Kelly's Update

Welcome to a special birthday/Veto Session edition of our weekly newsletter. I’m trying to get it done as early as I can because today is my birthday and my gift to myself is a short to-do list with this at the end of it. My 56th, to be exact. I’m the youngest of 7 kids and this morning one of my sisters made sure I got the number right because a few years ago, I made all of us a year older in declaring myself 54 prematurely!

It was good to reconvene and reconnect with colleagues this week, although we didn’t really have a lot of floor action. The Senate moved some bills through committee, including advancing our HB5373 bill to protect chronic pain patients and health care providers from overreach by making clear that access to our Prescription Monitoring Program is limited to legitimate health care needs and any investigative access is limited to legitimate law enforcement investigations to prevent fishing expeditions and harassment designed to prevent access to medications. Our efforts to address the opioid crisis have included some overcorrections. Chronic pain patients who require a great deal more medication than the average patient and must get care from a highly trained and specialized physician are frequently finding themselves cut off from the care they need and unfortunately are often turning to the illegal street market and dangerous substitutes that can be deadly. The bill is expected to pass the Senate next week and we will need to accept the amendments that represent the final negotiations with stakeholders to ensure the bill can be implemented effectively.

Next week, in addition to continuing to get ready for what promises to be a busy Lame Duck session, we’ll also get to meet the newly elected incoming members who will be in town participating in new member orientation. This is a smaller incoming class, but I always enjoy meeting our new members and learning more about what makes them tick. We will also take our internal caucus vote nominating Speaker Welch for another term as our leader.

Finally, I’m also looking forward to partnering again with The Melanoma Research Foundation on Thursday evening from 5:30-6:30 pm for a webinar entitled “Melanoma Matters: Our Drive for Rural Health Equity” where we’ll be discussing our successful efforts in Illinois and other states to remove barriers to care by requiring that skin cancer screenings, like mammograms and cervical and prostate cancer screenings, be copay free. If you would like to participate in the webinar, the link for registration can be found here.

As we wind down Veto Session, my mind is already contemplating Thanksgiving. It’s just about my favorite holiday. We’re doing something a little different this year that means we won’t have a traditional dinner with my friend Jan and I cooking for days on end, but I’m still scheming how to get a little of our traditional food in the mix too. What’s your absolute must have dish on your Thanksgiving table? Even better, what’s your absolute never on the table dish? A friend of mine believes that mashed potatoes are an abomination on the Thanksgiving table, preferring a traditional southern mac n cheese instead. For me, that’s just a failure of imagination as both dishes figure prominently in my perfect Thanksgiving menu!

This week our office partnered with Cook County Commissioner Josina Morita, Cook County Health, and CountyCare to give away 200 Thanksgiving turkeys with sides to community members!  

We had a great turnout and enjoyed braving the cold with all of the friendly faces who stopped by our office to participate! An additional thanks to Alderwoman Maria Hadden, Alderperson Andre Vasquez, State Representative Kevin Olickal, State Senator Ram Villivalam, and A Just Harvest, who collaborated on this event as well. 

CASA of Cook County is currently accepting applications for their upcoming virtual classes to train new CASA Advocates. CASA Advocates are volunteers who go through an extensive training process before being sworn in by the presiding judge and matched with appropriate cases. They are typically assigned to one child or set of siblings and spend an average of 10 hours per month on their case, including a monthly visit with the child. There are two classes coming up:

Dates: December 3 - December 17

Schedule: Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6 PM to 9 PM

Format: Virtual sessions via Zoom

Dates: January 9 - February 6

Schedule: Thursday evenings from 6 PM to 9 PM

Format: Virtual sessions via Zoom

You can find out more about the classes and volunteering here.

Neighborhood Shoutout

Hayt Elementary School Music teacher Sara Latimer has started a GoFundMe campaign to help grow their music program! “My school has been very supportive of this [program], and I have gotten money from the school to do this, but at the same time, at the district level there’s not a lot of schools that have band programs — especially elementary K-8 schools — just because there’s not enough funding for it,” said Latimer, a third year teacher at Hayt. The GoFundMe surpassed its original goal thanks to contributions from amazing neighbors, and has a new goal of raising $10,000 for the program. If you wish to donate you can do so here.

In the District

Events in Rogers Park

This Saturday, November 16, from 6:00-8:30, Greenleaf Art Center is hosting its annual silent auction of affordable art. Opening bids as low as $25 up to $100. Most of them start at $25. There are some really wonderful pieces.

1806 W. Greenleaf Ave, Chicago

Trilogy's annual winter clothing drive has begun and they will be accepting new and gently used winter clothing through February 2025. You can drop off all donations locally at their Rogers Park location at 1400 W. Greenleaf.

Collect $150 or more in receipts from at least 4 different INDEPENDENTLY- OWNED businesses within Rogers Park from Saturday, November 30 through Tuesday, December 31, 2024 and receive a $50 rebate. Collect $200 or more and receive a $75 rebate!

For rules and information check out their website.

Events in Edgewater

Join us Friday, November 15th, 7pm-10pm for the Opening Reception of Dan Sumner @ Event Horizon Gallery & come meet the artist!

Event Horizon Gallery 5517 N Clark St

Care for Real is hosting a collection drive in partnership with Ismaili CIVIC and ECRA on November 23 from 10 am to 3 pm at the Iwmali Jamatkhana parking lot (1124 W Rosemont Ave)! See the above list of items being requested for donation for the drive.

To learn more about Care for Real, click HERE.

Nothing Without a Company is a nonprofit planting theatre around Chicago by telling the stories of historically marginalized voices through immersive and site-specific productions in reclaimed environments. Sofa King Queer is its first full production since COVID, with book, music & lyrics by Chicago playwright and company literary manager Kevin Sparrow, directed by JD Caudill, and music directed by Ron Attreau. The story follows a young queer man as his family and partners confront him with a choice between community and solitude, less than 24 hours before a breakaway concert. As his apartment above a punk rock venue becomes crowded with unexpected guests, a group of people navigate desire, family bonds, and societal pressures amidst the backdrop of a rapidly changing world. 

Performances are held at Edgewater's Berger Park Cultural Center in the coach house (6205 N. Sheridan Road). For tickets and performance times click here.

A group of friends, some old, some new, find themselves in a mansion on the north side of Chicago for a writer's retreat and reunion. Something begins to weave its way into their minds and bodies. Not evil, just persuasive.

THRALL is an intimate psychological horror piece created by the artists on stage. No gore and no jump scares.

Performances are Nov 14-17, 7pm (and another late show at 9pm on Fri and Sat). Tickets are free, one weekend only!

For Tickets, times, and dates click here!

Chicago’s Uptown arose in the early 20th century due to advances in public transportation. In less than 20 years, what had been a hamlet transformed into a bustling district.

Located just south of Edgewater, Uptown is one of Chicago’s most lively, colorful and architecturally distinct communities. Join author Jacob Lewis Hall, who recently published a new pictorial tour of the community, looking back on both its glory days and long-time struggles.

Saturday, November 16th at 2:00 p.m.

Edgewater Branch, Chicago Public Library

Betty A. Barclay Community Room

6000 N. Broadway

As the days get shorter, you may notice those nighttime lights kicking on earlier and earlier. With these lights coming on, you may have noticed they are brighter than ever. Cities like Chicago have transitioned into using more powerful and brighter bulbs, causing many citizens and scientists alike to notice changes. One of these changes is an increase in light pollution. These new lights affect trees, bird migration, insect populations, and your health. To learn more about strategies for effective and thoughtful lighting practices and the impacts of lighting pollution, head over to the Edgewater Environmental Coalition's new guide on the importance of a dark sky. While there, make sure to check out all the resources and guides on how to get involved.

The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) provides flu and COVID vaccines for all Chicago residents ages 6 months and older. The 48th ward office is partnering with CDPH and Ismaili CIVIC to bring a vaccine clinic to the ward.

Saturday, November 23 from 9am-1pm

Ismaili Jamatkhana (1124 W Rosemont)

Click here to make an appointment online!

The Edgewater Historical Society is hosting a Seasonal Music Performance with an accompanying Sing-along at The Edge Theater on Sunday, December 15th beginning at 3 pm! This event is family-friendly, and children under 12 are admitted for free! Adults and children over 12 can purchase tickets for $15.

Tickets are available for purchase at the door, or can be purchased online by clicking HERE.

Events in Andersonville

Get ready to unleash your inner Viking at the annual Viking Pub Crawl in Andersonville on Sunday, November 17 from 3-6 PM! Join your Andersonville neighbors as they journey through Andersonville’s best bars and restaurants, enjoying drinks, laughs, and camaraderie with fellow Norse enthusiasts!

Dress in your Viking best, because the costume contest is back! Show off your creativity and spirit for a chance to win amazing prizes. Whether you’re a fierce warrior or a Viking royalty, this pub crawl promises a memorable day in the heart of Andersonville. So gather your crew, don your finest faux furs, and let your imagination run wild!

Group discount for groups of 6 or more. Contact info@andersonville.org for a group ticket buy.

For more information on participating businesses, click HERE.

To purchase tickets, click HERE.

We’re redefining SMS, ‘cuz texting is out in 2024 & having pen pals is in. 

We’re a friendly and inclusive group that meet on the 4th Sunday of each month to write handwritten notes to people we care about - all are welcome! 

supplies (cards, stamps, ink) will be provided by pie, though you’re welcome to bring your own. creative inspiration, friendship, and sparks of joy will be also be included. don’t forget to collect addresses for folks that have pen pal potential! 📝

Sunday November 24th

11:00am, Eli Tea Bar 5507 N Clark

RSVP Here

Youth & Teen

No School Day Camps: Mon Nov 4th-Tues Nov 5th (CPS Report card pickup and Election Day closures). Camp theme: Standing up for others

Looking for fun, interactive, and empowering Day camp options for the days when CPS is closed? Culture of Safety’s No School Day Camps are empowering and emphasize accessibility and support for neurodivergent and LGBTQIA+ youth. Located @ 6961 North Clark Street (Clark & Morse). Open to kids age 6-12. Pricing is sliding scale. All camp days include karate basics and mindfulness exercises as well as verbal practice, discussions, and other activities around the camp theme of the day. 

To see the full Fall schedule and sign up online, click HERE.  

If you are a young person aged 16-24 who's interested in pursuing a healthcare career but either don't know where to start or can't afford the training you need, we can help! YJC has partnered with TTI Medical School and Chicago Instruction Center to connect interested young people with training and certification in the following categories:

Patient Care Technician (PCT)

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

EKG Technician

Phlebotomy Technician Training Certification

Email our healthcare program coordinator Sara at algawerash@youthjobcenter.org to learn more

Job Openings

The Illinois Department of Transportation is having a career fair, November 19th from 10am-6pm at the UIC Forum, 725 W Roosevelt, Chicago, IL.

Preregistration is not required, but it is encouraged, you can do so here.

DCEO is hiring! We have a variety of openings across the state, including:

✔️ Workforce Reporting, Performance Unit Manager

✔️ CEJA Small Business Manager

✔️ Deputy Chief Internal Auditor

✔️ Corporate Accountability Program Manager

Apply today!

The Howard and Evanston Area Community Center is seeking applicants for multiple positions on their team. Some open roles include Program Aide, Preschool Teacher, and Mentor Program Coordinator. For more information and a list of all roles, please click HERE. 

Contact Moon Parker with any questions and submit your resume and cover letter at: mparker@howardarea.org.

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events has put to gether a listing of resources available locally and nationally to support creatives, from job boards, to professional advancement programs, to emergency funding. If you are a creative professional or interested in advancing a career in creative pathways, please click the link HERE to view more information!

Pre registration is recommended, and you can do so here.

Sincerely,

Kelly Cassidy

State Representative, 14th District



Office of State Representative Kelly Cassidy

1507 W. Morse Ave

Chicago IL 60626