commission Community Health Fair
Saturday, September 16th | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Cano Health • 4733 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL, 60625
The North River Commission staff are hosting a FREE health fair on Saturday, September 16th from 10AM – 1PM at Cano Health. The health fair is free to attend and provides the community with preventive healthcare practices and access to physical and mental health resources. Health services will be available including free flu vaccinations, health screenings, nutritional information, and an overview of local community resources.
Tapestry 360 Health Fair
Saturday, September 16th from 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Tapestry 360, 1300 W Devon Ave, Chicago
Tapestry 360 will be having a health fair at their clinic. It is family friendly and free! The fair will include a farmers’ market, cancer screenings, flu shots, and more!
Cleveland Elementary Car Wash
Saturday, September 16th from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Grover Cleveland Elementary, 3121 W Byron (Troy side)
Avondale Neighborhood Plan Reveal Event and Party
When: September 18 starting at 6:30pm
Where: Metropolitan Brewing, 3057 N. Rockwell 60618
Avondale Neighborhood Association is hosting an event to share the Avondale Neighborhood Plan developed by Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) and the City of Chicago Department of Planning to represent a vision for the community’s future. The Avondale neighborhood plan will strengthen Avondale’s vitality and create a more livable, walkable, and resilient community for years to come. You can see the website by clicking here.
Geographic Society of Chicago – Geography Trivia Night
September, 19 from 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Leader Bar, 3000 W. Irving Park Rd.
2023 Peace Day Celebration [free]
When: September 18, 2023 from 11:45am – 1:00pm
Location: Daley Plaza, 50 West Washington Street
Celebrate unity and diversity in our city and world at Peace Day Chicago’s 45th Anniversary event! This joyful and moving event brings all cultures and all neighborhoods together for an uplifting experience that highlights the interactive Call to Peace and World Peace Flag Ceremony. You can be proud that Chicago pioneered the observance of Peace Day in 1978!
Center for Changing Lives September workshops & events
This message serves as a notice of our upcoming workshops and events for the month of September; we would greatly appreciate your assistance in helping us spread the word. Our workshops are all bilingual, free, and open to the public. We encourage folks to visit our Linktree to RSVP and learn more.
- 9/6/23 – Business Plan Support: Monthly event dedicated to answering your business plan questions.
- 9/7/23 – Expanding Democracy in the Workplace: Starting a Worker Co-Op
- 9/9/23 – Mi Casa Su Casa: First-time Homebuyer Education Workshop
- 9/14/23 – Resume Writing Workshop
- 9/20/23 – Small Business Grant Support
- 9/26/23 – Cover Letter Writing Workshop
- 9/26/23 – Lending Basics: Introduction to Mortgage Lending
- 9/27/23 – Workforce Speaker Series: Emotional Self-Intelligence
Irving Park Community Food Pantry Coat Drive Begins in October
Irving Park Community Food Pantry (4256 N. Ridgeway) hosts its annual coat drive this October and November and seeks donations of new or gently used winter coats.
Coats will be distributed Tuesday, October 10th and continue every Wednesday through November 8 for clients in 60641 and 60618 zip codes. The Pantry also accepts hats, scarves, gloves and mittens.
Drop off partners:
- Big Helpers, 4184 N. Elston Ave.
- Compass Real Estate, 2044 W Roscoe St.,1653 N. Milwaukee Ave. and 2350 N. Lincoln Ave.
- Disney II Magnet School, 3815 N. Kedvale Ave.
- Disney II Magnet High School, 3900 Lawndale Ave.
- Distinct Bath & Body, 4046 N Milwaukee Ave
- Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N Knox Ave.
- Irving Park YMCA, 4251 W Irving Park Rd.
- Jet’s Pizza, 3951 N. Kimball Ave.
- J.T.’s Genuine Sandwich Shop, 3970 N. Elston Ave.
- Old Irving Brewing Company, 4419 W Montrose Ave.
- Front porch at 4731 Kiona Ave.
To drop off a large donation or to host a drive, email info@irvingparkfoodpantry.org. http://www.irvingparkfoodpantry.org
Brands Park Fall Programming
For more information or for questions, please contact teresa.wooldridge@chicagoparkdistrict.com or call (312) 656-7223. Register online at www.ChicagoParkDistrict.com or by visiting Horner Park.
River Park Summer Event Calendar
Horner Park Advisory Council Summer Concert Series.
Find the schedule here.
FEEDING CATS? SEEING CATS NEAR YOU? OR JUST WANT TO LEARN MORE?
Log in to this free community Zoom workshop from Cats in Action.
Helping Cats Near You
The 4th Sunday of every month
4pm – 6pm
Details here: www.catsinaction.org/workshops
Zoom Meeting ID:
868 5394 9492
Learn how to help community cats through TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return), what to do with kittens, ongoing colony management, preventing nuisance issues and much more!
YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES
2023 Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Scholarship Program
Deadline: September 15, 2023
The Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) is now accepting applications for our 2023 Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Scholarship Program through September 15, 2023. The CSBG scholarship program provides financial assistance to Chicago residents attending post-secondary education programs during the fall semester of 2023 and has minimum income requirements to meet the eligibility criteria. DFSS is dedicated and committed to making resources available to residents that build stability, support their well-being, and empower them to thrive. You can learn more about how to apply by clicking here.
Applications must be received via the web-based CSBG Scholarship Application Portal by Friday, September 15, 2023, no later than 5:00 p.m.
For additional questions or concerns, please contact us at DFSScsbgscholarship@cityofchicago.org.
Future Founders Internship
Future Founders is excited to invite your students to apply for the popular Be Your Own Boss internship taking place October 2023! Applications are due by September 21, 2023. You can learn more about the internship and apply by clicking here.
Be Your Own Boss is a paid internship that gives high school students’ the opportunity to explore the startup ecosystem, network with professional entrepreneurs, and build community with peers from all different backgrounds across Chicago—all while working to create and pitch their own business ideas!
Align Your Inner Self Youth Program (Ages 16-24)
Now through September 2023
Black Alphabet started as an organization founded to encourage story telling and educate communities about the cultural and social contributions Black LGBTQ+ identified people have made upon the world. Now the organization has transformed and they are focused on creating and spreading awareness on issues that have an impact on the Black LGBT+ community.
Their new program, Aligning Your Inner Self, for youth ages 16-24 is to help those who are looking to align their inner voice or conscience through the use of art. The program started in March and they will have monthly sessions through September 2023.
Click here to register for a session!
High School Fair
Date: Thursday, October 12 from 4:30 – 6:00pm
Location: Murphy Elementary School, 3539 W Grace St
The fair is open to all 7th and 8th graders and their families. The fair provides a valuable opportunity for students and parents to explore high school options in CPS, as well as, private schools. Students and parents will be able to meet with high school representatives to ask questions and obtain information about the programs offered at their schools.
BUSINESS RESOURCES
Call for Hispanic Entrepreneurs to tell their story
The North River Commission and Albany Park Chamber of Commerce are reaching out to our business community to collect stories for their social media for Hispanic Heritage Month. If you would like to be featured, call them at 312-860-7884 or email jrivadeneira@northrivercommission.org.
Financial Education Program for Small Business Owners
Applications Due by October 6, 2023
The Office of Chicago City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin (CTO), in partnership with Goldman Sachs, is proud to announce the start of the application window for Goldman Sachs “10,000 Small Businesses,” a 13-week financial education program for small business owners offered at no cost that provides growth-oriented entrepreneurs business education, access to capital, and support services.
Throughout the program, participants acquire practical skills on topics such as financial statements, negotiations, and marketing, enabling them to advance their businesses. With the guidance of advisors and a community of like-minded entrepreneurs, participants craft proven, actionable growth plans for their businesses.
To qualify, applicants must meet these four criteria:
- Small business owner or small business co-owner.
- Business in operation for at least two years.
- Business revenues over $75,000 in the most recent fiscal year.
- Minimum of two employees (including the owner).
Participants in the program, at a minimum, will be asked to attend a program orientation, complete 11 convenient learning sessions, take part in out-of-class activities, including completing assignments, attending networking events and business support clinics with business leaders—approximately 8 – 10 hours per week, and create a business growth plan.
The application period for the January 2024 program—which runs through April 2024—lasts from today through October 6, 2023. Applications for the May 2024 program are due in January. Goldman Sachs is accepting applications on a rolling basis. Interested small business owners or co-owners can apply here: https://onegs.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9NR7AulWvIjMwrI.
As always, if you have any questions or seek further information about this program, please do not hesitate to contact me or Zach Martin (cc’d here) directly, or visit: https://10ksbapply.com/.
Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Diversity Programs Building Small Businesses Program.
BSB is an immersive and detailed financial capacity-building program tailored for small businesses to accelerate and procure major infrastructure projects. The Diversity Programs and its consultant team, Ascend HI, invite you to be our guest at Building Small Businesses Program Workshop on
Thursday, September 21, 2023, from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm – Virtual Meeting (connecting details provided at registration).
BSB will provide programming focused on the following:
- Financial Management
- Access to Capital Sourcing
- Technical Assistance & Back Office Support
- Procurement Connection
Register with the QR code in the attached flyer. Forward questions to: Ellen Marshall, 720.390.9057 Mobile
Citywide Hiring Fairs
We are pleased to invite you to set up a resource table at our Citywide Hiring Fair. This event will take place over two weekends on October 21st and October 28th from 10 am – 2pm at multiple City Colleges of Chicago locations. Thousands of potential employees will be in attendance. We are seeking employers and businesses that are currently looking to fill positions with individuals of relevant work experience to participate in this hiring fair. If you have more questions or need additional information, please contact
Lanessa.Young@cityofchicago.org or Ayana.Clark@cityofchicago.org.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Learn About Upcoming Contracting Opportunities with CTA!
Join us as we share information about projects to upgrade the Chicago Transit Authority’s infrastructure. Learn how your firm can partner on these projects to keep Chicago moving as you meet with potential prime contractors. Doors open at 9:45 am. Presentation starts at 10:15 am.
Date: Thursday, October 5, 2023
Time: 10am – 12pm
Location: Gately Park, 10201 S Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60628
Free parking available in lot
Register by clicking here or with the link on the attached flyer.
CTA Hiring Event
When: Friday September 15, 2023 from 1pm-4pm
Location: CTA Headquarters, 567 W Lake St
CTA Second Chance Program
CTA’s Find a Job Fridays
If you’re looking for work, consider giving the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) a look. The CTA is in the midst of a major recruitment campaign. Visit the CTA’s careers website to learn more. New jobs are posted every Friday.
Citywide Hiring Fairs
We are pleased to invite you to set up a resource table at our Citywide Hiring Fair. This event will take place over two weekends on October 21st and October 28th from 10 am – 2pm at multiple City Colleges of Chicago locations. Thousands of potential employees will be in attendance. We are seeking employers and businesses that are currently looking to fill positions with individuals of relevant work experience to participate in this hiring fair. If you have more questions or need additional information, please contact
Lanessa.Young@cityofchicago.org or Ayana.Clark@cityofchicago.org.
COVID-19 RESOURCES & COMMUNITY HEALTH
Chicago Department of Public Health Prepares For Rollout of New COVID-19 Vaccine
Following approval from federal health officials, the Chicago Department of Public Health is announcing its plans to make the new fall 2023 COVID-19 vaccine available to all Chicagoans age 6 months and up. In addition, CDPH is encouraging everyone 6 months and older to get an annual flu shot.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says the updated COVID-19 vaccine targets currently circulating strains of the virus. Shipping of the new vaccines (one from Pfizer-BioNTech, one from Moderna) will begin this week, and doses are expected to be available within 5 to 12 days at clinics and pharmacies throughout Chicago. If it has been at least two months since your last COVID-19 vaccine, it is recommended you get the new vaccine right away.
This year, vaccine will continue to be available to everyone at no cost, regardless of insurance or immigration status. However, where people go to get the updated vaccine may be a little different as a result of the end of the federal public health emergency last spring and the commercialization of the vaccine.
You can receive updated information from the Department of Public Health’s website. Location information can be found by clicking this link.
Blood Drive at Pathways in Education
When: September 21, 2023 from 9am – 3pm
Location: 3100 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
Narcan and Fentanyl Test Strips Available at Our Ward Office
Our office has been certified to distribute Narcan and Fentanyl testing resources to our community. You can stop by during our open hours or reach out to info@33rdward.org for more information.
Free Asthma Services from American Lung Association
Do you know a child, adult or family member that has uncontrolled asthma? The American Lung Association in Greater Chicago has a program where a skilled healthcare professional will visit your home and provide an asthma assessment. The healthcare professional will provide health education and any materials and products needed to mitigate your asthma symptoms. Products include, but are not limited to, green cleaners, HEPA vacuum cleaners, air cleaners, beds, bed and pillow covers. More information by clicking here.
Receive Your Updated COVID-19 Vaccine At Home!
Get your whole family vaccinated at home! CDPH is offering vaccination appointments at home for up to 10 family members. Click here to set up your appointment!
Vaccinations for CPS Students:
COMMUNITY SAFETY UPDATES
My office believes that the best approach to community safety requires us all to participate in conversation together, to learn about each others’ needs and find ways to support each person. We encourage everyone to participate in the CCPSA, attend your regular beat meetings (CAPS), and your local CCPSA District Council local meetings.
Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability
Last year, Chicagoans elected their first ever Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA). The CCPSA is a city-wide elected body of three representatives from each police district. These representatives have a wide range of responsibilities that you can learn more about by clicking here.
CCPSA Announced Meeting Schedule for 2023.
Next Meeting: Thursday, September 28, 2023, 6:30 pm Location TBD
Following Meeting: Thursday, October 26, 2023, 6:30 pm Malcom X College, 1900 W. Jackson Blvd
Internal Monitoring Team Listening Session
North River Commission is collaborating with Chicago’s Police Department’s Internal Monitoring Team to host a virtual listening session on September 21st. This is a great opportunity for community members to share their experiences with law enforcement and gain insights into the IMT’s upcoming Comprehensive Assessment of the CPD’s progress.
Join them to learn about the CPD police reform process, progress, and share your experiences during our listening session. This virtual listening session will take place on Thursday, September 21st at 5:30 pm. To register for the event, please click the following link: https://cpdmonitoringteam.com/register/.
COPA Civilian Academy
Begins October 23, 2023.
The Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) is excited to announce COPA People’s Academy (CPA) Session II, a six-week condensed version of COPA’s Training Academy for the public (civilian or sworn) and organizations around the country.
After a successful inaugural launch of COPA’s People’s Academy in March of this year and we are thrilled to offer the session again and hope you can help spread the word. COPA People’s Academy is designed to educate residents on COPA’s processes including, the History of Civilian Oversight of Policing in Chicago, Introduction to Officer-Involved Shootings Investigations, Witness Reliability, Legal Concepts Overview, Standards of Proof, Analyzing Video, Use of Force Investigative Tools, and our Policy Research & Analyses Division (PRAD).
Registration is now open. We invite you to enroll and/or share this information with others, including your community or your office staff who you believe would be interested in how COPA functions as an agency and works to further civilian oversight here in Chicago. If you have attended a People’s Academy in the past, you are welcome to sign up again for the second session. Session II begins October 23, 2023.
To enroll in COPA People’s Academy, or to simply learn more, please visit: chicagocopa.org/cpa. If you have any additional questions, please email copa-publicaffairs@chicagocopa.org.
17th District CAPS Meetings: The 17th District has resumed beat meetings in-person.
Information about Beat Meetings here.
Please contact the 17th District Community Policing Office / CAPS, if there are any questions or concerns.
Email: caps.017district@chicagopolice.org
Telephone: 312-742-4588
Mayor Johnson selected the nominee for the position of Chicago Police Superintendent.
Last Sunday, Mayor Johnson selected Larry Snelling as the nominee for the position of the new Superintendent for the Chicago Police Department. Snelling has a three-decade-long tenure within CPD, and currently holds the role of the Chief for the Bureau of Counterterrorism. The City Council is set to evaluate and vote on Snelling’s nomination.
The Village and Ravenswood Manor-Albany Park Circle hosting a Zoom with 17th Police District Council on Thursday, August 30. The 3 elected members are confirmed to participate.
On Thursday, August 30th at 7 pm, the Village and Ravenswood Manor-Albany Park Circle will host a Zoom meeting with 17th District Police Councilors Anthony Tamez, Elizabeth Rochford and Steve Spagnolo. Contact Karen, kegerer@comcast.net, for the Zoom link and with any questions you have for our three 17th District Police Council Members.
CONSTITUENT RESOURCES
CDOT Infrastructure Improvement Map
33rd Ward Community Driven Zoning
Recycling and garbage schedule
2023 Street Sweeping schedule and interactive map
33RD WARD OFFICE INFORMATION
Address: 4747 N Sawyer Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
Office Hours: Monday – Thursday 10am – 5pm; Friday 9am – 4pm
Phone: 773-840-7880
Email: info@33rdward.org
Website and constituent resources: www.33rdward.org
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
33RD WARD STAFF
Veronica Tirado-Mercado, Chief of Staff
Stacy Erenberg, Deputy Chief of Staff
Jonathan Nagy, Director of Communications and Engagement
Eric Ramos, Ward Superintendent
Raul Marron, Neighborhood and Business Services Coordinator
Elizabeth Espino, Neighborhood Services
Charlie Billingsley, Neighborhood Services Intern
Do you have news to share?
We are always trying to improve our communication! If you have information to share with the community, we would like to know! To submit an item for our weekly newsletter, please send an email with the event details including date, time, and location, and a brief written description. Any photos should be submitted in .JPEG format. Please submit by 5pm on Thursday.