It’s Teacher Appreciation Week! This has been a school year like no other for our educators, students, and families, and I want to take a moment to thank teachers and staff for giving their all to help us all navigate it.

In addition to keeping students engaged and supported in the classroom, I saw so many teachers taking on the work of connecting students and their families with food, financial help, vaccines, and so much more. A special thank you to my son’s champions at Hibbard Elementary for all the care and solidarity shown towards families and to each other as staff and leadership while navigating this pandemic.

An additional thing I am thankful for is the work our educators do to teach our young people about fighting for justice. This evening, members of my office will be joining the Albany Park youth march and vigil put together by students at Roosevelt High School, the North River Youth Council and other community groups. After marching from Horner Park, we’ll gather for a vigil at Ronan Park.

In This Week’s Newsletter

Quick Links 

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Upcoming Ward Nights

Chat with Alderman Rodriguez-Sanchez at Ward Night!

E-mail Info@33rdward.org or call our office 773.840.7880 to sign up for an appointment at an upcoming Ward Night.

33rd Ward Vaccination Event: May 21

We’re excited to partner with Heartland Health Centers, the Chicago Park district and the 35th Ward office to bring a mass vaccination event to the 33rd ward this month.

As the rate of vaccination slows, and more Americans are skipping their second doses, we need your help to reach as many people as possible in our neighborhoods to let them know about this quick and convenient option! Heartland health staff will be administering the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which is safe, effective, and convenient — unlike other options, it requires only one dose.

We will have 500 vaccines available at this event, and anyone 18+ is eligible. The vaccine is free regardless of insurance or immigration status.

Beginning Monday, you can call 872-250-6637 to make an appointment. We will also be sending out a link next week for online registration. Please help us spread the word to neighbors, family, and friends who haven’t yet received their vaccines!

Walk-My-Block

As the weather improves and we are able to safely resume more in-person activities, we are excited to roll out our “Walk My Block” program this summer!

A “walk-my-block” is a scheduled opportunity for the Aldermanic office to visit to your block, get to know you and your neighbors, and spend some time hearing about any issues affecting your block. We’ll also use this opportunity to survey your block for any potholes, sewer issues, lights, trees, and any other City service-related issues.

After you submit your info, a team member will contact you to schedule the Walk-My-Block date. Sign-ups are first-come, first-served, and will close on May 15th.

Summer Space Activation Events

As we head into summer, the 33rd Ward Safety & Wellness Working Group will be hosting regular space activation events throughout the community.

Space activation is an evidence-based violence reduction strategy makes use of public art, education and community-building to transform how residents engage with public spaces, including those where violence has occurred. This is also an important avenue for residents to become active participants in building safer communities. We had two great events last weekend where neighbors came out to pick up trash, make art, listen to music and get to know each other.

Watch for more events later this month! If you’d like to get involved, you can contact the Safety & Wellness Working Group at communityofcare33@gmail.com.

Apply Now for One Chicago Summer!

One Chicago Summer is the city’s annual summer jobs program aimed at those age 14 to 24. It runs from July 5 to Aug. 13 and includes both remote and socially-distanced, in-person jobs and life skills training.

The program has space for 21,000 young people, and there are still plenty of openings! The deadline to apply is June 11.

Applications and more info can be found at OneSummerChicago.org.

Local Business Highlights & Updates

Mother’s Day is also here! Today, I visited some of our 33rd Ward businesses to learn about what they are offering–if you’re looking for a gift or something to do with Mom this weekend, here are some great, local options!

Tito’s flowers and gifts will be open all weekend from 7:00am to 9:00pm for flowers, wrapping and all your gift needs!

The perfect gift for mothers of small children who make cars messy. 😉 Give mom the gift of a sparkling clean car.
Open through the weekend!

Treat Mom to coffee or cocktails, shoot some pool, or enjoy a delicious Cuban meal with her at Surge.
Now open:

Saturday 10am -2am
Sunday: 10am-1am
Siboney opens at 3pm

Revival has some great Mother’s Day specials!

• Gift certificates
• Specials on infrared saunas
• Facial treatments
• Meditation sessions
• Body healing
• Waxing

By appointment only. Call 773-478-1558 or book online at Www.Revivalwellnessspa.com

Small Business Workshops

North River Commission is offering several free workshops this month for small business owners.

Wednesday, 5/12 at 1 PM via Zoom – Business Formation

Are you thinking of opening or expanding your business but don’t know where to get started? Join North River Commission and G & G Law, LLC on this FREE BUSINESS FORMATION workshop, where Michelle Green will introduce you to legal entities, LLC formation, operating agreements, partnership, investor contracts, trademarks, buying and selling, and much more!

Monday, 5/24 at 4 PM via Zoom – Marketing Workshop (Spanish)

Join us on this first workshop in Spanish, organized by NRC and presented by Carlos Bosques, Director of SBDC at the Puerto Rican Cultural Center and Marketing professional with more than 15 years of experience. Learn about the importance of having an online presence: landing page, social media, emails, etc. and the importance of online marketing.

Restaurant Revitalization grant applications open

The U.S. Small Business Association (SBA) is now accepting applications for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund. This program includes $26.8 billion to provide grants for restaurants sustaining financial losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The online application will remain open to any eligible establishments on a first come first served basis until ALL funds are exhausted. During the first 21 days of application, SBA will only process and fund applications from priority groups: women, veterans, or socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.

How to Apply:

• Register for an account at restaurants.sba.gov
• Review the official guidance, including program guide, frequently asked questions, and the sample application. This National Restaurant Association FAQ fact sheet is another supplementary helpful resource to quickly learn more about the grant program.
• Gather the required documentation to apply (see below or visit the RRF homepage). 

You can apply directly on SBA’s portal OR through your SBA-recognized Point of Sale (POS) vendors (Square, Toast, Clover, NCR Corporation (Aloha)). If an applicant is working with a point-of-sale vendor, they do not need to register beforehand on the site.

Links to applications in other languages:

• Spanish
• Korean
• Other languages

Porch and Roof Repair Program

Mark your calendars! The Roof and Porch Repair Program allows income-eligible homeowners to enter a lottery in order to receive a one-time service on their roof or porch in 2022. The lottery drawing will take place virtually in July 2021.

ONE-DAY LOTTERY REGISTRATION for the 2022 Roof and Porch Program’s service will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. promptly on Thursday, May 20, 2021 only. There are 3 ways to register: Online at www.chicago.gov/roofandporch, through the CHI311 Mobile App, or by calling the City’s 311 service line. Only one registration per address will be accepted.

Covid-19 Need-to-Know Info

Under the Vaccine Anti-Retaliation Ordinance we passed in City Council this month, all Chicago workers – including independent contractors – must receive four hours of time off to get vaccinated. Businesses who violate the ordinance may face fines. Learn more about the new protections on this flyer.

Last week, the Centers for Disease Control also released new guidance for fully vaccinated people, including that they no longer need to wear a mask outdoors except for in crowds or at large events.

If you haven’t been vaccinated yet, there are lots of convenient options near the ward:

• Erie Health’s Foster location (5215 N California) is open for walk-ins Tue – Friday, 10 AM – 12 PM. Or make an appointment by visiting erie.health/zocdocchi or calling 312-666-3494.

• Swedish Hospital offers the vaccine for anyone 18 and over. Visit their website or call 773-907-7700 x 1 to make an appointment.

• Patients of Heartland Health Center can get vaccinated at Northeastern Illinois University. Sign up here.

• There are currently appointments available for the United Center and other sites at https://www.zocdoc.com/vaccine. You can also walk in to the United Center, Wrigley Field, or any other city-run site.
• Need assistance? We’re here to help you get vaccinated and working closely with community partners.

Vaccinations for Homebound Seniors

CDPH is collaborating with the Chicago Fire Department to provide in-home vaccinations for homebound seniors and those with disabilities that prevent them from leaving the home for medical reasons. If you or someone you know needs assistance, please complete this survey so the city can coordinate in-home vaccinations. If you need assistance completing the form, please contact our office. Learn more here.

Testing Options

The City’s community-based testing sites remain open to all people living in Chicago, regardless of insurance or immigration status. You’re encouraged to register in advance at http://chicagocovidtesting.com/. 

If there aren’t any available time slots, you can use this interactive testing map to locate other testing sites nearby. There are a number of options in or near the 33rd ward:

1. Swedish Hospital: Call: 773-907-7700 or go online for more information.

2. Pharmacy One, 4751 N. Kedzie Ave, 2nd Floor. Schedule an appointment via email or their Facebook page. pharmacyone@curishealthcare.org.

3. Heartland Health Centers is offering FREE COVID-19 testing for those that are uninsured, regardless of immigration status. Call 773-751-7800 for an appointment. More info here. 

4. Physicians Immediate Care, Six Corners at 4211 N Cicero Ave. Curbside COVID-19 testing for anyone with symptoms. Website.

A Message on Autism Awareness

Autism Awareness Month in April has just wrapped up, but we want to nonetheless take a moment to express support for this community and share some resources provided to us by a 33rd Ward resident. Our office strives to support residents of all physical and neurological abilities. As of 2021, 1 out of 86 children are diagnosed with autism, but both children and adults with autism are frequently misunderstood.

In addition to resources like the Chicago Autism Project, Autism Speaks, and the Autism Project Illinois, Childfind is a free service that can help identify children who need early intervention for developmental delays.

Gov Announcements & Resources

Preschool enrollment open

Jumpstart your child’s education with the Chicago Early Learning program! The 2021-2022 school year preschool application is now open! There are over 600 CPS schools and community-based preschools located in the city for you to choose from.  To learn more visit www.chicagoearlylearning.org or call 312.229.1690. 

FEMA COVID-19 financial assistance

FEMA is now offering financial assistance for COVID-19 related funeral expenses incurred after January 20th, 2020, under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. To learn more and apply, click here.

Free Tax Assistance available through May 17, 2021 

Make an Appointment Today

The City of Chicago is committed to ensuring that hardworking Chicagoans can access FREE tax services to file their returns and claim their tax refunds. The City of Chicago works with its nonprofit partner, Ladder Up, to offer free tax help throughout the tax season and at various points in the off-season.

Please note that Ladder Up is now operating Drop-off Tax Services only and will require everyone to have an appointment before entering a location.

Community Bulletin Board

We use this section to share upcoming events, fundraisers, job openings, and other info sent to us by schools, community groups, and businesses in the ward and nearby.

If you have something you want to include, please send a flyer to newsletter@33rdward.org.

Don’t miss North Branch Works’ virtual Spring Fundraiser on May 20^th at 6:30 p.m. This dynamic, one-hour program will feature a beer tasting with Revolution Brewing’s Josh Deth as well as virtual tours of Goose Island businesses, MxD, and Essanay Studio & Lighting. Along the way, we’ll hear from Ald. Walter Burnett (27^th Ward) and Ald. Michele Smith (43^rd) Ward. And if you live in the Chicago region, North Branch Works staff will deliver beer and snacks to you ahead of the event. Please register here.

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Boletín de 30 de abril de 2021

Estamos entusiasmados de asociarnos con Heartland Health Centers, el distrito de Chicago Park y la oficina del distrito 35 para llevar un evento de vacunación masiva al distrito 33 este mes. A medida que la tasa de vacunación disminuye y más estadounidenses se saltan las segundas dosis, necesitamos su ayuda para llegar a la mayor cantidad posible de personas en nuestros vecindarios para informarles sobre esta opción rápida y conveniente.

El personal de salud de Heartland administrará la vacuna Johnson & Johnson, que es segura, eficaz y conveniente; a diferencia de otras opciones, solo requiere una dosis. Tendremos 500 vacunas disponibles en este evento, y cualquier persona mayor de 18 años es elegible. La vacuna es gratuita independientemente del seguro o estado migratorio. A partir del lunes, puede llamar al 872-250-6637 para programar una cita.

También enviaremos un enlace la próxima semana para el registro en línea. ¡Ayúdenos a correr la voz entre vecinos, familiares y amigos que aún no han recibido sus vacunas!

Según la Ordenanza contra las represalias contra las vacunas que aprobamos en el Concejo Municipal este mes, todos los trabajadores de Chicago, incluidos los contratistas independientes, deben recibir cuatro horas de tiempo libre para vacunarse. Las empresas que violen la ordenanza pueden enfrentar multas. Obtenga más información sobre las nuevas protecciones en este folleto.

Enlaces útiles

Servicios al Vecindario	Calendario
Construcción	Servicios para personas mayores
Chi Covid Coach	Prepárate para el invierno
Zonificación y Desarrollo	Recorsos para Inquilinos

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¡Hable con el Concejal Rodríguez-Sánchez!Envíe un correo electrónico a Info@33rdward.org o llame a nuestra oficina al 773.840.7880 para hacer una cita en una próxima noche de distrito.

¡La ciudad de Chicago ha alcanzado un hito en el lanzamiento de la vacuna con el 50% de los adultos de Chicago que recibieron una primera dosis de la vacuna COVID-19!

Actualizaciones de negocios locales

Si tú o alguien que conoces está pensando en abrir un negocio, pero no sabe por dónde empezar, G & G Law, LLC te explicará sobre los primeros pasos para FORMAR TU NEGOCIO. Aprende sobre entidades legales, formación de LLC, acuerdos de operación, asociaciones, contratos con inversionistas, registro de marcas, compra y venta de empresas y mucho más!

Acompáñanos en el primero de una serie de talleres de Marketing, organizado en asociación con el Centro Cultural de Puerto Rico y presentado por Carlos Bosques, profesional en Marketing y Director del SBDC. Aprende sobre la importancia de hacer mercadeo de tu negocio, de tener una página de internet, redes sociales, correo electrónico y mucho más.

Esta semana, los Centros para el Control de Enfermedades también publicaron una nueva guía para las personas completamente vacunadas, que incluyen que ya no necesitan usar una máscara al aire libre, excepto en multitudes o en eventos grandes.

Donde recibir la vacuna

Swedish Hospital (Foster y California)

Todos de Chicago de 18 años o más ahora son elegibles para recibir la vacuna Pfizer COVID-19 en el Hospital Swedish. No es necesario que sea un paciente del Hospital Sueco para programar una vacuna con nosotros, pero sí debe programar una cita para recibir la vacuna. Para obtener más información, visite el sitio web de la vacuna COVID-19 del Hospital Swedish: https://swedishcovenant.org/covid/covid-19-vaccine

También puede llamar al 773-907-7700 y presionar 1 para que lo dirijan a un agente.

Sitios de la Ciudad

La ciudad ahora está operando vacunas masivas en el United Center y el American Airline Conference Center en Gallagher Way junto a Wrigley Field, así como en varios sitios restringidos a residentes de códigos postales específicos.

El registro estará disponible en zocdoc.com/vaccine. No hay registro en el sitio. Lea más sobre los sitios de vacunación de la ciudad aquí.

Obtener ayuda para encontrar una cita

Vacunas para personas mayores y personas con discapacidades

La ciudad de Chicago está trabajando para integrar los servicios móviles de vacunación a
domicilio para llegar a las personas confinadas en sus hogares que no pueden acudir a los
centros de vacunación para recibir sus vacunas contra el COVID-19.
Tenga en cuenta que los sitios de vacunación de la ciudad son accesibles según la ADA y este
programa es específicamente para aquellos que no pueden salir de sus casas por razones
médicas. Personas no residentes en Chicago no son elegibles para este programa.
Para ser elegible en este programa, usted debe vivir en la Ciudad de Chicago y:

Ser una persona mayor o una persona con una discapacidad que necesite asistencia en
el hogar.
O
Tener que usar equipo de asistencia (como ventilador, muletas, andador, silla de ruedas,
etc.) y / o transporte accesible para salir de su casa.
Y
Salir de su hogar no es una opción para usted porque hacerlo es un esfuerzo
considerable.

Si usted cumple con estos criterios, complete el formulario en Internet visitando
https://redcap.link/MobileCOVIDVax para que la Ciudad pueda coordinar la vacunación en su
hogar cuando ella esté disponible para usted.

Por favor, utilice las preguntas que se enumeran a continuación como referencia guiada para
ayudarlo a completar el formulario en Internet en español.
Además, si usted conoce a alguien que cumpla con estos requisitos, entréguele este formulari
o, si es necesario, complételo en su nombre.

La ciudad de Chicago dará prioridad a las personas que cumplan con estos criterios en función
de sus fases de vacunación actuales, incluidas las personas mayores de 65 años o más y las
personas que residen en las comunidades de Protect Chicago Plus. Para obtener más
información sobre Protect Chicago Plus, visite el siguiente sitio en Internet:
https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/protect-chicago.html

Después de enviar el formulario en Internet, usted recibirá un correo electrónico de
confirmación y nos comunicaremos con usted para programar su vacunación en el hogar.

Opciones de pruebas

Los sitios de prueba basados ​​en la comunidad de la ciudad permanecen abiertos a todas las personas que viven en Chicago, independientemente de su seguro o estado migratorio. Le recomendamos que se registre con anticipación en http://chicagocovidtesting.com/.

Si no hay franjas horarias disponibles, puede utilizar este mapa de prueba interactivo para localizar otros sitios de prueba cercanos. Hay varias opciones en el distrito 33 o cerca de él:

1. Swedish Hospital: Llame a 773-907-7700 or go online for more information.

2. Pharmacy One, 4751 N. Kedzie Ave, 2nd Floor. Facebook page, pharmacyone@curishealthcare.org.

3. Heartland Health Centers ofrece pruebas COVID-19 GRATIS para aquellos que no tienen seguro, independientemente de su estado migratorio. Llame al 773-751-7800 para una cita

4. Physicians Immediate Care, Six Corners at 4211 N Cicero Ave. Curbside COVID-19 testing for anyone with symptoms. Website.

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El jueves fue el Día de la Tierra y visitamos algunos restaurantes más en el barrio para probar sus platos vegetarianos.

También tenemos un día más de limpieza comunitaria mañana en Avondale, reuniéndonos en 2850 N Mozart a las 11 a. M.

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Office Hours:

Monday: 12:00 PM – 7 PM

Tues – Thurs: 10 AM – 5 PM

Friday: 9 AM – 4PM  

️E-mail info@33rdward.org anytime for service requests or general queries

️ Call us at 773-840-7880 during business hours

Follow us on Facebook or Twitter

Check out our ward website for info on services and events: https://www.33rdward.org/

Best,

Rossana Rodriguez