Kelly's Update

Have I mentioned that Early Voting has started in all 50 wards in the city? We get a lot of folks complaining about campaign mail and honestly, the best way to avoid it is to vote as early as you possibly can. The voter file gets updated and savvy campaigns smartly use that to minimize their mailing expenses by not mailing/calling/texting folks who have already voted. It might not help for this election, but try it in the fall. It’s the easiest way to cut down on the clutter. There’s nothing I can do to help with the ads though. Sorry. Voters registered in the City of Chicago can vote at any early voting location or at the downtown super site.

We head back to session Wednesday of next week with just a few session days left before the March 27th deadline to get bills out of committee. Given that many bills still haven’t even been assigned to substantive committees, I honestly am a bit puzzled as to how this is going to work without cloning technology, but we always make it work.

If you’re like me and procrastinated your annual flu and covid shots, you’re reading the right newsletter. First, it’s not too late to get your shots - we’re still in the thick of flu season and pretty much everyone I know knows someone who’s sick with it. We’ll be hosting a free vaccine clinic this Thursday at our office. Sign up for an appointment now!

This warm snap has me thinking ahead to real spring and the chance to get my garden going. We’re doing a bit of prep while the weather is good, but before you grab the rakes and leaf bags, remember that our pollinator friends are napping in those piles of leaves and “dead” stalks and resist the urge to throw away their homes just yet. This is a good time to inventory containers and calculate soil needs, reinforce garden fences, start seeds inside if you’re able…or just have a nice cup of tea while gazing longingly at garden catalogs!

Rauly and Taylor at the 49th Ward Town Hall

Taylor and Kelly at the Beyond Know Your Rights: Community Immigration Forum

Need to Know Info

Our office is hosting a FREE vaccination clinic in partnership with IDPH THIS Thursday, March 12th! Imagine this: it's October, the weather is getting chilly, and you keep saying "I'm going to go get my flu and Covid boosters next week!" Then the holidays hit, and all of a sudden you're sick in bed, wishing you had just gotten that dang booster. Our office was hit hard by seasonal sickness this year, so we're hoping that this late-winter/early-spring vaccine clinic will help folks stay healthy!

No ID or insurance required. Please register for an appointment here. Walk-ins will also be accepted. If you do have insurance, our partners at IDPH will accept it.

In observation of Primary Election Day next week, our office will be closed on Tuesday, March 17th. Please email info@repcassidy.com with any questions, and we'll get back to you when we return to the office!

SNAP customers can now check to see if they are subject to, are meeting, or may be eligible to seek an exemption from work requirements. Use the ABE: SNAP Work Requirements screener. 

Additional Information on New SNAP Work Requirements  

Before the federal budget bill, Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) applied to adults ages 18-54 who had: 

• No kids under 18 living at home 
• No disabilities

Now, more people must meet or be exempt from work requirements, like: 

• People who are homeless  
• People with kids at home who are only 14 or older 
• Veterans 
• People with no disabilities, ages 55-64  

Important Dates: 

February 1, 2026: ABAWDs who do not meet or who are not exempt from work requirements may only get SNAP for 3 months in a 3-year period.  

May 1, 2026: ABAWDs who do not meet or who are not exempt from work requirements will lose benefits. 

IDHS has sent initial notices of these federal changes along with a copy of an exemption form, to all current and new ABAWDs. 

Illinois DHS will also continue to provide updates on: snapfederalimpact.illinois.gov  

The 14th District Small Business Security Infrastructure Grant has launched an emergency door-buzzer initiative in response to the fear and disruption caused by recent ICE/CBP operations in local commercial corridors.

Funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and led by State Representative Kelly Cassidy in partnership with Rogers Park Business Alliance (RPBA), the program has already delivered over $320,000 in security support to 45 neighborhood businesses.

This new effort will provide and install basic door entry control systems for up to 90 vulnerable, for-profit brick-and-mortar businesses within the 14th District. Eligible businesses must be located in the district, be in good standing with the State of Illinois, hold a valid Chicago business license, and complete the required application.

For more information on who qualifies and how to apply, visit the grant website here.

Wednesday, March 11th from 5:00pm-6:00pm, at the Rogers Park Library (6907 N Clark St), come meet with experts at a drop in Record Relief, Legal, and Fair Housing Clinic. No RSVPs needed.  

We are excited to partner with the James B Moran Center for Youth Advocacy along with Safer Foundation, New Leaf Illinois, Illinois Equal Justice Foundation, Open Communities, Alderwoman Maria Hadden, Westside Justice Center, Illinois Access to Justice, Rep. Robyn Gabel, and Commissioner Josina Morita.

On Wednesday, March 11th from 6-8pm, Alderperson Andre Vasquez and his team will be hosting the first 40th Ward Town Hall of 2026 at Swedish Hospital Anderson Pavilion (2751 W Winona St)! Topics include accomplishments in 2025 and what's coming up in 2026, with time to answer questions about what's happening in the city and the ward.

North Side Queer Pride is being proposed by a collaborative group of neighbors, small business owners, artists, and community organizations who care deeply about our community. We are looking to align existing pride events under one umbrella to create a vibrant, inclusive weekend of celebration.

Your thoughts will help inform and create the weekend of celebration. Please take 5 minutes to complete the survey and help build a fabulous weekend.

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The Illinois Accountability Commission has opened a form to report misconduct of federal officers during the ICE operation “Midway Blitz.” 

“Operation Midway Blitz” was an Immigrations and Customs Enforcement operation from September 2025. This form is looking for reports of misconduct carried out by federal agents between September and the end of 2025.

Below is the link to the interest form from the Illinois Accountability Commission.

Illinois Accountability Commission (IAC) Misconduct Information Form

Click the image above for a downloadable PDF

Any voter in Chicago can vote at any Early Voting site, no matter where they live in the city. Voters can choose whatever voting site is most convenient for them, including on Election Day.

All Early Voting locations are ADA-compliant and fully accessible to voters with disabilities. 

40th Ward Early Voting Location: Budlong Woods Library

49th Ward Early Voting Location: Willye B. White Park

48th Ward Early Voting Location: Broadway Armory

50th Ward Early Voting Location: Northtown Library

Same Day Registration is available at all Early Voting sites, including 51 sites open as Vote Centers on Election Day. You will need two forms of ID, one with your current address - click here for acceptable forms of ID.

Early voters may choose to vote in one of 12 languages: English, Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, Polish, Korean, Tagalog, Gujarati, Urdu, Arabic, Ukrainian, and Russian. 

March 2 through March 17

• Weekdays: 9:00am - 6:00pm
• Saturday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
• Sunday: 10:00am - 4:00pm
• Election Day (March 17): 6:00am - 7:00pm

There is still time to apply to become an Election Judge before the March 17th Primary! Election Judges are paid to manage the precinct polling place and assist voters. Judges share these responsibilities:

Arrive at 5 a.m. on Election Day to set up equipment;

Open the polls on time at 6 a.m. on Election Day;

Issue the correct ballots to each voter and help voters with registration and other questions, from 6 a.m. through 7 p.m.

Completing all reports after the polls close. 

To apply online, go to: pollworker.chicagoelections.gov 

The Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County is sharing a new statewide flyer designed to help Veterans quickly identify and connect with the Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) that serves their county of residence.

Veterans Assistance Commissions are county-based resources that provide Emergency Financial Services, VA Claims and Benefits Assistance through accredited Veterans Service Officers, and referrals to trusted community partners. This flyer includes a QR code that easily connects Veterans to their appropriate VAC based on the county they reside in. If unable to scan the QR code, visit the link here.

State Senator Mike Simmons' Office is seeking donations of nonperishable canned items. They have received the most requests for the items above. If you would like to donate, their hours for accepting donations are Monday through Thursday from 10 AM to 4 PM and on Fridays from 10 AM to 3 PM.

Neighborhood Shoutout

The Edgewater Chamber of Commerce invites you to the largest indoor food & gift market on the North Side for the last time this year!

70+ vendors. Winter produce. Warm drinks. Baked goods. Prepared meals. Tasty treats. Candles. Plants. Meats. And a whole lot more! Make sure to swing by and stock up on the good stuff from all of your favorite vendors.

If you love Edgewater Indoor Market and want to see more events like this in the future, please come out this weekend to support our local vendors by buying their amazing products.

Saturday, March 14th

Broadway Armory

5917 N Broadway

10am-2pm

Broadway Armory is less than a block from the CTA Red Line’s Thorndale Station and the CTA 36 bus stops right at Broadway Armory’s entrance. Additionally, there are bike racks and a Divvy dock immediately in front of Broadway Armory’s entrance.

District Events

Tree House is proud to partner with the Chicagoland Humane Coalition in offering free TNVR surgeries and $60 off spay/neuter surgeries for owned pet cats from March 10–13. This opportunity is available to residents of 60645, 60639, 60659, 60625, 60626, 60651, and 60644.

You can learn more and schedule appointments here.

Calling all parents of toddlers and expectant parents! Parent University, in collaboration with the Chicago Fire Department and Caris Foundation, will be holding a community baby shower on March 13 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 7019 N Ashland Blvd, Room 219. Here, you can get free diapers for newborns, clothing for babies and toddlers, hygiene kits, and more! Contact slkennedy@cps.edu for any questions you may have.

Hosted by On the Spot Theater and Dancing on the Spot, learn the basics of swing dance! A free one hour workshop with two hours of social dancing to follow! No previous dance experience required. Individual dancers and couples are welcome to join in! Adults of all ages and dance levels are welcome! 

Saturday, March 14th

1:30-4:30pm

In the library room in the main building of Berger Park

At 6205 N. Sheridan Rd. Chicago

Sunny Akhigbe, founder of the nonprofit A Boy and His Dream, will present a free community event, Nourish for Life: A Community Nutrition Talk, on Saturday, March 14 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Wild Onion Market grocery co-op, 7007 N Clark St. His talk will explore how to eat well within real-world constraints such as cost, access, and time. Topics include selecting wholesome foods on a budget and making everyday food choices that support long-term health for individuals and families. This event is free and open to the public. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with Mr. Akhigbe, ask questions, and leave with actionable insights for better nourishment and well-being.

Andersonville Restaurant Week is back! The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce is excited to once again showcase the abundance of great restaurants throughout the district. Restaurant Week is a great way to try a new spot, explore the diverse cuisine and fine dining in Andersonville, and support small businesses! The wide variety of restaurants will offer $30 / $45 / $60 special prix fixe menus* to enjoy. *Prices vary by location.

You can see the list of participating businesses here.

Has clutter become your significant other? Was getting organized a New Year's Resolution that hasn't quite manifested yet? It's time for Feng Shui, the ancient art form designed to bring balance, peace, and joy into your home. Easy to learn and fun to implement, it will surprise you with how simple it can be to create a space that nourishes instead of frustrates. 

Feng Shui practitioner and presenter Lyn Nené fell in love with Feng Shui in the early 1990’s. She has studied with Feng Shui Masters from The Wind and Water School of Feng Shui as well as The Feng Shui Institute of America.  

Registration is recommended but not required. You may register on the library’s 

website, by phone, or in person at any Chicago Public Library location.

Vendor Applications and Opportunities

Residents and visitors alike eagerly anticipate the arrival of Andersonville Midsommarfest, an annual celebration which transforms Clark Street into a haven of music, dance, and community spirit. Inspired by the Swedish Midsommar tradition, the festival takes place the second weekend in June, ushering in the summer season with a diverse array of festivities. Attendees can expect a dynamic lineup of live musical performances across multiple stages and a curated street fair featuring an eclectic mix of food vendors, artisans, not-for-profits, and local businesses.

If you are interested in applying, click here. The deadline is March 22nd.

The Edgewater Musical Fest is now accepting vendor applications! If you're a restaurant, food truck, artist, maker, artisan, or retailer, now is the time to visit edgewater.org to apply to be part of the coolest street fest on the North Side.

Are you a vendor looking to showcase your unique products or art? Jarvis Square Events is excited to feature a diverse range of items at their upcoming events!

They have applications for Pride, Pierogifest, Oktoberfest and more! 

To secure your spot, please fill out a vendor application here.

Please note: All food vendors should email Jenni directly at jenni@jsqevents.com to discuss specific requirements and availability.

Theatre

Join Lifeline Theatre for their third and final concert reading of the season. Each concert reading features delicious refreshments, conversation with their ensemble, staff, and board members, and a post-show Q&A with the cast.

Each performance in the Concert Reading Series serves as a special benefit event supporting the continued growth and sustainability of Lifeline Theatre. 

Wedding bells have finally rung for amateur sleuth Lord Peter Wimsey and novelist Harriet Vane! But their quiet, country honeymoon becomes a farce full of eccentric locals, exploding chimneys and even a body found in the wine cellar. This inauspicious beginning begs the question – when life gets in the way, can love persevere?

Saturday, March 21st

4:00 p.m. - Light bites & wine served

5:00 p.m. - Performance start

7:00 p.m. - Sweets served and Talk-Back with cast

You can find tickets here!

From an Algonquin round table boasting some of history’s most notable women, to the halls of the Top Girls Employment Agency, Marlene’s exchanges with the women around her create a vivid and compelling exploration of their aspirations through time. Heralded as one of the best British plays of the 20th century, Caryl Churchill’s TOP GIRLS directed by Lucky Stiff navigates the shifting dynamics of a patriarchal society.

Throughout the run, TOP GIRLS will be presented alongside Raven Theatre resident company The Story Theatre’s World Premiere of POT GIRLS by Paul Michael Thomson, directed by Ayanna Bria Bakari. POT GIRLS is a smoky riff on TOP GIRLS that pays loving homage while charting bold new ground. Celebrating The Story Theatre’s seven-year residency at Raven, this collaboration reflects a mutual desire to expand artistic partnership between the companies.

TOP GIRLS

By Caryl Churchill

Directed by Lucky Stiff

February 12 – March 22

Tickets can be purchased here.

Trapped in a white space, three men who should be focused on escape or explanation can’t seem to stop talking about acclaimed film director Stanley Kubrick. This trippy existential show is a haunting and hilarious look at masculinity, creativity, and capitalism.

The Factory Theatre

Written by Zack Peercy

Directed by AJ Schwartz

Show dates: Feb 20 – March 15, Friday & Saturday @ 8:00pm, Sunday @ 3:00pm

You can find more information and purchase tickets here.

Lifeline Theatre presents a world premiere adaptation based on Jack and the Beanstalk.

By ensemble member Jess Wright Buha in collaboration with Miles and Molly Buha

With music by John Szymanski

Directed by ensemble member Calvin Adams

In the alleys of a sunless Big City, sibling stray cats Kitty and Tom use the garbage around them to make their world a more magical place. But when Kitty trades one of Tom's precious creations for some magic beans, Tom angrily throws them away–only to have them sprout into a magnificent beanstalk. When they climb it, they discover why the sun has vanished from the city below (hint: a giant is involved). 

A world premiere with music for kids ages 4-10 and their families.

You can purchase tickets here.

Written and directed by Jackie Taylor

We can’t think of a better way to kick off the 50th Anniversary Season than to bring back The Jackie Wilson Story! Jackie Wilson premiered at the Black Ensemble Theater in 2000. This outstanding production started its successful national tour in 2002. The tour included a record-breaking run at the famous Apollo Theater in New York. In 2012, Jackie Wilson made history by opening the new Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center. This award-winning production continues its historical run as it opens our 50th Anniversary season. Experience this tribute to the most dynamic and electrifying entertainer of all time, Mr. Excitement – Jackie Wilson.

Black Ensemble Theater

4450 N Clark

You can get more information and purchase tickets here.

Cyrano

By Michael Dalberg

Directed by Tony Lawry

March 13-April 12

In this Original TATL adaptation by Michael Dalberg (Grimm, The Blood Countess, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde) Cyrano cannot share her love to the multi-courted Roxanne. Thus, she speaks her truth through dim witted Christian, Roxanne’s true desire. In a romantically comical retelling of the classic, body image, self-doubt and misogyny are central themes. With some food fights along the way you’ll see that sometimes love is right in front of your nose!

Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays at 3pm at the Jarvis Square Theater 1439 W. Jarvis. Please visit theatreatl.org for tickets.

Use the Rogers Park coupon code unclecardinal at checkout for $10 OFF THE REGULAR $25 ticket price. Subject to availability, not valid opening or closing weekends.

Rent

Directed by DeRon Williams

Book, Music and Lyrics by Jonathan Larson

March 26 - April 12

Newhart Family Theatre

Lower East Side of New York City. End of the millennium. Mark and Roger are roommates, and they can’t afford rent (again). But they don’t let that stop them from enjoying life while they can. They find solace in their community of fellow artists and activists who are also trying to make ends meet as they struggle through life, love, their art, the AIDS crisis, and paying (or not paying) rent. Jonathan Larson’s final musical still resonates today about the importance of trying to get your voice heard, even if it seems no one is listening.

Tickets can be purchased here.

Youth

Four dynamic positions are available in parks over the summer for ages 16 and up: Lifeguard, Recreation Leader (for day camp), Special Recreation Leader (for day camps for kids and adults with intellectual disabilities), and Junior Laborer (landscape maintenance). Additional positions are available for ages 18+. 

To learn more and to apply go to their website here.

Hiring

Chicago Animal Care and Control is hiring for two full-time positions:

• Animal Care Clerk – apply by March 12

• Staff Assistant – apply by March 13

These roles support daily shelter operations, serve the public, and help ensure the care and safety of animals in Chicago.

What will you do as an Animal Care Clerk?

• Assist with animal intake, adoptions, and return to owner services
• Provide customer service and guidance on CACC programs
• Manage records, transactions, and front desk operations

What will you do as a Staff Assistant?

• Support executive and departmental operations
• Help develop and implement policies and procedures
• Serve as a liaison and support leadership initiatives

Are you a team player?

Ready to make a difference for Chicago’s animals and residents?

Important: You must apply online through the City of Chicago’s careers site, applications are not accepted in person at the shelter.

Apply online: chi.gov/caccjobs

Pure Brite Facility Services is hiring Part-Time Day Porters to support daily cleaning operations at Skokie School District 73.5. The ideal candidate will help maintain a clean, safe, and sanitary environment for students and staff.

Qualifications

• Must be 25 years of age or older
• Minimum 6 months of cleaning experience preferred (training available for those without experience)
• Must speak English (bilingual candidates encouraged to apply)

Must successfully complete:

• State-mandated fingerprint background check through the School District
• State-mandated DCFS background check
• Identification: ID (DL, State ID Permanent ID, Social Security Card, ITIN)

You can apply in person at 1523 W Morse Ave.

Greencorps Chicago, the City of Chicago’s green industry job training program for individuals with barriers to employment, is hiring! Greencorps Chicago is currently recruiting potential candidates for this year’s Employment & Training Program. During the nine-month program, Greencorps Chicago trainees earn a starting wage of $18.50, and receive practical experience, professional development, and classroom & field training in a variety of environmentally-related jobs with skills that are easily transferable to other industries. Trainees are offered several professional certifications including Defensive Driving, First Aid/CPR, HAZWOPER, OSHA 10-Hour Safety, Chicago Wilderness Prescription Burn Class, and the Illinois Pesticide license. Throughout the program, trainees are supported with wrap-around social services, a stable income, and assistance finding full-time employment upon completion of the program. 

To learn more and to apply, click here.

The Obama Presidential Center is hiring! With multiple positions available for many of their roles, this is a rare opportunity to join a team from the very beginning and help shape a world-class institution. The Obama Presidential Center is more than a few buildings; it's a hub for citizenship and a place where people can come together to make a difference. Be a part of a mission that will inspire generations to come!

To see a list of positions available and to apply, visit their website here.

Harry S. Truman College, in partnership with Equus Workforce Solutions and the Illinois Department of Employment Security, is hosting their Spring 2026 Career & Internship Fair. This event brings together job seekers, career resources, and employers from multiple industries.

Event Details

Wednesday, April 8, 2026

10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Harry S. Truman College – Main Lobby

1145 W. Wilson Ave., Chicago, IL 60640

To register, click here.

Visit an American Job Center to access employment resources, information about job training and more. Each center has knowledgeable staff that provide assistance to people who need career assistance. Assistance is available to youth and adults. All services are free.

Please call in advance to get information about hours, orientation, and workshop details.

1145 West Wilson Avenue

Room 1917

Chicago, IL 60640

(773) 831-5221

Sincerely,

Kelly Cassidy

State Representative, 14th District



Office of State Representative Kelly Cassidy

1507 W. Morse Ave

Chicago IL 60626