In this weeks newsletter we highlight multiple opportunities for our neighbors to get involved in the community and attend back to school events for youth and families.

CPS is starting the upcoming school year earlier than before! The first day of school is on August 22nd, and we have a couple events happening to help students and families get prepared. You are welcome to attend the Back to School Drive with Israel’s Gift and the Back 2 School Fiesta! Backpacks and school supplies will be offered at both events. We hope to see you there!

Through Participatory Budgeting in years past we have been able to upgrade our parks and playgrounds, install bike lanes, create a permanent food pantry, initiate sidewalk repairs for seniors and people with disabilities, and so much more. Follow this link to read more about the additions through Participatory Budgeting. 

This process is not possible without the participation of neighbors who live, work, and attend school in our ward. By participating in Ward Night, Sage Brigade events, and joining the PB33 Committee we can ensure your voice is heard.

In This Week’s Newsletter

Quick Links 

*Want more information on community opportunities and job postings? Check out our Community Bulletin!

*Block party applications are open! Read more under “Form” on the Neighborhood Services page, and apply here! 

Participatory Budgeting 2023

How would you spend $1 million to improve our community?

Alderwoman Rossana Rodriguez invites you to participate in participatory budgeting for 2023!

Submit your ideas for how our office can use the annual infrastructure funds to make necessary improvements to the 33rd Ward.

Join the PB Committee to turn the ideas we collect into a final ballot for neighbors to vote on. You will work with your neighbors to make the best possible ballot with projects that serve our community.

For more information, visit 33rdward.org/participatory-budgeting.

Pop-Up In-Person Ward Night at Ronan Park, August 8th

If you would like to request an appointment email us at info@33rdward.org or call our office at (773)-840-7880.

Sage Brigade Senior Event, August 11th

The Sage Brigade is a group of seniors that came together in 2020 to support each other during COVID Lockdown. All seniors are invited to join this group of volunteers that focuses on helping other seniors in the ward.

The next Sage Brigade meeting is August 11 at Horner Park from 3:30-5:00 p.m. If you would like to become a member of the group or socialize with other seniors in the ward, please stop by!

Notice: Street Closure on Central Park Ave, August 4th-12th

Starting on Thursday, August 4th at 7 a.m. there will be a full street closure on Central Park Ave from Lawrence to the alley for construction materials. The street closure will last until Friday, August 12th at 2:30 p.m. Residents can expect an increase of traffic, especially as alleys will be accessible during the street closure. If you have any questions, please contact the 33rd Ward Office at 773-840-7880 or via email at info@33rdward.org. 

Public Community Meeting: Cannabis Dispensary Permit, August 8th 

Green Star Equity LLC has applied for a Special Use permit to operate a cannabis dispensary at 3545 N Kedzie Ave, and will hold a public community meeting for feedback. The Zoning Board of Appeals will have the final say in the application’s approval.  

Date: Monday, August 8th | 6 p.m.
Attend in person at Revolution Brewing: 3340 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
Attend via Zoom: https://zoom.us.join 
Meeting ID: 920 6873 0092 | Passcode: 372410
Join by phone: 312-626-6799

Questions? You can ask the applicant’s attorney Sylvia C. Michas at 312-836-4030 or at smichas@taftlaw.com OR Joe Engleman, 33rd Ward Zoning and Development Manager at joe@33rdward.org. 

Neighborhood Events

1. Albany Park Lot Jams Concerts, Present-Oct 8th


2.  Metropolis Coffee Co. Garage Sale, August 6th & 7th

3. Back to School Drive with Israel’s Gifts of Hope, August 6th

4. Back 2 School Fiesta, August 13th 

5. 2022 Avondale Bar Crawl Fundraiser, August 13th
Event link here

6. Summer Float Party, August 15

Click here to enter our raffle for a chance to win free tickets!

Youth Opportunities

1. Bateman Before and After School Care Registration is OPEN! 

2. ComEd EV Rally, August 6th

Use Promo Code L57X9TD3J to grab up to four (4) free Museum Entry tickets. Enter the code into the ‘promo code’ box during checkout the museum’s website or present the code at Museum ticket counters on the day of visit. 

The Power of Social Media for Small Businesses, August 8th

We Join the Albany Park Chamber of Commerce and Rogers Park Business Alliance for their second webinar on August 8th via Zoom about Marketing for Small Businesses. In this webinar, attendees will learn everything about social media platforms and easy tools to create content to attract more clients.

RSVP with Marisabel via email at marisabel@northrivercommission.org or (312)-860-9294.

Acompañe a la Cámara de Comercio de Albany Park y Rogers Park Business Alliance en el segundo taller de Marketing para pequeños negocios que hablará sobre las diferentes plataformas de redes sociales y herramientas para crear contenido facilmente para atraer más clientes.

Regístrese por correo a marisabel@northrivercommission.org o mensaje a 312-860-9294.

Tenants Rights Workshop, August 18

Join North River Commission & Metropolitan Tenants Organization on Thursday, August 18 via Zoom for a workshop focused on crucial information about your rights as a tenant! In this workshop the focus will be tenants rights through eviction, rent increases, and apartment repairs

RSVP with Erika via email at erika@northrivercommission.org or (872)- 257-8773.

Business Spotlight: 

1. Skinovatio Medical Spa

We announced Skinovatio Medical Spa’s opening last week, but we wanted to correct their address and add their deals. 

Visit them at 2934 W Montrose to take advantage of their variety of deals during their first month of operation- check them out here!

2. El Nuevo Langostino Inc.

The 33rd Ward Office was able to visit a relatively new business in the ward a few weeks ago. We would like to give a special thank you to El Nuevo Langostino Inc. for providing wonderful hospitality and unforgettable, tasty dishes. They are BYOB and specialize in seafood dishes. We highly recommend this family-owned restaurant to our neighbors in the ward! 

Visit them at 3111 W. Montrose!

Covid-19 Resources

1. Children as young as 6 months can now get a COVID-19 vaccine!

Upcoming family vaccination clinics at City Colleges of Chicago, 9am-2pm
*Reservations recommended but walk-ins accepted
*For ages 6mos-4 years old

• Saturday, July 30 – Richard J. Daley
  College and Wilbur Wright College

2. You are now eligible for 8 MORE free at-home COVID rapid tests!

Residential households in the U.S. are now eligible for 8 free at-home tests on USPS.com.  

3. At-Home Vaccinations: 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!

4. Vaccinations

CPS Students: 

– Permanent sites
– Mobile Events
– School-Based Health Centers
–  Sign up for weekly COVID testing at CPS

33rd Ward Vaccination Events

1. Theodore Roosevelt High School

2. Swedish Hospital: Walk-In’s Welcome

* More information on City testing sites here!

Community Safety Updates

1. 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