6th Ward E-Newsletter

August 2024

Dear Residents of the 6th Ward,

Thank you to everyone who joined us over the weekend at our 2nd Annual Back to School Family Fest. It was wonderful to see so many of you there!

As a quick reminder, our office has moved to 8541 S. State Street. You can still reach us at our old office number, 773-241-3100. We invite you to stop by and visit our new space.

As we head into August, please remember that Chicago Public Schools will start back on August 26th. We wish all students, parents, and educators a successful and enriching school year ahead.

We're excited to share some 6th Ward updates from July, highlighting our community's achievements!

• Service Requests: In July, we completed 430 service requests, addressing a wide range of community needs and concerns.
• Accessibility Improvements: We have helped with the installation of five new disabled poles at homes that required them, improving accessibility and safety for residents. Thank you for your help in embodying the true spirit of community!
• Ward Cleanliness: Our cleaning crews have been diligently maintaining cleanliness throughout the ward, ensuring our streets and public spaces are kept in excellent condition.
• Tree Care: We’ve made significant progress with tree care this month, having trimmed numerous trees and removed several hazardous ones. Our ongoing efforts are focused on keeping our green spaces safe and beautiful.
• Community Beautification: Below you will see ongoing efforts to beautify our community at 219 E. 80th & 7202 S. Wabash.

219 E. 80th before and after

7202 S. Wabash before and after

If you see an area that needs to be cleaned or has any city-related issues or concerns, please contact our office at 773-241-3100 to submit service requests for any city-related issues or concerns.

6th Ward Event Highlights

On July 11th and July 25th, Martin Temple AME Zion transformed into a haven for heroes. Many veterans gathered to meet representatives from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The VA's mission was clear: ensure every veteran has the information and access they need to benefit fully from their services. From healthcare enrollment to disability compensation, and employment support to financial assistance, the VA was there, dedicated to properly serving the nation's heroes. 

Meanwhile, the 6th Ward Mamie-Til-Mobley Farmers Market thrived with energy and community spirit. Vendors and visitors mingled among stalls brimming with fresh produce and local crafts. It was a day of delightful discoveries, vibrant shopping, and joyous sampling. The event showcased local talent, and residents eagerly anticipated the next market on August 17th, ready to celebrate more seasonal flavors.

On July 13th, the lot of New Covenant Church was a hub of activity as residents from the 6th Ward and neighboring areas made the most of a convenient, safe, and free system to dispose of sensitive documents securely, get rid of old electronics, and clear out unused prescription drugs. The community effort resulted in shredding 27 bins of paper, disposing of 52 lbs of prescription drugs, and collecting over 5.5 enormous containers of electronics.

The July community meeting with Alderman Hall was an invaluable opportunity for residents to engage directly with local leadership. Representatives from various police districts presented recent statistics, offering insights into neighborhood safety. The event also featured an introduction to the new superintendent of the 6th Ward, making it a significant occasion for community connection. 

On July 18th, over sixty residents of the 6th Ward attended the Hope & Career Fair, eager to discover their next career goals. With over 20 vendors in one setting, the fair made it easier for attendees to take steps toward achieving their aspirations.

July 22nd marked the beginning of a three-part series of jazz events that captivated a lively crowd of music enthusiasts at Nat King Cole Park. Over 140 attendees gathered under the clear summer skies, enjoying performances by two talented artists whose vibrant melodies and captivating rhythms filled the air.

Finally, on July 27th, in partnership with the Chicago Chess Foundation, 6th Ward residents were invited to Tuley Park to bring their families for chess lessons and tournaments. It was a day of strategic thinking, family bonding, and community engagement.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our community. Together, we are making the 6th Ward a better place for everyone.

Yours in Service and Community,

Alderman William E. Hall

6th Ward Events & Resources

August Events

City Resources/News

Jumping Jack Program

Every year, the Jumping Jack Program brings joy to children all over Chicago with its inflatable playground. And the best part? It's completely FREE! Running from May 25 to September 1, 2024, this is an event you don't want to miss.

Before you get jumping, here's what you need to know:

Application Information:

• Limited to residential block parties within Chicago.
• Registration opens on April 15 at 8 am.
• Make sure to fill out the application correctly to receive confirmation.
• Requests are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

General Rules:

• Inflatables are for residential block parties only.
• One inflatable is provided per approved block party for four hours.
• Set-up and pick-up times are fixed between 10 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 6 pm.
• Inflatables must be set up on pavement, asphalt, or concrete.



Be sure to review all the details before applying. Get ready for a summer of fun with the Jumping Jack Program!

Senior Resources

Chicago Department of Family & Support Services Summer Edition of Seniors Connected

The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services Senior Services Division provides social services and support programs to adults 60 years of age and older. We serve a diverse population of older adults including those who are vulnerable, homebound, active, and fit. Please share the attached Summer Edition of the Chicago Seniors Connected program brochure with your constituents so they can learn about our virtual and in-person programs, senior resources, and upcoming special events.

Key highlights featured in the brochure include:

• Return of Senior Fest 2024 which is gearing up to be the event of the season! (see page 26)

• Chicago's Passport to the World Congregate Dining Program which has served over 40,000 special meals to seniors across the city. The program has also supported a Senior Gala serving 1,000 seniors culturally diverse dining options featuring live entertainment by a Mariachi band, a jazz band, and highlighting African, Chinese, and Indian cultural performances. (see page 44)

• The newly launched Passport to the World Senior Summer Bash series (see page 45). These events support indoor and outdoor activities celebrating delicious meals paired with exciting themes such as the eternal spirit of the Olympics, a Hawaiian luau with a special guest appearance by Elvis, and the renaissance of Country and Western. These events are intentionally and exclusively designed to support safe senior summertime fun! Please check with your local Regional Senior Centers for more information. (see page 63)

• Chicago's Good Food Good Life Senior Services Food Box Program with distributions at our six Regional Senior Centers which include boxes of fruits, vegetables, shelf-stable items, and protein (see page 46)

While we highly encourage seniors to be active and to visit senior centers during this summer season, please also see A Note from the Executive Director where we include key tips from the Centers for Disease Control on how to stay safe during extreme heat conditions. 

Youth & Education Opportunites

CPS Summer Meal Sites for Children

CPS offers free meals during summer break for all children up to age 18. No ID is required, but children must be present and meals must be consumed onsite. There are two types of meal locations:

• LunchStop sites: Serve free lunch outdoors at select schools from June 24 to August 9, Monday to Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• In-school meal sites: Serve free meals indoors at schools open for summer programs. Meal times vary.

For more details, call (800) 359-2163 or text FOOD or COMIDA to 304-304.

Get Into Summer!

Great opportunities awaits for teens this summer in Chicago! Learn about fun, safe activities that youth can participate in all summer long when you download the MyChiMyFuture app or visit mychimyfuture.org!

Employment Opportunities

Looking for a job? Try working for the city! Click here to see the full list of job openings across various departments at the City of Chicago. 

www.6wardchicago.com