Kelly's Update

I’m starting the newsletter from the road again, heading home after adjourning for the rest of the year. It’s always funny to leave telling folks “See you next year!” and “Merry Christmas!” when you haven’t even figured out what you’re doing for Thanksgiving dinner. 

While we only passed a handful of bills, we also did some important preparation work for the upcoming Lame Duck Session currently scheduled to begin on January 2nd. Our legislative action was limited to a few bills related to program expiration extensions and other time sensitive items. In addition, the Senate passed HB5373 that we’ve been working on for a few years now to address challenges faced by chronic pain patients and physicians resulting from over corrections related to the opioid crisis. The bill was amended in the Senate at the request of the Department of Health and Family Services to make reference to federal law on the issue, so when we return in January, the House will have to concur in that amendment before the bill can be sent to the Governor for his signature.

I was glad to stand alongside colleagues and nursing home workers urging the state to finally begin enforcing long debated penalties for nursing home owners who fail to meet safe staffing ratios. We heard from a nurse who is usually the only nurse on the dementia floor where she’s assigned to provide medication and care to up to 40 patients on her own about her fear that patients will fall because there simply isn’t enough staff on the floor to assist and care for her patients. I will continue to work with advocates from The Alzheimer’s Association, AARP, and SEIU Health Care to ensure safe working and living conditions for nursing home workers and residents, just as I have since my very first press conference and bill introduction back in 2011.

We also held the first meeting of the Dobbs Working Group post election to review outstanding issues and start to plan for Lame Duck and the 104th General Assembly. I’ve spoken a bit about items we have been anticipating working on such as finishing work on HB4093 to protect the health data of patients seeking reproductive or gender affirming care and ensuring that we’ve provided licensure protections to all providers working in those spaces. In the weeks ahead, we’ll be reviewing proposals from advocates and working with our national partners to put together a package of bills that aim to address threats to access to care.

In related news, the Thomas More Society filed a federal lawsuit against the Reproductive Health Act arguing against the insurance coverage requirement that has been in place since 2019. This is a virtually identical complaint to one they filed in state court that was dismissed, and their silence for the last five years is also telling. Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s team will be defending the law as it makes its way through the court system. 

This week also coincided with new member orientation. It’s a relatively small incoming class of six new members, with five new Democrats and one new Republican. These new members will be seated when we are sworn in on January 8th: 

Lisa Davis in the 32nd district in Cook County

Michael Crawford in the 31st district in Cook County

Marti Deuter in the 45th district in DuPage County

Rick Ryan in the 36th district in Cook County

Amy “Murri” Briel in the 76th district in LaSalle and Dekalb Counties

Regan Deering in the 88th district in McClean County

I always enjoy meeting new colleagues and learning about their path to public service. I briefly met most of them this week but hope to find ways to connect and explore opportunities to work together in these weeks leading up to our new session in January.

I ended my trip home from Springfield participating in a webinar with the Melanoma Research Foundation on rural access to skin cancer screening and care and barriers to accessing care generally. I was specifically speaking to the bill we passed here in Illinois that made us one of the first states to put skin cancer screening on the same level as breast, cervical, and prostate screening which is co-pay free for people with Illinois based health insurance. While the majority of insurance policies are federally regulated, there are a significant number of state regulated plans in addition to the plans for state employees, so we are making care more accessible for many. As more states add this policy to their laws, we can build momentum towards an effort to get screening classified as preventative care at the federal level as well.

Next week will be light as folks prepare for the Holiday, but I’m looking forward to participating in the Community Meeting for Metra Station Updates hosted by Alderwoman Maria Hadden’s office where Metra will present their renovation designs for the upgrade of the Rogers Park Metra Station. They will provide updates they have so far and when construction is expected to begin. The Community Meeting will take place on Saturday, November 23rd from 11am - 1pm at the Rogers Park Library located at 6907 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60626. 

While I’ve got a couple of meetings on the books early in the week, I’m looking forward to spending a couple of days getting caught up on emails, calls, and reading before turning my attention to Thanksgiving. I’m also glad to have partnered with Alder Andre Vasquez, Senator Ram Villivalam, Senator Mike Simmons, Representative Kevin Olickal, Commissioner Bridget Gainer, and Commissioner Josina Morita to host Thanksgiving celebrations at area senior buildings Schneider Senior Apartments, Peterson Plaza Apartments, G&A Senior Residence, and Daniel Hudson Burnham Apartments. I hope everyone has a safe and happy Thanksgiving next week!

Need to Know Info

Our office will be closed Thursday and Friday due to the holiday. Please email Info@repcassidy.com with any requests and we will get back to you as soon as we are able to.

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

Soon Hee Lee (“Susie”), the owner of Susie's Noon Hour Grill, has retired after being a staple here in Rogers Park for years. She has sold her space to Chef Son, who has opened a new restaurant called Kimchi Pop, where they will be hosting a retirement party for Susie, Saturday November 23rd at 1pm, 6930 N Glenwood. If you were a fan of Susie's Noon Hour Grill, why not stop by and wish her well in retirement!

She has been written about by The Chicagoist, "There is but one server and she also happens to be the cook and the owner. Susie, as the locals lovingly refer to her, is a one-woman dynamo, waiting tables, cooking meals, and ringing up customers." And Time Out Chicago, " a one-woman show who takes orders, serves them and buses tables, all the while sneaking gingersnap cookies to her younger patrons. Somehow, she also finds time to helm the wok and flattop..."

Thank you Susie for the wonderful experiences and tastes you have provided this community all these years, we wish you the best in retirement!

Fundraisers and Drives

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.

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.

Start this giving season off right and donate to our clothes drive! We are accepting any gently used clothing items, but really urging participants to donate winter gear!

There are two drop-off points at Sauce and Bread Kitchen and R Public House

Go check them out and Don't Waste, Donate!

LaundryMates 1425 W Morse

R Public House 1508 W Jarvis Ave

Sauce and Bread Kitchen 6338 N Clark St

District Events

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!

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

The "All Skate" variety show is a flash from the past! This free show features true stories, comedy, poetry, spoken word and live music!

We're bringing inclusivity, fun, and a little retro funk to this show. 

The curated show takes place on the 4th Tuesday of every month at Jarvis Square Tavern in Rogers Park and starts at 7:30 pm

Each month has a theme: 

November 26th - Family

December - No Event due to Holidays

January 28th - Believe - Ted Lasso Style

February 25th - Moonstruck - Love Baby

Broadway is one of Chicago’s most heavily trafficked thoroughfares. Though little noted, it is lined with a dazzling array of fine buildings, ranging from its early days as a residential street to its glory days in the 1920s as the North Side Motor Row. EHS surveyed, researched and documented scores of the noteworthy Broadway buildings from Foster to Devon.

With proposed upzoning by the City of Chicago, might some of these treasures be at elevated risk of demolition? Join EHS board members Thom Greene (an architect who has worked on numerous local buildings) and John Holden for a visual tour of one Chicago’s most underappreciated boulevards.

Saturday, Dec. 7th at 10:00 a.m.

Edgewater Branch, Chicago Public Library

Betty A. Barclay Community Room

6000 N. Broadway

Jarvis Square Events and The Rogers Park Business Alliance are hosting an Artisan Market in Jarvis Square on Saturday, December 7th, from 11 am to 5 pm. Over 40 makers and artisan vendors will be there to help out with your holiday shopping. This is a great opportunity to participate in the Live Love Shop Rogers Park Rebate program, too (more information about this program can be found under our new seasonal events section)!

We are happy to announce that we are holding a NOTARY-PALOOZA during the December meeting.

Do you have legal items that need to be notarized? We will have notaries to help for free. We cannot guarantee that everyone will be served.

Please RSVP here to help us plan.

Limit 2 items. Offer for 24th district residents only.

Theatre

Experience the next wave of new plays at the fifth annual Black Trans Women at the Center: Virtual New Play Festival! Witness the electrifying creativity and raw talent of Black trans women as they take center stage in a captivating digital showcase of new plays. 

Led by the visionary Long Wharf Theatre Artistic Ensemble member, Lady Dane Figueroa Edidi, the festival will feature a staged streaming of her new work Shape Shifter. Witness the symphony of voice rising to claim their rightful place at the forefront of the theatrical landscape.

Two comedians walk into a comedy club… it’s the start of a bad joke and a serious relationship. Chauncy and Nsaku are both comedians and both working hard at the comedy grind, but when Nsaku’s career starts to take off, will Chauncy be left behind? Told through a series of hilarious stand-up sets, The Comedians examines the shifting dynamics of a relationship tested by fame. Originally commissioned by Audible, Raven’s production of this queer love story marks the first time the play will be staged for an audience.

A Limited Engagement, check here for tickets and times.

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.

The Factory Theater, 1623 W Howard St

December 13 – 14, 8:00pm

Get ready for the ultimate showdown in The Factory Theater’s glorious resurrection of Fight Night! Witness the brutality as six companies premiere their original combat pieces in an electrifying event that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Don’t miss out on the action-packed performances that will have you cheering for more. Grab your tickets now and experience the thrill of battle like never before! 

Seasonal Events

The City of Chicago’s iconic Christmas tree will once again illuminate Millennium Park for the 111th annual tree lighting ceremony this weekend. As the holiday centerpiece lights up, crowds of Chicagoans can also enjoy performances by DJs, choirs, singer-songwriters and theatrical performers.

5pm Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St.

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Chicago's most unique and beloved holiday tradition is here: The Allstate CTA Holiday Fleet. Now in its 33rd year of operation, we are excited to be delivering holiday cheer throughout Chicago's neighborhoods and welcome you aboard our decked-out and dazzling Allstate CTA Holiday Train and the popular Allstate CTA Holiday Bus!

For Holiday Train and Bus schedule Click Here

Chicago’s beloved holiday market, Christkindlmarket, returns Friday, bringing holiday cheer, German flair, special edition mugs and more. There will be dozens of vendors selling food, holiday beverages, local and international food, merchandise and art. Find more information here.

November 22 – December 24

Sunday through Thursday: 11 am – 8 pm

Friday through Saturday: 11 am – 9 pm

Special Opening Hours: 

Thanksgiving (November 28): 11 am – 4 pm

Christmas Eve (December 24): 11 am – 4 pm

Daley Plaza, 50 W Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602

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.

Hop on board for a holly jolly ride through the neighborhood when the free Holiday Trolley returns to Andersonville!

Ride the trolley all weekend long, hopping on and off as you explore the neighborhood's holiday cheer! The trolley starts its route from the Swedish American Museum at 11 AM on Saturday, December 7, and Sunday, December 8, making a festive 20-minute loop with stops at all your favorite spots:

🚏 The Guesthouse | 4872 N Clark

🚏 Foursided | 5061 N Clark

🚏 Swedish American Museum (northbound) | 5211 N Clark

🚏 Dearborn Denim (southbound) | 5202 N Clark

🚏 Berwyn and Clark

🚏 Balmoral and Clark

🚏 Catalpa and Clark

🚏 Parson's | 5721 N Clark

Extra holiday magic on Saturday! 🎅 The first 40 kids to hop on get a FREE scoop card from Jeni’s Ice Cream—sweet! And from 12:30 to 3:30 PM, Santa himself will be on board, ready for photos and holiday wishes! Don’t miss this merry way to get around and support local businesses in Andersonville! 

This will be a great chance to do some holiday shopping, listen to great music, eat and drink some fine food and drink, and help support the artist community in Edgewater. There will be beautiful acoustic music with stand-up bass/guitar and vocals. The staff at Colvin House will also sell their homemade food and beverages.

The event will take place on Saturday December 07, from 3 PM to 7 PM at the Colvin House at 5940 N Sheridan Rd

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.

Sullivan Holiday Bazaar December 5th

Join your neighbors at Sullivan High School for a local, festive bazaar! Shop local, support independent artists, and contribute directly to Sullivan students & family this holiday season. This event is open to the public and will be on December 5th from 5-7:30PM at Sullivan High School (6631 N. Bosworth Ave.)

Additionally, Sullivan is seeking seeking Rogers Park neighborhood businesses & artists to be a part of this event to support the school! Sign up to sell! Click here to sign up to sell. DEADLINE to register is December 1st, 2024.

Youth & Teen

Box United runs free, year-round, no-contact boxing classes for girls ages 10-18 at Loyola Park Fieldhouse. Our program also offers free mental healthcare and fun events for participants, and we’re an official CPS vendor.

We’re looking to connect with local schools in Rogers Park to recruit more students. If you’re a principal, counselor, coach, or staff member, we’d love to collaborate! We can table at events, host meetings, or even bring boxing demos to your school. Let’s work together to support your students! Reach out to program director Erica@boxunited.org with questions!

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

Work with us! Applications are currently being accepted for the following positions:

▪️ Account Technician

▪️ Accountant

▪️ Deputy Division Manager - Home and Community Services

▪️ Data Analyst

▪️ Training and Development Assistant

To see all openings and to apply click 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.

Join our team in Chicago! We are hiring for two open positions in Charge Processing: Investigations Supervisor and Investigations Supervisor, Spanish-Speaking option. Apply before December 9. Apply Now

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