In this month's issue:

Public Safety - Chicago Vaccine Requirements
and COVID 19 Updates and Community Alerts
Support our First Responders
Aldermanic Updates
RNRA Events and Announcements
Community Events & Announcements
Support our Sponsors
Public Safety
Chicago Vaccine Requirement

Chicago has announced new vaccine requirements due to the rise of COVID-19 infections, which is driven by the new Omicron variant. Effective Monday, January 3, 2022 individuals 5 years of age or older are required to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 to dine indoors, visit gyms, or entertainment venues where food or drink are being served. Additionally, patrons age 16 and over will need to show a matching ID.

Proof of vaccination means a CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card, an official immunization record from the jurisdiction where the vaccine was administered, or a digital/physical photo of the record. People are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or two weeks after a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

The vaccine requirement does not include houses of worship, grocery stores, schools/daycares, and locations in residential or office buildings that are restricted to resident or tenant use only. Additionally, it does not apply to individuals entering an establishment for less than 10 minutes to order and carry out food, deliver goods, or use the bathroom.

For more information:

New COVID-19 Quarantine Guidelines

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued new quarantine guidelines for individuals who test positive for COVID-19 or were exposed to the virus. Regardless of vaccination status, stay home and isolate for 5 days if you test positive for Covid-19. After 5 days if your symptoms have subsided you can end your quarantine but must continue to wear a mask in public for an additional 5 days and avoid contact with high-risk individuals. Additionally, even if fully vaccinated against COVID-19, individuals who are exposed to someone who tested positive should isolate for 5 days and wear a mask around others for another 5 day period. 

For more COVID-19 statistics for the City of Chicago please visit the COVID Dashboard. Visit the Chicago Department of Public Health’s website to learn more about where you can get vaccinated and tested.
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Attend your Beat Meetings

Keep informed - follow CPD
Get Involved - Show up for your Beat Meeting!


Beat Meetings are held via ZOOM until further notice

CAPS stands for Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy, a partnership between police and the community that is the foundation of community policing. 

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 helps the police to monitor crime issues. 


TONIGHT: Straight Talk on Electronic Monitoring
with Tom Dart, Cook County Sheriff

Join Sheriff Tom Dart for Straight Talk on Electronic Monitoring on Monday, January 10 at 5:30pm on Zoom. Submit questions and hear from the Cook County Sheriff on the latest data on electronic monitoring – who’s on it, why they’re placed on it, and how to fix it. Sign-up for the webinar and submit your questions here.
Community/Business Alerts from 18th District
Chicago Police Memorial Foundation
Run to Remember Registration Open

The 18th Annual Run to Remember is May 7th, 2022 and registration is NOW OPEN! $5 off registration through January 31


The Run to Remember is the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation’s annual 5K run/walk that raises funds to support families of fallen and catastrophically injured Chicago Police Officers.

The Chicago Police Memorial Foundation is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to honoring the lives of our fallen heroes and assisting those heroes in need. The Foundation provides support and assistance to the families of Chicago police officers who are killed or catastrophically injured in the line of duty
In Memoriam
Our deepest condolences go out to the family, friends, and all of the Chicago Fire Department on the passing of MaShawn Plummer of Engine 94. Firefighter Plummer died in December battling an apartment fire on the Northwest Side.
Support Your Firefighters!!

Ignite The Spirit is a charity established by the Chicago Fire Department to help provide funding and resources to our firefighters as well as our community in time of need. Since 2003, they have helped over 500 families in need.


The annual Ignite the Spirit calendar is one way funds are raised.

Aldermanic Updates
2nd Public Nuisance Case Filed Against Eurostar Hotel

In April 2021, the Law Department filed a public nuisance case against the Eurostar Hotel. The case was resolved via the Mayor’s License Discipline Commission, resulting in Eurostar paying a $10,000 fine and agreeing to a Plan of Operation.

In December shots were fired inside a guest room at the hotel. This incident confirms that the business has not made necessary steps to abate the nuisance and safety issues previously identified, and is not adhering to the agreed-upon Plan of Operation.

As a result, the Law Department has filed a second disciplinary case with additional charges.

If you wish to stay up to date on the matter, please see the Business Affairs and Consumer Protection site and use the information below to virtually access the meeting on Wednesday, January 12, 2022, at 9:30 AM. 
 
Join by Video (Webex Link)
Meeting Number: 2480 465 1063
Passcode: 1234 
Join by Phone: (312) 535-8110
Access Code: 2480 465 1063
Check out Alderman Reilly's new and improved “virtual office” website for answers to your questions, the latest news in the ward and important information about your neighborhood!
2022 Peggy A. Montes Unsung Heroine Awards

In recognition of Women’s History Month, on March 10th, 2022 at 10 am the Cook County Commission on Women’s Issues will recognize 18 women as the County’s “Unsung Heroines.” The selection of these heroines is being made on a district basis. Nominees must be a resident of the Cook County Board district from which they are nominated. Elected officials are not eligible for consideration.

Nominations are due by 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 27, 2022. Please click here to complete a nomination form.
RNRA Events & Announcements
Join us for the first in the
RNRA Mixer Series!

What: Network with Young Professionals—and Your Neighbors in River North

When: Wednesday, January 19th, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Where: Highline Bar + Lounge, 169 West Kinzie
Why: Build professional and social networks with career-driven individuals

Tickets are $20 ($15 for RNRA Members). If your property is an RNRA member (click here to check!) see your Property Manager for the promo code to receive your discount. Vaccination status will be verified via Eventbrite and at the door. CDPH guidelines will apply. Proceeds support charitable and resident advocacy services in River North.
River North Clean Streets (RNCS) Update and Thanks

RNRA manages a separate non-profit organization called River North Clean Streets (RNCS) partners with Cleanslate by CARA to provide training, support, and transitional employment to people affected by poverty (and often the challenges of recovery, domestic violence, episodic homelessness, and incarceration). Through the performance of much-needed weekend street cleaning services, RNCS crew members rebuild hope, self-esteem, and opportunity for themselves and their families.

Since our founding in 2017, we have achieved outstanding results together:

  • Weekend cleaning services were performed on up to 38 of River North’s neediest blocks
  • 2,385 bags of trash and 941 bags of recyclables (over 40 tons!) have been removed from our streets
  • 406 hard-working RNCS interns have participated in the program
  • 171 interns secured permanent employment at a current average hourly wage of $14.23

Since most of our typical Block Sponsors work in the hospitality sector, many were unable to continue supporting us while struggling to keep their doors open and their staff employed during the pandemic.

It seemed inevitable that we would have to suspend operations in 2021, but fortunately, three prominent local organizations stepped up with emergency funding. The generosity of Verilife, Salesforce, and Sunnyside enabled us to continue operations during this challenging period. These benefactors, along with eleven other Block Sponsors, epitomize good corporate citizenship. Thanks to them, RNCS makes River North cleaner, safer, and more beautiful, while creating potentially life-changing opportunities for our excellent crew members.

With a little luck, RNCS will be able to resume its original funding model in 2022. To learn more about River North Clean Streets, visit us online.
Community Events & Announcements
Tree Recycling January 8 - 22

Chicago’s Tree Recycling Program runs from January 8 through January 22 at 26 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.

Six locations will also provide free mulch on a first-come, first-served basis, starting January 10. The closest location for River North residents is in Lincoln Park, Cannon Drive at Fullerton Ave (East side of Cannon Drive). Find more details here.
Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concerts for January

Presented by RNRA Sponsor International Music Foundation, concerts are held every Wednesday at the Seventeenth Church of Christ, Scientist, 55 E. Wacker Drive. Doors open at 11:30 am, Concert starts at 12:15 pm.
Join the International Music Foundation on Wednesday, January 12 a free 45-minute performance featuring Sophia Stoyanovich, violin Derek Wang, piano. Click here for more details on the concert.
Join the International Music Foundation on Wednesday, January 19 for a free 45-minute performance featuring the Avalon String Quartet. Click here for more details on the concert.
Join the International Music Foundation on Wednesday, January 26 for a free 45-minute performance featuring the Argus Quartet. Click here for more details on the concert.
Please Support Our RNRA Sponsors!
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Check out their deals!
FEATURED NEW & RETURNING SPONSORS


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on the My River North mobile app!

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from the App Store or Google Play

Convenient access to River North news, events, and resources, plus special discount offers from participating local businesses.

Show the deal on the app to the participating business, hit "REDEEM" and enjoy the discount!
Is your Property an RNRA Member?
Talk to your Property Manager to join today!

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.
WELCOME OUR NEWEST MEMBERS
Thank you for joining RNRA. We are stronger together!
  • Kingsbury Estates
  • Park Place Chicago
River North Residents Association | RNRAChicago.org