Kelly's Update

October 11th is National Coming Out Day. While I’ve been out for a good long while now, I do still like to acknowledge the importance of this day and how it stands for wanting everyone to be able to live their most authentic lives. I’m grateful to live in a city that supports our rights and values our contributions to our community, and especially grateful to live in and represent a part of that city that lives those values out loud. Sometimes on our morning walks, Candace and I will come across someone walking towards us and find ourselves all smiling at each other in recognition, loving our neighborhood and the amazing array of people who live, work, and play here.

This week has been another challenging one for sure. Thank you to everyone on my team who really held things together while my attention was focused on my family and friends in Florida and North Carolina. My hometown of Anna Maria Island and the inland communities where my siblings and their families live were predicted to be where Milton made landfall and the track stayed that way until the literal last minute when a little wobble to the south of about 12 miles resulted in landfall 2 islands further south. The communities there and inland are hit incredibly hard with a huge storm surge in addition to the damaging winds and rain. The entire west coast of the state was battered, with the bulk of the damage stretching from Tampa south through Venice and beyond. Folks all along that area are still without power, and most of the island communities haven’t yet been opened to allow residents and business owners on the island to assess damage. Further inland, a record-setting number of tornadoes touched down, bringing further destruction and a lot of deaths. All of my people are safe, most had minimal damage, and other than really wanting hot showers and meals, they’re doing ok. Hopefully, the power will be restored soon and folks can get busy cleaning up and rebuilding. 

Last week, I highlighted some of the amazing folks doing work to restore people’s lives in Florida and Western North Carolina where I visited criminal justice programs and a couple of old friends just a couple of days before Helene cut a path of destruction through this area full of small mountain communities. I’ve added some and will continue to share information about groups that are as close to the ground as possible providing practical support to folks grappling with back-to-back disasters and impossible conditions.

— The Center of Anna Maria Island where I played sports (badly) and hung out after school is a staging area for relief supplies and volunteers to get matched with folks in need https://centerami.org/

— Just across the bridge in the historic fishing village of Cortez, the destruction and impact on folks least equipped to recover is breathtaking. The Blessing Bags Project has been focusing on the needs of this community while the Cortez Church of Christ and the Sunny Shores Clubhouse are both distributing relief and meals.

— A friend who’s the pastor at Central Presbyterian Church in Atlanta is coordinating that congregation’s support of Black Mountain Presbyterian Church in Western North Carolina which has become a major hub for supplies and volunteers for the whole region. To learn more click here.

Since we shared those resources, we’ve been working to identify other groups providing direct support and will continue to use our socials and website to share ways that we can get help to those in need as quickly as possible:

— Anna Maria Elementary School is currently unusable and the school is co-locating with a school on the mainland. This is where my siblings and I attended grade school and is just a really special place. Since there wasn’t time to gather materials before evacuating, they needed everything. The President of the Parent Teacher Association and the school principal have created and shared an Amazon wish list that really runs the gamut of needs.

Picture of Hurricane Milton

Finally, a bit of office news. Our amazing Chief of Staff, Torrence Gardner, is moving on to new adventures after nearly three years leading our team. I am sad to lose him and will miss his humor, insight, dedication, and steady hand, but I also know he has such great things ahead of him, and can’t wait to see what he does next. Never fear though, we’ll be in great hands. Many will recognize our new Chief from her days as first an intern and then as a part-time constituent advocate. Welcome Taylor Ortiz back to the team! I’m excited to get started with Taylor next week. Torrence will be around for the rest of the month to help with the transition.

Here’s a little bit about Taylor for those who didn’t get to meet her on her last trip through our district or for folks who’ve been wondering what she’s been up to: 

Taylor was born in Chicago and grew up in the Lincoln Square neighborhood with her parents and family all close by. She is a Lane Tech alumni and attended Loyola University Chicago for her undergraduate degree, getting her Bachelor’s in Education. She then went on to teach middle school math. 

Following her time as a teacher, Taylor pursued a Masters in Public Policy at the University of Chicago’s Harris School. While working on her degree, she started her time as an intern at our office, eventually becoming a part-time member of our staff as our Constituent Advocate. 

She took on other part-time roles at her University while finishing up her degree working on the Harris School’s social media team, TA-ing for Harris math classes, and acting as Co-President for the Harris Student Organization Women in Public Policy. After graduation, Taylor also eventually took on a part-time Constituent Advocate role at the Office of Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. This eventually led to her being offered a full-time position as Staff Assistant at the Office of Congressman Mike Quigley, before returning to work for us as our new Chief of Staff.

Taylor enjoys spending time with her friends, family, and her dog Rosy (Who will definitely be spending time with us in the office because she’s awesome.)

Remember that the office is closed on Monday for the state holiday. We’ll be back on Tuesday, ready to serve you.

Our office will be closed on Monday, October 14 in observance of Indigenous People's Day. Please be sure to email info@repcassidy.com if you have any questions or concerns.

To begin your LIHEAP application for Cook County residents, click HERE.

The Illinois Council on Women and Girls is excited to announce an open call for nominations to the Girls Committee! Girls Committee members will collaborate with Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton to share their perspectives on critical issues facing young women in Illinois. Nominations are open for any female-identifying or nonbinary high schoolers you may know who would benefit from this unique opportunity! Is there someone in your community who wants to help create change but maybe haven't had the opportunity to? This is a great chance to let her voice be heard!

Nominations are due by 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 20th and can be done here.

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (“IDFPR”) expanded its pilot program for licensees seeking to reinstate or restore their licenses. Eighteen license types can now find their reactivation requirements online. Previously, if licensees wanted to reactivate their license, they had to contact IDFPR directly to learn their restoration or reinstatement requirements. This pilot program simplifies the reactivation process by allowing licensees to obtain all necessary information online before mailing their application, simplifying the reactivation process in an important way. 

You can find out more about the program and apply online here.

Neighborhood Shoutout

Andersonville artist John Airo has been making headlines recently by creating Gallery 1619. Gallery 1619, at a glance, looks like any "Little Free Library" that you may come across. But, a closer inspection reveals that it houses one of Chicago's hottest art galleries! The gallery features a rotating selection of "little" art pieces in "little" gallery and studio spaces. It has become so popular that it is booked through next July with curations coming from artists as far away as Europe!

If you want to take a look at Gallery 1619 for yourself, you can find it on the parkway at 1619 W Summerdale.

For more information on why John chose to create Gallery 1619, click HERE.

Big thanks to blockclubchicago for reporting on this story and for snapping the image used above.

Jarvis Square Books, owned by Rogers Park neighbor Kate Harding, opens Saturday at 1522 W. Jarvis Ave. after months of planning. It will stock mostly used books with a small selection of new releases. You can trade in old books for store credit and help them stock their shelves. Be sure to check out their website for more information on the types of books they are looking for and what they will be offering! If they don't have what you are looking for on their shelves they can also order it for you! Because the space is small, the books are priced low compared to other stores to have a quick turnover, Harding said. “We want to make sure that stuff is moving so there’s something new every time neighborhood people come in to shop,” she said. “We’ve got stuff priced to move.”

Store Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 11am-6pm.

In the District

Events in Rogers Park

We’re excited to announce The Recyclery Collective’s 8th annual fundraiser, Tailwind for Tools 2024! The Recyclery Collective uses this fundraiser as an opportunity to raise funds for our beloved community-oriented, educational programs. They are always trying to expand their programs' outreach, with wide-ranging goals for 2025, including but not limited to: offering a Spanish Open Shop and Earn a Bike program, growing our Youth programs, and providing more training for our amazing volunteers.

Your donation can help them reach their 2025 goals, every dollar counts!

They will be hosting a benefit party on Sunday, October 13th from 3-8pm for all of their supporters to celebrate the accomplishments of the past year and a brighter vision for the upcoming year. Join them for a pre-event ride, drinks, catering from R Public House, raffles, upcycled art crafts, an Alley Kitten Race, and more! Thank you to Equiticity and Main Street America for grant funding to make this Pop-Up fundraiser event one to remember. Please RSVP for the Tailwind for Tools event HERE. 

In their 4th rendition of Grimm this talented cast of local artists present a selection of Brothers Grimm stories woven together by local playwright Michael Dalberg. previously this production made Choose Chicago's "top 10 list of things to see this Fall", "deft adaptation and staging" (Chicago Reader), "A great experience" (Around the Town Chicago), "A delightful addition to my slate of fall shows, and I think it should be one of your as well" (Chicago Theatre Review).

Tickets are available at theatreatl.org use the online code C-Grimm24 for $15 tickets (subject to availability, presale only). All performances held at 1439 W. Jarvis.

Get ready for an unforgettable night at CirquesExperience's Harvest Fest Circus Show on October 12th—and the best part? It’s absolutely FREE!

Watch in awe as the amazing performers light up the stage, featuring the high-energy moves of the Uptown Breakers, the dazzling acts of the CirquesExperience Show Team, the incredible skill of the Wheel Gymnastics USA Team, including the mesmerizing Cyr Wheelers from Acro Enso, and the dynamic talents from Chattooga Gymnastics. This full circus extravaganza is sure to leave you amazed!

But the fun doesn’t stop there! After the show, stick around for our Oktoberfest Party! Enjoy refreshments, challenge your friends to fun games, and snack on delicious, warm pretzels. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season with us!

Mark your calendar, grab your friends, and join us for this spectacular night—no tickets needed!

The Factory Theater (1623 W Howard St) is previewing a new production this weekend! It is called "Inheritance or Brothers From the Deep" and it is shaping out to be a truly thrilling production!

From The Factory Theater's website:

Something sinister lurks beneath the surface during Marcus and Bentley’s annual fishing trip. The two brothers face rough waters, buried trauma, and the challenge to change in this supernatural drama.

Previews will be held this Friday and Saturday at 8 pm as well as on Sunday at 3 pm. Following, the production will run from October 18th to November 23rd. The play's runtime is also around 1 hour long.

To purchase tickets, click HERE.

The Rogers Park Business Alliance is hosting a screening of the Rocky Horror Picture Show in Jarvis Square (1500 W Jarvis) on Saturday, October 12th at 8 pm! This screening will take place outdoors, weather permitting, and will include free prop bags, tasty cocktails, and delicious food specials!

This event is FREE and looks to be a night to remember!

Kidcical Mass is hosting its FINAL family bike ride on Saturday, October 12th at 10 am. The biking event begins in Jarvis Square (1500 W Jarvis) and takes participants all throughout Rogers Park. The pace of this ride will be easy going and neighbors of all ages are encouraged to participate!

No registration is required! If you have any questions, feel free to email josephchrstnsn@gmail.com

Maria Hadden's office is partnering with Trilogy to host a free job fair in the District on Thursday, October 17 from 10 am - 2 pm in the Willye B. White Park Fieldhouse located at 1610 W Howard St.

Trilogy is an organization that provides a broad array of services aimed at helping people who are living with mental illness, as well as co-occurring barriers like addiction or homelessness. At the job fair, Trilogy will have employment opportunities available for roles such as Recovery Counselors, Residential Staff, Nurses, Administration/Operations, and more!

Additionally, there will be organizations recruiting for positions such as:

Case Management

Positions to provide services for people with developmental disabilities

Resident coordinators

Janitorial services

Operational roles

Mental health services positions

And more!

Along with organizations offering employment opportunities, there will also be organizations and offices providing information about record expungement, how to apply for services such as SNAP, utility bill assistance, and other resources.

Registration is required, and you can do so by clicking here.

The 24th district is hosting a series of community conversations to discuss the 2025 strategic plan. The first meeting will be held at The Chicago Math and Science Academy (7212 N Clark St) at 6 pm on October 17th. The second meeting will be held at Pottawattomie Park (7340 N Rogers Ave) at 6:30 pm on November 14th.

For more information about this event, please contact the 24th district community policing office at 312-744-6321.

To register for this event, please click HERE.

Adapted by Lifeline ensemble member Frances Limoncelli, this beloved mystery by Dorothy L. Sayers brings the captivating story of Lord Peter Wimsey and Harriet Vane back to the stage. First performed in 2006, this gripping adaptation follows Harriet as she returns to Oxford, seeking refuge from her complicated relationship with Lord Peter. But her peaceful retreat soon spirals into danger when a vengeful vandal targets the college, its residents, and ultimately Harriet herself. As tensions rise, one question remains: Will Lord Peter arrive in time to save her?

This one-time-only special benefit event will include a light brunch prior to the show and a talk-back with the cast over dessert afterwards. All proceeds contribute to Lifeline Theatre’s future programming—don’t miss your chance to support us while experiencing a fan-favorite mystery!

Reserve your seats now for this unforgettable special benefit event filled with intrigue, romance, and suspense!

Mobile Care Chicago, a completely free pediatric mobile clinic working in your neighborhood, is coming to Smack Dab in Rogers Park. They will be offering free kids dental cleanings in their Dental Van. Mobile Care Chicago works city wide to provide health services for kids, they come right to schools and hold events like these so that parents and guardians don't need to take extra time off work.

Please join them at Smack Dab on Saturday October 19th from 12pm-3pm.

A family full-moon Halloween fest will be taking place in Jarvis Square (1500 W Jarvis) on Saturday, October 19th from 5 pm-8 pm. Featured at the event will be live music, Halloween Candy, and even a stilt walker! Costumes encouraged!

No RSVP or tickets are required!

The 24th District Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability is hosting its October meeting at Devon Bank (6445 N Western) on Monday, October 21st at 6 PM. This meeting is also available via Zoom which you can access by clicking this LINK.

Synapse Arts and the Chicago Tap Theatre are co-hosting a FREE dance day at Loyola Park (1230 W Greenleaf Ave) on Saturday, October 26th from 11 am-5 pm. All ages and identities are encouraged to attend this exciting event that features adult & kids hip-hop and tap classes, costume swaps, and even performances!

To learn more about this event, click HERE!

Events in Edgewater

Gethsemane Garden Center is offering a FREE pumpkin patch every day from 9 am-4 pm through October 22nd! Every day is fun for the entire family with events including a straw bale maze, photo opportunities, and, of course, a pumpkin patch! Saturday will also feature pumpkin painting and face painting from 10 am-2 pm.

This is a free event and there is no registration required! To learn more about this event, click HERE!

The 20th Police District is hosting its monthly meeting on Tuesday, October 22nd from 6-7 pm at the Mather High School Library (5835 N Lincoln).

You can register for this event and submit public comments by clicking this LINK.

The Friends of the Edgewater Library is hosting The League of Women Voters at a free event for voters at the Edgewater Library, 6000 N Broadway. The event, November Election Questions - Be Prepared, is Saturday, October 26 at 3. p.m.

The League will discuss voting by mail, early voting, and visiting your local polling place. Attendees will learn who can vote and how to use the Illinois Voters Guide. There will be time for questions.

To learn more about the League of Women Voters, click HERE.

To learn more about the Friends of the Edgewater Library, click HERE.

Events in Andersonville

Shred your documents at the 48th Ward Office's upcoming shred event! Standard printer paper is preferred, though mixed paper and envelopes will be accepted. Likewise, small paper clips and staples are acceptable but you will be asked to remove large binder clips. The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) will be on site helping out and raffling off rain barrels!

Join veteran paranormal tour guides, Orion Couling & Zack Meyer, on a night that explores the shadows of history with the lantern of mystery. This 1.5-mile walking tour will take you to the door of hidden haunts and the path of legends. Find out the eerie stories about some of Andersonville's most beloved spots!

Orion & Zack are nationally renowned storytellers that have recently brought their unique style of storytelling to the "Shadow Carriers" podcast. Now, you have the opportunity to walk alongside them as you learn more about the dark history of Chicago's Andersonville neighborhood.

Get your ticket soon so you don't miss out!

Halloween is coming to Andersonville in a big way! Highlighting all the festivities is the Andersonville Business District Trick or Treat where many businesses on and around Clark St pass out candy! For a full list of participating businesses and information on what candy options will be available, click HERE.

See the graphic above for a full list of Halloween activities happening in Andersonville, or click HERE for more info.

Youth & Teen

Teen Fallapalooza is here! Join us on October 18th, 2024, from 5-8pm at Winter Garden in Harold Washignton Library. The event will feature:

Music sets by DJ Double 8, Tai Hunter, B-man and HotRod

Free food

Airbrush Tattoos

Video Games

Fall Themed Crafts

Boardgames

Scary Movies

Photobooths

And much much more

Don’t miss out on the fun—it’s the perfect chance to hang out, make new friends, and enjoy all the fall vibes! This event is for Chicago residents ages 14-19.

The event is free RSVP here!

Starting in October, YJC will be offering a recurring workshop that demystifies credit for young people. Participants will learn what credit is, how to build their credit, and how they can leverage their credit to achieve their goals. This one-hour workshop will be repeated every other month, with the first workshops taking place on October 10 and 31st from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. To sign up, email Lupita at lvavalle@youthjobcenter.org

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 Criminal Justice Information Authority is hiring a Research and Analysis Manager. To apply and see any other employment opportunities visit their website.

Sincerely,

Kelly Cassidy

State Representative, 14th District



Office of State Representative Kelly Cassidy

1507 W. Morse Ave

Chicago IL 60626