I hope everyone is enjoying the Labor Day Weekend. I’m hoping to catch up on garden and house projects as it’s becoming increasingly clear that things are speeding up as we head towards the fall veto session and lame duck in January. Folks on my social media may have seen me posting about my mixed results garden year this summer. While my tomatoes haven’t yielded the daily sandwiches I plant them for, we had a bumper crop of cucumbers that became a variety of pickles and an assortment of greens that have yielded enough frozen pesto to keep us feeling summery throughout the winter to come. The surprise success story of the year isn’t food, and honestly, I planted it as a bit of an experiment just for fun.
A couple of years ago, a friend’s gardening adventure on her social media included her attempt to plant loofah, which until that moment I thought were sponges from the sea. I had no idea that the “sponges” I was used to were plants not unlike the zucchini and cucumbers I’ve grown over the years. Last year’s effort was a bust, with only 2 seeds germinating really late and never getting far. This year, I was more intentional and soaked the seeds overnight before planting and decided to experiment with growing methods by planting some in the garden along the fence and some in an Earth Box container garden on the driveway. The container plants got off to an early start and set fruit a while ago, while the garden plants grew more slowly, blossoming and setting fruit several weeks after the container did. The container plants seem to have petered out having set about half a dozen fruit a few weeks ago, while the garden plant is threatening to seal us inside by growing across the driveway gate while we sleep. I think I’m going to harvest the first couple of the fruits from the container this weekend, so watch my socials if you’re a total plant/garden/sponge nerd like me.
This week also brought the publication of a story that has been several weeks in the making. Click here to read. Earlier this year, we were approached by the Associated Press about participating in a series on women in politics with a specific focus on my work on behalf of survivors of gender-based violence, an issue that’s deeply personal to me. The reporter was focusing on the several years-long effort to create a meaningful path for criminalized survivors of gender-based violence to seek resentencing for crimes they were convicted of without meaningful consideration of the role abuse played in their involvement. With Governor Pritzker’s signature on SB3285, we are hopeful that people denied access to justice and healing can find relief. The reporter and photographer spent a lot of time following me and our team over the last few months, which was a unique experience. Talking about my history was challenging, but something I feel strongly about and know has a direct impact on folks struggling with their situations.
This weekend represents the end of summer in so many ways, and in others, it’s kind of my favorite part of summer. Gorgeous nights demand that we stop and sit on the porch or head down to the beach in case it’s the last chance to breathe in the beauty that is a Chicago summer (when it’s not too hot to breathe, of course). Most kids are back in school (we’ve got one more to launch later in September) and folks are starting to get back to a more typical rhythm, so I expect the pace to pick up and not let up much between now and the end of the year. I’m looking forward to getting into the details of some of the bills I’m hoping to take final action on in Veto or Lame Duck session including permitting Natural Organic Reduction, ensuring digital privacy for patients, providers accessing legal health care, Prisoner Review Board reform, and fixes to the law defining how hospitals treat survivors of sexual assault that have led to revictimization of patients through mistreatment, burdensome distance requirements, and abusive billing practices.
Whether Labor Day is a chance for a last getaway, a day of service and reflection, or a day to connect with family and friends, I hope yours is a safe and happy one. Enjoy a couple of photos below from last week as we have such a great neighborhood filled with amazing business owners and local events.
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Rep. Cassidy pictured above with Deirdre Austin owner of a great store called DMApothecary which is located at 5230 N. Sheridan. | |
Carlos and Rauly were out at the 49th Ward Back to School Bash this past weekend. They had lots of fun answering your questions and representing our office. | |
In observance of Labor Day, our office will be remote until 1pm on Friday, August 30th and closed on Monday, September 2nd. Any urgent communication can be directed towards info@repcassidy.com. | |
State Flag Design Contest | |
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has announced that the Illinois Flag Commission will begin accepting public submissions for a new state flag design! Beginning Tuesday, September 3 through Friday, October 18, the Illinois Flag Commission will accept design ideas online or via mail for consideration.
The Illinois Flag Commission was created in 2023 after Senate Bill 1818, sponsored by State Senator Doris Turner (48th District—Springfield) and State Representative Kam Buckner (26th District—Chicago) was signed into law. The commission will select 10 designs based on how they reflect the identity of Illinois. The bill allows for the commission to evaluate if a new state flag would better represent the state’s diversity of urban, suburban and rural communities and inspire renewed state pride among Illinoisans.
There is an opportunity for the public to participate in the process with an online public survey for Illinois residents to vote on their favorite designs or to keep the current flag. After public feedback is received, the commission will report its findings to the Illinois General Assembly and its members will vote on whether to adopt a new flag or retain the current flag design.
For any questions, please visit the Illinois Flag Commission website or contact ilflagcommission@ilsos.gov.
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Two exciting updates coming out of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR):
IDFPR has started a virtual appointment pilot program every Wednesday for individuals seeking support with IDFPR professional licenses where applicants can directly engage with members of the Licensing Team who are experts on licensing issues and can provide direct solutions to licensing challenges. This is a first-come, first-serve resource and a popular one, so spots fill up fast. You can secure a virtual appointment here.
IDFPR’s goal is to bring all applications online, which is part of the recently-signed new licensing system that they're working to implement ASAP. As such, they have made the following license applications available online:
Licensed Social Workers
Licensed Clinical Social Workers
Licensed Professional Counselors
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
By being available online, these applications are able to be submitted more easily and processed more expeditiously, which is good news for everyone.
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It’s that time of year again! The 49th ward’s highly anticipated Shred-a-Thon will be taking place on Saturday, September 14th from 10AM-2PM on the southwest corner of Morse Ave. & Clark St., approximate address is 6934 N. Clark. Come out to shred old papers and sensitive documents with Midway Moving & Storage's commercial shredding service.
All participants are limited to two Bankers Boxes. Please remove all paper clips and binder clips ahead of time. Staples are fine!
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Misericordia Family Fest and Raffle This Weekend | |
Misericordia offers a community of care that maximizes potential for persons with mild to profound developmental disabilities, many of whom are also physically challenged. By serving society’s most vulnerable citizens, Misericordia also serves the families who want the best for them, yet cannot provide it at home.
Misericordia offers a continuum of care to meet their diverse needs and aspires for each individual to live as independently as possible in the highest level of community integration feasible.
This weekend is their Family Fest, from 11am-6pm at 6300 N Ridge Ave. Misericordia’s largest fundraising event of the year brings our families, friends and neighbors together for a day of celebration that has something for everyone — you don’t want to miss it!
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As a part of the Family Fest Misericordia is selling unlimited tickets for a new 2024 KIA Sportage LX AWD, donated by their good friend, Andy Francis of Evergreen KIA. To Purchase Cash and Car Raffle Tickets CLICK HERE
Tickets are available online until noon on Saturday, September 7th.
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Last Community Kickball Game of the Season | |
Join Alderwoman Hadden for Community Softball and Kickball games at Willye B. White Park (1610 W Howard St)! No registration is required and everyone is welcome to play. Just bring yourself, your family and friends! Not sure if you want to play? Come out to cheer on your neighbors!
The LAST GAME OF THE YEAR is Thursday, September 5th starting at 6pm and will be kickball.
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First Friday Music Series | |
Join the Rogers Park Business Alliance for the First Friday Music Series, an enchanting evening of live music that will take place on Sheridan Rd. between Devon and Pratt. Enjoy performances on local business patios including Cafe Nova, Loyola Plaza, Raising Cane’s, and Great Wall. Mark your calendars for August 2, September 6, and October 4, and prepare for a musical journey from Bossa Nova to Jazz and everything in between.
Swing by for giveaways and refreshments available while supplies last. Don’t miss out on these unforgettable nights of music, community, and fun at the First Friday Music Series!
The next music series is Friday, September 6th.
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38th Annual Historic House Walk | |
The northern-most street on the border of Chicago and Evanston is a hidden-away corner of Rogers Park. Lined with mature trees and large backyard gardens, the long block of Juneway Terrace west of busy Sheridan Road offers a tranquil outdoor setting.
The Rogers Park/West Ridge 2024 House Walk features eight homes and an additional garden that highlight that street's historic past and promising future. Homeowner guides will show their homes and share their efforts to make this street a beautiful refuge for life in the 21st Century.
This event will be held on September 8th from 12pm-4pm.
Click HERE to register and learn more!
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Artisan Market Returns September 7th | |
The Jarvis Square Artisan Market returns on September 7th! This market will also host a bake sale and be a Back to School celebration. The market brings local arts and craft vendors to the Jarvis Square Alfresco area where they can showcase and sell their creations. The market also has live music and food for patrons to enjoy.
Vendors who are interested in participating should email charmersartisans@gmail.com.
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Factory Theater Presents: Stabbed in the Heart | |
The Factory Theater (1632 W Howard St) is debuting a new production in partnership with Lindley & Hall Productions called Stabbed in the Heart on Thursday, August 22nd! The production will run from August 22nd through September 28th on Thursdays-Saturdays starting at 8PM and on Sundays at 9pm. Tickets are 25 dollars.
Play Description from Factory Theater's Website:
Halloween meets Spring Awakening in this original horror rock musical. Lia feels out of place when her college roommate, Trish, makes her tag along for a cabin weekend with her old high school friends. Their fun-filled weekend becomes blood-soaked when a menacing killer starts slaughtering teens left and right. Navigating through young love, toxic relationships, and the connections that last a lifetime, Lia must face a gaslighting killer and her own anxiety while trying to save her new friends.
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Theatre Above the Law Looking for Sponsors for Latest Show: Grimm | |
Theatre Above the Law is looking for sponsors for their next production, Theatre Above the Law is an ensemble-led theatre company based in Rogers Park. TATL's mission is to challenge the norm by presenting classic and unique stories in relatable ways while mentoring future artists.
Grimm: Taking place in a cabaret bar hosted by Little Red and The Wolf, Grimm works to spin well known tales into a modern story. Utilizing classic stories such as Little Red Riding Hood, Pied Piper, Cinderella, The Goose Girl, Hans in Luck and more.
Perks: Company or organization logo on all printed and digital marketing materials including website and social media, complimentary tickets for clients and staff, behind the scenes access, shout outs in the program and post show curtain speech & most importantly a pre-show cocktail named after your company business.
Email tony@theatreatl.org for more info or to sign up before September 12.
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The Peculiar Portal: An Immersive Experience | |
You’re invited to an immersive adventure through a mysterious Oddity shop
Hidden Wonders Immersive presents The Peculiar Portal, a wholly original experience running for a limited time in Rogers Park, Chicago.
Welcome to The Peculiar Portal, Rogers Park's home for antiques and oddities. It's rumored that within this shop is a gateway to another world. In fact, it has become an obsession for the shopkeeper to find it. Tonight, you've been invited to an exclusive party to see if -- once and for all -- there truly is a portal here. And if so... is his long-lost sister on the other side?
Duration: Up to 90 minutes. Audience Size: 3-10 guests Regular Tickets: $60
EARLY BIRD TIX: $10 off for all tickets bought 1 week in advance. Use promo code EARLYBIRD.RUSH TICKETS: A limited amount of Rush tickets are available on the day of the show ($10 OFF) with code RUSHTHEPORTAL.
NOTE on Audience Size: This experience is designed for audiences of 3-10 people. If less than 3 tickets have been sold for your show, you will be notified via email and re-schedule or refunded.
To learn more about this event, click HERE
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Last Month for Edgewater Monday Market | |
Chicago’s ONLY Monday Market is entering it's last month for the year, make sure to get out and check out the market while there is still time.
Broadway Armory parking lot (5917 N. Broadway)
Every Monday: 3pm-7pm
The market features a diverse lineup of more than 40 vendors, including food, activities, entertainment and more!!
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Calling all the Gays, Theys, and everyone in-between! | |
If you love board games, card games, TTRPGs, video games, or just want to find Queer nerds to hang out with, join the Chicago Queer Gaming Society! They have biweekly meetups at the Dice Dojo on Broadway. You can learn new games, play old classics, and support local businesses!
The next meeting is Saturday August 31st from 1:30pm-5:00pm at Dice Dojo (5550 N Broadway)
Find out more online here, where you can also join their Discord Server!
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Andersonville Arts Weekend | |
Get ready to celebrate creativity in Andersonville like never before! The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to bring you the 20th annual Andersonville Arts Weekend, turning our neighborhood into a lively, walkable art gallery from Friday, October 4th to Sunday, October 6th.
This three-day arts extravaganza showcases a kaleidoscope of creativity—from visual art to theatre, dance, music, makers, film, culinary delights, student art, and even eye-catching public installations.
Don't miss the beloved traditions, including the Self-Guided Art Walk happening all weekend long, and the can't-miss Night of Parties on Friday, October 4th at 5 PM. Top it all off with our Fall Wine Walk on Sunday, October 6th—because art and wine are the perfect pair. Cheers to a weekend of art-filled fun!
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Andersonville Fall Wine Walk | |
Immerse yourself in the vibrant art of Andersonville Arts Weekend while enjoying a sip (or more) of wine! The Andersonville Fall Wine Walk turns local businesses into charming wine-tasting destinations. The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce is offering one route this year with a few extra stops running from 3 - 6PM.
Tickets are $45. Check in at the Andersonville Chamber office (1544 W Hollywood Ave) from 1-4:30PM. Tickets released after 4:30PM are first come, first served. Special thanks to In Fine Spirits for sponsoring!
To learn more about this event and to purchase tickets, click HERE!
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After School Matters Fall Programs | |
The After School Matters Fall Application is now OPEN to Chicago Teen for their Fall programs that run through September 23 - December 14. Teens ages 14-18 can choose from hundreds of programs in the arts, communications and leadership, sports, and STEM, to discover their passions and develop new skills for life beyond high school. Teens even earn a stipend for their participation!
To learn more about this program, click HERE.
To apply to this program, click HERE.
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Register for Fall Programs with the Chicago Parks District | |
Autumn is on the horizon! The Chicago Park District is proud to offer a diverse range of programs for patrons of all ages. View the full offerings here.Online and in person registration has begun. For more information on registration, including a checklist, click here. For the full schedule of program registration dates in a convenient chart, click here. | |
American Job Center Training | |
Sentencing and Policy Advisory Council | |
The Illinois Sentencing and Policy Advisory Council (SPAC) has an open position for Senior Policy Advisor. This role will work on their research team to assist lawmakers and stakeholders in developing data-driven sentencing and corrections policies. The job posting can be found here. | |
Misericordia seeks to hire for several key positions within the organization.
Misericordia is home to over 600 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It has a 31-acre campus that provides around-the-clock care to support its residents. They strive to find compassionate and hardworking individuals to join its team. Misericordia offers competitive pay rates and excellent employee benefits.
For more information on current job openings, visit Misericordia's Careers website.
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The Chicago Park District is Hiring | |
As one of the largest municipal park managers in the nation, the Chicago Park District works to improve the quality of life in Chicago with recreation and leisure opportunities in safe and beautiful parks. They offer thousands of programs and events, and are responsible for maintaining 28 indoor pools, 50 outdoor pools, and 28 miles of lakefront including 23 swimming beaches plus one inland beach. If you’re looking for a job where you can use your expertise to improve the quality of life in our city, look no further than the Chicago Park District!
Whatever your passion, schedule, or experience–they have a job for you.
Apply today!
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Census Field Representative Positions Open | |
The United States Census Bureau is accepting applications for its Field Representative Position through September 2024.
To apply click this LINK.
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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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