Dear Community,

As you know the members of the city council receive salary increases based on inflation and they can increase or decrease depending on the index. These raises are automatic and we don’t vote for them, we get to decide if we take the raise or not. For context, aldermanic salaries are on average the same as a CPS school principal.
As I tried to figure out a way to put the money to use in our ward, I was told by the budget department that we can’t separate a portion of our salary and use it for specific government operations per state law. Since I can’t use it to bring resources to the ward via my office I decided to take the increase and continue to support violence prevention efforts and the work being done to support survivors of gun violence. I have been supporting the work of Israel Gifts of Hope and will also support the Restorative Justice Program and other needs at Roosevelt High School through Friends of Roosevelt starting in January of 2023 when the next raise goes into effect.

Additionally, I am working on an ordinance to make sure Alders have the choice to use their salary increases in their wards by separating the increasing amount into a different budget item. I will be introducing this legislation in the next few months and fight to have heard before our term is over.

I am committed to supporting our communities and to a government that is focused on care and will continue fighting for our well-being with every tool at my disposal.

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We are excited to officially announce that our office is fully staffed again! We recently experienced some changes to our staff and we are looking forward to meeting our neighbors. For more information on who we are and what our roles are stay tuned on our website 33rdward.org.

In addition to this news, our Monday hours have changed. Moving forward our office will be open from 10 am-5 pm Monday-Thursday and from 9 am-4 pm on Fridays. Hours are subject to change due to events and staff meetings, and will be posted to our social media accounts. 

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The Department of Water Management (DWM) is coming out to inspect basement flooding that happened due to the storms this past weekend. Once DWM inspects the flooding issue, they will provide you with specific information for your individual next steps. Because this information will be provided on an individual basis, your DWM representative will have the information you need on what needs to happen next. 

In order for DWM to come inspect the flooding in your home, you must submit a service request in 311. You may do so by calling 311, inputting it on their website or app, or by calling our office at 773-840-7880. To track the progress of DWM, please keep up with your SR22 number or opt into their text updates. Please refrain from submitting duplicate service requests because this will overload their system and could cause delays for DWM coming to your home. 

For more information, please check Mayor Lightfoot’s twitter announcement. In the meantime, CDOT, DWM, and Water Reclamation are working to address long-term flooding solutions in our city.

In the spirit of interconnectedness, the city of Jackson, which is Mississippi’s capital, is still without clean drinking water. If you’re able, please consider giving monetary donations to any of these organizations: Mississippi’s Rapid Response Coalition, Cooperation Jackson, The Mississippi Food Network, and Immigrant Alliance for Justice and Equity.

The water crisis in Jackson, Mississippi remains indefinite.

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! 

*Please consider donating to Jackson, Mississippi to help their residents gain access to clean drinking water as the water crisis still remains indefinite! 

These organizations are currently collecting funds to purchase and distribute clean drinking water: Mississippi’s Rapid Response Coalition, Cooperation Jackson, The Mississippi Food Network, and Immigrant Alliance for Justice and Equity.

Clean & Green, September 17th

To help keep our neighborhood clean and our natural areas thriving we will spend some time on Saturday, September 17th from 11am-1pm, cleaning up trash and doing minor tending to the parkway on Kedzie and Lawrence. Our office will provide grabbers, gloves, and garbage bags.

Click here if you plan to attend this event.

In-Person Ward Night, September 19th

Our office is hosting a Ward Night on Monday, September 19th. This event will allow for residents of the ward to meet one on one with Rossana Rodrigues. If you would like to attend, please request an appointment by emailing info@33rdward.org or calling our office at 773-840-7880.

Construction Notice for Addison St, September 19th

Starting Monday, September 19th IDOT will begin resurfacing Addison St and repairing the sidewalks. This construction will cause lane lane closures and will prevent street parking from 8:30 am to 4:30pm. Please allow for additional time on commutes for potential traffic delays.

Walk My Block Registration

Neighborhood Events

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

 

2. Ishti Presents: Returning Home II, September 15th-17th

3. Mexican Independence Celebration, September 16th

4. Space Activation Skate Park, September 16th

5. Fall Nature Fest, September 17th

6. Eugene Field Park Fall Fest, September 18th

7. Peace Day Chicago, September 19th

For the last 44 years Peace Day has brought together communities and cultures to encourage peace in Chicago and the world. Enjoy moving cultural performances, inspiring speakers, and the opportunity to network with organizations and individuals committed to making peace a priority everyday. For more information, visit their website.

8. Famous Fido Rescue Adoption Event & Art Fair, September 24th

9. Israel’s Gifts of Hope Basketball Tournament, September 24th

10. Roe Rage Theme Fest Benefit for Women’s Health, September 30th

On September 30th at 7:30 pm All Women’s Medical Health Center is hosting a theme fest to raise money for first-rate reproductive health care for women in Chicago. The fundraising event will allow for All Women’s Medical Health Center to continue to provide affordable health care. The fundraiser will have Dr. Nelson Lehrer discuss the Center’s mission and answer any questions that arise. The theme festival will host local artists to perform songs, read poetry, and other forms of artistic expression. This event is free to attend and will be located at 3905 N Lincoln Ave.

11. World Fashion Festival & Latina Expo, September 30th-October 2nd

Youth Opportunities

1. Future Founders Internship Program, Applications Due September 23

Future Founders is offering a paid virtual internship opportunity for high school students that are interested in developing their own business ideas and participate in Chicago’s startup community.

Applications for the October and November “Be Your Own Boss Internship” cohorts are officially open! Click here to start your application today.

2. CPS Families Child Tax Credit

Chicago Public Schools families may be eligible for up to $3,600 per child through the expanded federal Child Tax Credit program.

To find out if you’re eligible, and to apply for this credit, visit GetCTC.org/chicagops, a simplified tax filing tool that takes just a few minutes to complete and does not require any tax documents. Some families may also be eligible for an additional $1,400 stimulus payment. Families have until mid-November to claim this money. More information can be found on this flier.

Hispanic Heritage Month Business Highlight

During the Hispanic Heritage Month, the Albany Park Chamber of Commerce will be highlighting local businesses owned by Hispanic entrepreneurs. If you would like your business to be highlighted on their social media platforms, reach out to Marisabel via email at marisabel@northrivercommission.org or call/text 312-860-9294.

Love Fridge

Love Fridge is a mutual aid network that sets up community-run fridges all across Chicago to provide access to free food and help fight food insecurity. The fridge provides free food to anyone on a take-what-you-need, leave-what-you-can basis, stocked by us and awesome neighbors like ours! The Love Fridge is currently accepting donations, and they are looking for volunteers to support the maintenance and cleaning of the fridge. Click here to sign up as a Love Fridge Volunteer!

Business Resources

1. Business Education for Entrepreneurs

The Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) offers free weekly webinars to educate entrepreneurs in all areas of running a business. Click here to register for upcoming webinars. To watch all past webinars, visit BACP’s YouTube channel.

• Wednesday, September 14 at 3 PM: Transform your Dream into a Real Startup 
• Thursday, September 15 at 9:30 AM: Navigating your Cash Flow

2. Home & Business Protection Program, Application Opens September 15th

The City of Chicago has plans to expand the Home and Business Protection Program (HBPP) to remove financial barriers and ensure that more Chicago residents have access to private security devices.  

On September 15, the City of Chicago will launch a new HBPP Income-Based Application that will allow eligible Chicagoans to apply for private security devices based on income and pick them up at designated community distribution sites. The application is first come first serve, and the application will be open through December 2024.

For more information, please visit their website.

3. Small Business Expo, September 17th

The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) will be hosting a free small business expo on September 17th from 10am-2pm.

The expo will feature resources from nonprofit and government agencies, workshops presented by local business service organizations, and a networking hour to meet and connect with other current and aspiring business owners. The keynote address will be given by  entrepreneur Corey Gilkey, and will leave attendees with tangible takeaways to pursue their dreams of business ownership.

Click here to register for this event.

4. The Power of Social Media Webinar, September 20th

Join the Albany Park Chamber of Commerce and Alexia Guzman, from Rogers Park Business Alliance on an informative workshop about social media, how to use it, best platforms, how to create content, and how to attract more customers. Master all social media platforms and bring in more revenue to your business. 

WHEN: Tuesday, September 20 at 11 AM

WHERE: Via Zoom

RSVP by sending an email to Marisabel at marisabel@northrivercommission.org or text 312-860-9294.

Serve as a Poll Worker on November 8th

Chicago needs poll workers more than ever! Help defend democracy and apply today to work the November 8, 2022 General Election. Apply today to become an Election Judge or Election Coordinator! 

Ask CTA Event, Now- October 6th

CTA is hosting “Ask CTA” events at key rail stops now through the first week in October (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays of each week). At each event, CTA will have at least two CTA Senior Staff Members available to address customers’ comments and feedback.

The Ask CTA events will be held in the mornings from 7:30-9:30am and in the evenings from 4:30-6:30pm. Locations of event will be posted on CTA’s social media accounts each week.

Volunteer with the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

CERT is a national community-based opportunity for citizens to learn basic hands-on disaster response techniques that can be applied to daily lives. Over the years, Chicago CERT members have supported many special events, disaster preparedness drills and emergency exercises alongside the City of Chicago’s public safety team.

The next 30-hour CERT training course will be held every Tuesday and Thursday between September 6th and October 6th from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at Chicago State University. The course covers topics such as disaster preparedness, fire safety, hazmat, search and rescue, and more.

To sign up for this training course, you can register/sign-up by emailing chicagocitizencorps@cityofchicago.org or by using this registration link.

MeterSave Program with DWM

The Chicago Department of Water Management (DWM) has announced that they are installing free water meters after approval by the City Council, which allowed for some additions to the program. The voluntary MeterSave Program, which has provided over 130,000 meters to
homeowners since 2009, has saved residents up to 50% on their water bills.

Those on the MeterSave waiting list will be prioritized when the program begins in September, but anyone interested in receiving a meter can join the list by registering at: www.MeterSave.org

The program in its current form will end in January of 2023 when the state law changes to require lead service line replacement as part of any meter installation.

Job Resources

1. NAMI Chicago

NAMI Chicago has positions open in Mental Health Services and they are looking for outstanding and dedicated people to join their growing team. Interested candidates can apply online by selecting any of the available positions below:

• Helpline Coordinator
• Helpline Peer Support Specialist
• Helpline Specialist
• Clinical Support Manager
• Controller

2. The Kedzie Center

The mission of the Kedzie Center is to provide accessible, culturally informed, quality mental health care to North River residents through the integration of clinical practice, education and evaluation, and the application of psychological insight to address community concerns, as informed by the community and in collaboration with local residents and partners. Please click the link below if you are interested in joining their team!

• Bilingual Administrative Assistant, Marketing & Outreach

3. St. Mary of Providence

St. Mary of Providence is a nonprofit residential and day services facility whose mission is to help people with developmental disabilities meet life’s challenges and reach their highest potential in spiritual, emotional, mental and psychological growth, while also promoting their dignity as human beings. Follow the links below or contact them at humanresources@smopchicago.org.

• Teachers Aid
• Developmental Educational Instructor
• Direct Support Persons

Public Health Updates

MonkeyPox Resources

The monkeypox virus is spread through close contact with body fluids, sores, shared bedding or clothing, or respiratory droplets (kissing, coughing, sneezing, etc.). This week, there were 42 documented cases in Chicago. 

Vaccinations for MPV are currently available in Chicago for adults 18 and up. Because of the limited availability of vaccines, you must meet the eligibility requirements outlined by the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH).

COVID-19 Resources

1. 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.  

2. 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!

3. At-Home Vaccinations Incentive

Through August 30, any Chicagoan age 5 and up is now eligible to receive a $50 gift card for booster COVID vaccine doses (regardless of zip code) via the City’s At-Home vaccination program. 

Per CDC rules, this bonus is only being offered to individuals that have not received more than $100 in COVID vaccine incentives from the City. Incentives will be provided while supplies last.

Click here to schedule 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