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Friday was the deadline for bill drafting requests, so this week was a whirlwind of last minute meetings with advocates seeking sponsors for initiatives. We’re still sorting through final language in advance of the February 7th bill introduction deadline as we work to determine which bills we will be carrying in the Spring session. We’ll start sharing drafts next week as we get them back from the Legislative Reference Bureau.
This week was a lot. For weeks, President Trump and his surrogates have made clear that their plan for mass deportations would start in Chicago, so communities have been understandably on edge. The week began with concerns that we could expect ICE activity as early as Monday or Tuesday. There were several reports of ICE activity, some that could not be confirmed, but others that were. The work of grassroots groups working together to keep each other informed and prevent the spread of misinformation and panic can not be undervalued, and I am thankful for the resources groups have come together to make available to folks who are at risk. We’ve added a page to our website compiling what we’ve found and verified for folks seeking information on immigration-related issues. We’re still working on compiling resources for LGBTQ+ folks, particularly in terms of legal support around identity documents and family protections, and expect to have that launched within the week. As we are vetting resources, feel free to check out the work of the Transformative Justice Law Project, an organization we’ve worked closely with over the years on access to accurate identity documents for trans folks. Obviously, the landscape is constantly shifting, so we will be mindful to keep the resources as up-to-date as possible. In all cases, please do your best to try to confirm rumors before passing them along. We should do our best to avoid adding to the chaos and fear.
Earlier this week, I was incredibly honored to share keynote address duties at the First Annual State of Child Sexual Abuse Prevention in Chicago Symposium with Alderman Daniel La Spata, talking about our shared commitment to supporting survivors of abuse. We shared our experiences working to shape policy in the areas of child abuse, gender based violence, and sexual abuse as well as our vision for a system that believes survivors and supports their recovery.
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Kelly and Alderman La Spata speaking at the State of Child Sexual Abuse Prevention in Chicago Symposium | The work that providers like the Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center and Family Justice Centers around the state and country do to make interacting with the justice system more humane, safe, and healing for survivors is truly transformative and I am excited to partner with our Children's Advocacy Center on their vision for a multi-agency, multi-disciplinary, co-located center that provides services to adult survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault as well as human trafficking known as Chicago Advocacy Network for Hope or CAN HOPE. Last year, I visited a similar facility in Asheville, NC and was blown away by the impact of this thoughtful and survivor-centered approach to care. This is an area of my work that consistently pulls me in to find ways to improve outcomes for survivors, in spite of the systemic challenges we consistently face in prioritizing these cases. | |
Steve Leaver and Char Rivette from Chicago Children's Advocacy Center, Kelly, and Alderman La Spata | |
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We return to session next week on Tuesday at noon. We’re still finalizing member offices, parking spaces, and committee assignments as members work to finalize language for bills before the bill introduction deadline, so it’s unlikely we’ll see much in terms of floor activity this early in session, but it’s important that we complete our organizational work so we’re ready to dive into committee hearings and the first deadlines to move bills through the process.
On the fun side of things, I’m excited to once again serve as a judge at the Jarvis Square Tavern Chili Cook-Off on Sunday the 2nd from 3 to 5pm. The competition is limited to 12 entries, but the opportunity to vote for the winner is not. The competition includes a community winner as well as the judges’ choice and the entries have run the gamut from traditional to super creative over the years, so plan to join us and help pick the winner!
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Scroll down to the "District Events" section for more details! | Y’all. Things are not normal and I don’t know when they will be, if ever. I’m going to do my best to share as much reliable information as I can, and sometimes we’re going to fall short, but I promise we’ll always do our best and offer corrections when we have them. I am hopeful that we can all extend each other grace and the understanding that we’re all working with the best information we can in the moment. But that also means we all have the responsibility to ensure that we are using the best information available. Staying intentional in our connection to each other is critical to keeping our most vulnerable neighbors safe. | |
Our New "Know Your Rights Resources" Webpage | |
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The best way to continue protecting yourself and protecting our neighbors is by being informed. Our office has created a webpage of resources regarding interacting with ICE. For more information, visit our website at:
repcassidy.com/know-your-rights
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ICash Event At Our District Office | |
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State Representative Kelly Cassidy is partnering with the Office of the Illinois State Treasurer on February 10, 2025 to help residents find and claim their lost funds! I-Cash representatives will be available from 11 AM to 3 PM to answer questions and help residents file unclaimed property claims. The Office of the Illinois State Treasurer is holding over $5 billion in unclaimed property—including dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, and insurance claims—and is seeking to return these funds to their rightful owners/heirs. You can see if you have unclaimed property here. We encourage attendees to bring an active State ID, a social security card, or other relevant records.
The event is free and open to all! For more information about this event or to schedule your appointment, please contact our district office at 773-784-2002 and ask to speak to our District Office Manager Rauly, or you can email him directly at Rauly@repcassidy.com.
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Cook County Health Birthday Screening Program | |
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Cook County Health has launched a new Birthday Health Screening Program! The program encourages Cook County residents who meet the clinical guidelines for breast or prostate cancer screening to schedule an appointment at CCH during their birthday month. The screenings will be free of cost for the majority of patients.
Call 312-864-4289 for more information!
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Small Business Capital and Infrastructure Grant Program | |
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The Lifeline Theater (6912 N Glenwood) is starting a new production on Friday, January 17th, through Sunday, February 16th, called "The Kid Prince and Pablo."
From Lifeline Theater's website:
In the divided Capital City, the ruling class has banned rap and dance after an attempted revolution by the People. Kid Prince is set to inherit the throne…that is, until he meets Pablo, a drummer who performs for underground rap battles. When the two hatch a plan to switch identities, mayhem and music ensue. But by standing in each other’s shoes, Kid Prince and Pablo discover connections that could start a whole new revolution. Don’t miss the Midwest premiere of this incredible hip-hop adaptation of a classic piece set to inspire a new generation!
Lifeline is also offering a preview run of the production for $25 from January 5th through the 12th.
Tickets can be purchased by clicking HERE.
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Trilogy Winter Clothing Drive | |
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. | |
24th District Council Monthly Meeting | |
The 24th District Council is hosting its monthly meeting on Sunday, January 26th at 3 pm at the Rogers Park Public Library (6907 N Clark). A Zoom option for this meeting is available via registration by clicking HERE. | |
Artists of the Wall 2025 Poster Design Contest | |
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It's already time to begin planning Artists of the Wall 2025! The event will be on June 14 and 15, 2025. Design the Loyola Park Advisory Council poster for Artists of the Wall 2025! Your poster will be used to promote the event and on event t-shirts for the day of the event. The winner will receive a $250 prize for use of their art on our promotional materials. Artists will retain full rights to their work. The theme for Artists of the Wall 2025 is "All Together Now."
The poster must include the following text:
32nd Annual Artists of the Wall Festival
All Together Now
June 14 and 15, 2025
Loyola Park, Chicago
Hosted by Loyola Park Advisory Council
The poster should be 8x10. The Loyola Park Advisory Council would prefer designs in four color - CMYK - for easier printing on t-shirts but welcomes all designs.
Send entries as a high-res JPEG or pdf to loyolaparkac@gmail.com. Questions are welcome!
Please submit your poster by February 1 or earlier to be considered!
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Andersonville Coffee and Cocoa Crawl | |
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The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Coffee and Cocoa Crawl on February 1st from 10 am to 2 pm.
From the Andersonville Chamber's website:
The Andersonville Coffee & Cocoa Crawl returns as a part of Fika Fest! Each route invites you to explore specialty offerings that may include coffee, hot cocoa, bakery items, and more! Check in begins at 9AM on February 1 at the Swedish American Museum, located at 5211 N Clark. At check in you will receive your route card (Bean or Brew) & your commemorative special event mug for sampling.
Children attendees are $10 each with an adult purchase. Children receive smaller portions & treats and do not include a mug.
Folks are encouraged to drop off puzzles during the check in for the Great Andersonville Puzzle Exchange, happening at the Swedish American Museum on the following day, February 2.
To learn more about this event, click HERE!
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Year of the Snake Celebration | |
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Josina Morita's Office, in partnership with our office and other local elected officials, will be hosting a "Year of the Snake" celebration at Pottawattomie Park on Sunday, February 2nd. Come see the fabulous Lion Dancers and claim your free lucky red envelopes!
To register for this event, click HERE!
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Jarvis Square Tavern Chili Cook-Off | |
Jarvis Square Tavern (1502 W Jarvis) is hosting its annual Chili Cook-Off on Sunday, February 2nd, from 3 to 5 pm! Contestants can compete for a $100 judge's winner prize and a $50 popular vote prize. To register, be sure to email renee@jarvissquaretavern.com to participate. Only 12 entries will be accepted! | |
The Great Andersonville Puzzle Exchange | |
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The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce is hosting "The Great Andersonville Puzzle Exchange" on Sunday, February 2nd at The Swedish American Museum (5211 N Clark.)
From The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce Facebook:
Bring a puzzle, take a puzzle! The Great Andersonville Puzzle Exchange returns Sunday, February 2 from 10 AM-2 PM at the Swedish American Museum located at 5211 N Clark. Bring puzzles and take as many as you like up to the number you brought! Please make sure your puzzles are not missing any pieces (that's a huge bummer). And don't miss The Great Andersonville Puzzle Throw-down happening during Puzzle Exchange. Contestants will compete to see who can finish a secret 48-piece puzzle the fastest! Come cheer them on!
Puzzles will be Collected at the Swedish American Museum on Friday, January 24 & Friday, January 31, between the hours of 10 AM-4 PM
Please note that:
Puzzles MUST have of all the pieces
Puzzle boxes should be in good condition
If the puzzle is open, the pieces must be sealed in a clear storage bag.
Limit max 15 puzzles for early drop off per person
Early Drop-offs at the Swedish American Museum will be given a ticket for redemption to be turned in at the puzzle exchange.
More information can be found by clicking HERE!
To sign up for the Puzzle Throw Down, click HERE!
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The Factory Theater Presents: Greetings | |
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The Factory Theater (1623 W Howard) is running a new production called "Greetings" starting Thursday, January 23rd until Saturday, February 1st!
From Factory Theater's Website:
GREETINGS by Zack Peercy is the story of Amy and Caroline, two friends growing up and growing apart. Directed by Taylor Pasche and starring Liz Falstreau as Amy and Theresa Liebhart as Caroline. Overtime productions at The Factory are an opportunity for our ensemble and collaborators to bring short form stories to the stage for a limited time.
To purchase tickets, click HERE!
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City Lit Theater Presents: Glassheart | |
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City Lit Theater (1020 W Bryn Mawr) is premiering its newest production "Glassheart," on Friday, January 10th! The production runs until February 23rd.
From City Lit's website:
A modern-day reimagining of the Beauty and the Beast fairy tale.
After centuries of living under a curse, the Beast and his one remaining magical servant have moved into a shabby apartment near a 7-11, hoping for a lower cost of living and better luck with girls. Their building manager, a fellow immigrant with a taste for gingerbread and children, offers help in navigating this threatening, impossible, completely mundane world, but all her gifts come with a price. When an eligible maiden moves into the second floor apartment, Beast’s servant (a relentlessly cheery lamp) colludes with the landlady to kidnap the girl. The servant finds herself assimilating the girl’s identity, her name, and bookstore job. As she becomes increasingly human, and the Beast becomes increasingly lost, she discovers what– and who– must be sacrificed for an ordinary life.
To purchase tickets, click HERE!
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Genarrations Story Telling | |
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The Goodman Theatre is partnering with Willye B. White Park (1610 W. Howard St) to host GENARRATIONS, a FREE six-week writing and performance class for adults 55 and older on Tuesdays starting February 3rd from 10 am to 2 pm. Participants in GeNarrations meet once a week for two hours to write five-minute stories based on themes raised by Goodman Productions. Classes will be facilitated by Goodman Theatre Teaching Artist, Liam Collier. Writers of all experience levels are welcome!
For information on registration beginning January 11th, please reach out to genarrations@goodmantheatre.org.
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Loyola University Presents: Notes From the Field | |
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Loyola University is beginning a new production called "Notes From The Field" starting February 13th and running until February 23rd at The Newhart Family Theatre (1020 W Sheridan Rd.)
From the Loyola Fine and Performing Arts website:
When fiction isn’t enough, stories must be told as they actually happened. Using verbatim transcripts of real-life interviews, Notes from the Field tackles incarceration, police brutality, and systemic educational issues with heart and hope. Anna Deavere Smith’s striking piece of documentary theatre shows the school-to-prison nexus not in allegorical critique, but in grotesquely real detail. Shattering notions of punishment and the justification of violent force, Notes from the Field interrogates what is activism, what is performance, and what you can do about it.
Loyola is also participating in the Chicago Theater Week, which runs from February 6th through the 16th. As a part of this, tickets will be offered HALF OFF using code CTW25 at checkout.
To purchase tickets for this production, click HERE!
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Edgewater Castle Youth Sessions | |
The Edgewater Castle Football Club will be hosting FREE Indoor Youth Soccer programs at Broadway Armory Park and at the Loyola Park Fieldhouse from January until March! Program information and registration can be found by clicking this LINK. | |
Loyola Center for Research in Child Development Seeks Volunteers | |
The Center for Research on Child Development (CRCD) at Loyola University Chicago is providing families in our community with the opportunity to take an active part in science by participating with their children in research. They are seeking interested families to volunteer for studies on infant and toddler development. To learn more about their work, you can view their website at loyolacrcd.org. | |
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The 48th Ward Service Office is offering to recycle your non-working holiday lights at their office (1129 W Bryn Mawr)! Please be sure to separate lights from other decorations, do not provide lights in plastic or decorative shopping bags, do not place lights in styrofoam or other packaging, and do not provide 48th Ward staff with non-light electronics.
The last day to drop off lights is January 31, 2025.
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48th Ward Hiring for Director of Development | |
The 48th Ward is hiring for a Director of Development position. Visit this LINK to see a more detailed summation of qualifications and role expectations. | |
Illinois Department of Human Services Virtual Recruitment Presentations | |
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The Illinois Department of Human Services is Hiring!
Explore career opportunities in professional, healthcare, administration, technical, clerical/administrative, and service roles—across the entire state of Illinois!
Join their next Virtual Recruitment Presentation to:
Discover the benefits of working with the State of Illinois.
Learn about future career opportunities.
Get a clear understanding of the online application process.
Receive tips to help you successfully complete your application.
Don’t miss this opportunity! Click to register for the next presentation (English and Spanish available)
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Sincerely,
Kelly Cassidy
State Representative, 14th District
Office of State Representative Kelly Cassidy
1507 W. Morse Ave
Chicago IL 60626
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773-784-2002 (phone)
Info@repcassidy.com
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