To honor Dr. King's legacy and work to further civil rights in our country, the City will host a virtual interfaith celebration this Friday, January 15 at 10:00 am. The event will be available to view at www.chi.gov/mlk. CLICK HERE to print the flyer below.
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RNRA PHOTO GALLERY OF 2020 VIRTUAL CONTEST SUBMISSIONS
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During the pandemic, RNRA has conducted virtual photo contests to enable our creative community to safely celebrate life in River North even during challenging times like these.
CLICK HERE to browse the gallery of contest finalists for both Halloween Costumes and Holiday Decorations!
We are proud to present the finalists and winners of each contest with sincere thanks to everyone who submitted entries! Watch our newsletter and social media feeds for information on upcoming contests.
If you have a suggestion for a future contest, CLICK HERE.
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Christmas Tree Recyling in Chicago
January 9 - 23
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Chicago's Tree Recycling Program runs from January 9-23 at dozens of parks across the City. Trees can be dropped off anytime during normal business hours.
Only live/natural trees without flocking are accepted (no garland or wreaths). Because the trees are mulched, all tinsel, ornaments, lights, and stands must be removed. Plastic bags used for transport should also be removed before putting trees in the stalls.
Twenty-five parks citywide are hosting Tree Recycling events this year. Locations in or near the 42nd Ward are listed below:
• Grant Park, 900 S. Columbus Drive
• Lincoln Park, Cannon Drive at Fullerton Avenue (East of Cannon Dr.)
• Sheridan Park, 910 S. Aberdeen Street
In 2019, over 17,000 Christmas trees were composted, just through the City's program. Those efforts diverted an estimated 620,000 pounds from landfills! For more information and additional drop-off locations, please CLICK HERE.
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The challenges of the past year and changes to the way that we celebrated the holidays can be difficult to cope with. If you are struggling with your mental health, please know that you are not alone.
The National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) has put together a detailed resource guide to help residents cope with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Information found in the guide includes links to reliable resources on COVID-19, tips for managing stress and anxiety, resources for supporting a loved one with COVID-19, and more.
If you would like help getting connected to mental health resources or just need someone to talk to, please call NAMI's free Helpline at 833-626-4244.
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2021 Shared Cost Sidewalk Program
The Shared Cost Sidewalk Program is a popular voluntary program in which property owners share the cost of sidewalk repair with the City. Thousands of Chicagoans have taken advantage of the low cost, exceptional value, and ease of participation. The 2021 Shared Cost Sidewalk Program opened to new applicants on January 11, 2021. For more information, CLICK HERE.
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New City of Chicago Laws
Coming in Effect in 2021
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The City of Chicago wants to remind residents, workers and businesses of new local laws, regulations and deadlines that they should be aware of in 2021.
These new laws include: the implementation of important protections for Chicago’s workers; regulations to reform the shared housing industry to ensure safe and responsible operation; the extension of relief measures for businesses; the legalization of Accessory Dwelling Units in pilot areas; the implementation of new revenue sources and policy changes to Automatic Speed Enforcement to enhance public safety. For more information, CLICK HERE.
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YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Attend your Beat Meetings & become a Court Advocate!
Keep informated - follow CPD
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Changes to Last Published Dates for
January CAPS Beat Meetings
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We encourage all River North residents to participate in their CAPS Beat Meetings.
Please note the new dates and times for January!
What is CAPS? CAPS stands for Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy. CAPS is a partnership between police and community that is the foundation of community policing. CAPS uses Beats to develop relationships between the community and the police.
CAPS meetings offer city residents an opportunity to address crime and safety issues directly with the beat officers who patrol their neighborhood, as well as to provide ongoing feedback, which help the police to monitor crime issues. The beat meeting is a chance to meet your neighbors and come up with strategies that affect the community.
District 018 2021 Schedule by Beat
Please click on the links below to access the details and ZOOM links for each beat meeting.
Other Resources
CLICK HERE to view the full 2021 schedule of District 018 CAPS Beat Meetings.
District 012 2021 Schedule for Beat 1214
Please click on the link below to access the beat meeting details.
Note: The ZOOM link will be posted as soon as it becomes available.
Other Resources
CLICK HERE to view the full 2021 shedule of District 012 CAPS Beat Meetings.
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Join the 18th District Court Advocacy Program!
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This program consist of individuals who want to support their community by following cases/arrests made within their districts.
The Court Advocates can pick and choose whichever cases interest them and which cases they want to show their presence for. By attending these cases, the Advocates are showing their support for the victims and the community in which it occurred. That presence makes a statement that they are standing up for their community and that they don't want this activity in their neighborhood. The judge sees this type of support from citizens and the hope is that they will take the cases and sentencing methods more serious.
The group meets at the 018th District station (Zoom now), every other month to discuss both New and Old cases. CPD provides the group with information regarding the case, where it happened, what happened, and when/where the court case will be held for the offender in custody.
Interested in Joining:
3) CPD will perform a name check to make sure you don't have any warrants which make you ineligible to join.
3) After the name check is performed successfully, you will receive an email from Officer Robinson notifying you of your acceptance or rejection into the group.
4) If accepted you will receive a one hour training class for what to expect when you attend court cases and will be provided with an ID Badge which shows that you are a Court Advocate.
Any additional questions, please reach out to Officer Robinson at the above email address.
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OEMC Encourages Residents to Sign-up
for Free CERT Training
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The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is announcing a first-time virtual Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training program. The training is FREE of charge to all interested participants. This new course engages users through an online platform utilized to complete 12 hours of virtual CERT training followed by 16 hours of in-person, hands on training sessions. Due to COVID-19, hands-on training will be scheduled in Spring/Summer 2021.
The CERT program offers members of the public an opportunity to learn basic hands-on disaster response techniques and life-saving skills to utilize in their own homes and neighborhoods. This 100% volunteer program was developed by the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) in 1985 and implemented nationally by FEMA in 1993. CERT training teaches practical skills in the following areas:
• Disaster preparedness
• Fire safety & utility controls
• Light search and rescue
• Team organization
• Disaster psychology
• Terrorism response
• Disaster medical operations
Past participants have played a role in emergency exercises and assisted the City of Chicago during various large-scale emergencies such as the response to COVID-19, Emergency Operations Center activations, and following other natural disasters. This year participants worked with CDPH to manage the COVID19 hotline and at various testing sites.
Provided by the University of Utah Health, the training software affords users the option to complete the training at their discretion. At the end of this course, all students will receive a certificate of completion for the online portion of the course. Eligibility to become certified as a CERT volunteer is based on the completion of the 12-hour online training followed by attending the 16-hours of practical sessions.
Chicago residents can sign up for this class by visiting this website to create a free account. Once you have created an account please register for the following class: ONLINE TRAINING - Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) 2020.1.3. Courses are also available in Spanish.
The Chicago CERT team is managed by the OEMC with assistance from the Chicago Fire Department and Chicago Police Department. For more information, please contact [email protected] or visit the OEMC website.
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Remember To Keep Your Sidewalk Clear Of Snow
This winter, please help to do your part to keep our walkways safe for everyone - especially for people with disabilities, seniors, and children - by shoveling your sidewalk.
Per Chicago Municipal Code (4-4-310 & 10-8-180), property owners, property occupants, and business owners are responsible for keeping sidewalks clear of snow and ice. If you are renting a unit or property, check your lease to see whether you or your landlord is responsible for shoveling snow.
Sidewalks are required to be clear seven days per week, and residents must clear at least a five foot wide path:
• Snow that falls between the hours of 7:00 am and 7:00 pm must be removed by 10:00 pm.
• Snow that falls between the hours of 7:00 pm and 7:00 am must be removed by 10:00 am.
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Download the FREE
My River North Mobile App
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Check out the deals on the My River North mobile app! Over 50 Sponsors!
Download the app FREE
The “My River North” mobile app provides convenient access to River North news, events and resources, plus special discount offers at a variety of participating local businesses.
Show the deal on the app to the participating business, hit "REDEEM" and enjoy the discount!
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Volunteer Activities/Community
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On Tuesday, January 19, 12:00-4:00 pm, the Lincoln Park Branch of Chicago Public Library will host a blood drive with Versiti Blood Center of Illinois. The blood drive will take place in a mobile bus parked along the south side of Fullerton Avenue, directly across the street from the Lincoln Park Branch.
To register for the drive or to learn more, please CLICK HERE.
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Story Times with Chicagoans You Know & Love!
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Weekdays at 10:00am
Watch story times with Chicagoans you know and love at Live from the Library! See a new reader at 10 a.m. every weekday, or browse past story times on Facebook Live. Guest readers include Mayor Lori Lightfoot, the Obamas, Oprah Winfrey and Jeff Tweedy, as well as Chicago Public Library (CPL) children's librarians.
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Donate or Receive a Free Pan of Lasagna
with Lasagna Love
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Lasagna Love is working to deliver free homemade lasagna to those who need a little extra help feeding their family. Recipients are paired with a local "lasagna mama or papa," who then provides contactless delivery of a homemade pan of lasagna. To volunteer to provide a pan of lasagna (either by making it yourself or by sponsoring a lasagna mama or papa), or receive a pan of lasagna yourself, visit lasagnalove.org.
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The Chicago Help Initiative
Help Feed & Clothe the Homeless
Prepare Bag Lunches & Donate Warm Clothes
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Click on the images above and below to print a copy of these flyers.
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Support Our First Responders
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Is your Property an RNRA Member? Talk to your Property Manager to join today!
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The more properties that join, the stronger our voice!
RNRA is a not-for-profit community organization established in 1997 to protect and enhance the quality of life for those who call River North their home. We are proud to represent over 21,000 residents – the highest membership level in RNRA history!
Once a property joins, all of its residents become members. If you aren’t a member, talk to your Property Manager or Community Manager about joining. We are more likely to be heard if we speak with one voice.
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As of January 11, 2021, Chicago's citywide COVID-19 positivity rate is 10.3 percent, based on a seven day rolling average. View data on case rates, test rates, death rates, and more by ZIP code or demographic using the Chicago COVID Dashboard.
Source: Ward 2 Newsletter 1/11/2021
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City of Chicago COVID-19
Vaccine Rollout Update
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Per new guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) has updated its COVID-19 vaccination plan to include persons age 65 and older in Phase 1b. Vaccination will occur according to CDC guidelines while vaccine supplies remain limited:
• Phase 1a: Health care personnel and long-term care facility residents
• Phase 1b: Frontline essential workers and persons age 65 and older
• Phase 1c: Persons age 16-64 years old with high-risk medical conditions, and essential workers not recommended for vaccination in Phase 1b
• Phase 2: All persons age 16 years and older not previously recommended for vaccination
Administration of the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine began the week of January 4, 2021 for healthcare workers who received their first dose in mid-December 2020. CDPH anticipates that vaccine distribution for healthcare workers in Phase 1a will continue through January and likely into February.
As additional vaccines become available, CDPH will begin to offer vaccinations to those in Phase 1b, possibly beginning in late February or early March. The City will provide additional updates on the vaccine rollout in the coming weeks and months on the City of Chicago Coronavirus website.
Source: Ward 2 Newsletter 1/11/2021
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Find a COVID-19 Testing Site
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The State of Illinois has created websites to help residents find a variety of COVID-19 testing sites, many of which do not require an appointment or insurance. Use the links below to find a testing site near you:
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Find a Community Health Center
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There are approximately 165 community health centers throughout the City of Chicago. No patient will be turned away because of inability to pay. Find the nearest community health center at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov.
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