Kelly's Update

This wasn’t the week I was planning to have. Sadly, I started my week with my 3rd Covid diagnosis. Just as I’d started to wonder if it was time to ask about a booster, I was hit. For the last several weeks, so many folks have complained of “bad allergies” or “just a cold” and while many have said they’re testing negative for COVID, I’ve appreciated the folks who have taken the step to mask regardless and a good reminder that just a cold today might be the start of something worse.

The team has been great at holding down the fort and covering events that couldn’t be rescheduled, and for that, I am deeply grateful. Having the ability to get sufficient rest to recover shouldn’t be a luxury, but for too many, it is. I’m hopeful to be able to get back to work next week.

This week has also brought another in an all-too-long string of stories about missing trans women. Taylor Casey, a well-loved member of the city’s trans community, disappeared from a yoga retreat in the Bahamas on June 19th. This week, her family, friends, and activists gathered on her birthday to call for increased attention and FBI intervention into her disappearance. For more on the story click here. Her disappearance is heartbreaking highlighting the epidemic of missing and murdered trans women here and across the country emphasizing the lack of resources and in some cases, care afforded these disappearances. For ways to support and to get engaged click here.

For now, I’ll go back to taking it as easy as I can and hopefully get caught up on the garden tasks we’ve neglected. Next week brings one of my very favorite area events, the annual Rogers Park Business Alliance Taco Crawl. It is this coming Thursday the 18th. It’s darned near the only work event my kids still like participating in. There are 2 routes to choose from, and you really can’t go wrong unless you forget to buy tickets in advance as the event sells out every year. Click here for more details.

Family and friends of Taylor Casey, a fixture of Chicago’s transgender community and a beloved youth advocate, are begging for community support in bringing her home after she vanished from a yoga retreat in the Bahamas.

Taylor Casey was last seen on the evening of June 19th at the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat, on Paradise Island, where she was completing a yoga certification course. Retreat employees reported her missing June 20 when she failed to attend that day’s classes. Taylor’s mother Colette Seymore traveled to Paradise Island two weeks ago. A search of the area and conversations with the Bahamian authorities left Ms. Colette Seymore with more questions than answers.

Taylor’s disappearance has sent shockwaves through Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community. Taylor’s family and friends are pleading for elected officials, LGBTQ+ leaders, and media to elevate her story and pressure elected officials to leverage the federal resources needed to investigate her disappearance. “Too often our Black trans and gender-expansive siblings go missing with little to no attention in the media or investigation by the authorities, " said Taylor’s close friend Jackie Boyd. “We are extremely concerned for Taylor’s safety and need your support in keeping the pressure on American and Bahamian authorities.” 

If you have information regarding Taylor’s disappearance, please contact the Royal Bahamas Police Force Criminal Investigations Department at 502-9991/2 or Crime stoppers at 328-TIPS (8477).

Neighborhood Shoutouts

Around 7PM on Saturday, July 6th a car blew through a red light and collided with another vehicle legally driving westbound on Granville, slamming the traffic light infracting vehicle into the beloved Alexander's Diner. Thankfully, the collision happened after the diner's operating hours and nobody was reported injured. However, as can be seen from the above photo, courtesy of Block Club Chicago, extensive damages occurred to the exterior of the building and will require substantial repair. Alexander's launched a GoFundMe page to help fund the cost of damages which they expect to cost the restaurant around 20,000.

You can help support Alexander's and learn more about what your donation will directly fund by clicking on this LINK. To learn more about the accident, consider reading the Block Club Chicago article HERE.

In the District

Events in Rogers Park

The Rogers Park Business Alliance (RBPA) is hosting a Taco Crawl on Clark St. between Devon and Touhy on July 18th from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM! Two routes will be offered this year: The Maiz Route and the Cilantro Route. Each will offer a unique curation of restaurants and available dishes so make sure to check out RPBA's website to see which route you prefer! A limited number of tickets are available for this event and are currently being offered at $20 per person. At event registration, RPBA will be offering a very limited number of additional tickets for $30 per person.

To find out more about this event and to purchase tickets, visit this LINK.

Saturday, July 27th, 2024 at Rhapsody Theater (1328 W Morse Ave) whatever spectrum media collective will premiere their new short film, The Show!

The film is a short meditative comedy about teen outsiders from a Chicago Public High School who are brought together by classmate and artist, Rachel! The film celebrates the joyful and weird in-between spaces that queer, black, brown, and immigrant students create in a broken school system. It was developed as a collaboration between Chicago Public School Students (most from Sullivan High School in Rogers Park), educators, and filmmakers - with youth both in front of and behind the camera. 

It is free to attend, but you must reserve a ticket here to ensure you have a seat.

Get ready to jam! This epic music festival takes over the 1500 block of Jarvis on July 20th at noon, and it's going to be a day to remember.

Incredible live music from local bands and artists will fill the air all day long, setting the perfect soundtrack for your summer fun. You'll find delicious eats from local food vendors, and a selection of local brews and refreshing drinks to keep you hydrated and happy.

The Shakedown Market will be filled with unique finds and handmade treasures, and the vibrant community atmosphere will make you feel right at home.

@DanceintheParks at Touhy Park

@Danceintheparks is returning to Touhy Park on Friday, July 26 at 6:30 pm. It's closing night of the company's 16th season! The professional dance company will present a family-friendly show of jazz, modern, and contemporary dance works created and performed by Chicago professionals. The company will be joined by youth performance partners @synapse.arts. Bring a chair or blanket. Stage will be set up on the grass on the south side of the field house.

For more than 50 years, Trilogy has provided people across Chicago and beyond with support to recover from mental illness and move toward stability. They provide their clients with an array of essential services and ongoing support so that they can live independently and thrive in our community. Trilogy is seeking donations of new socks and new/gently used shoes in all size for kids and adults now through September.

You can drop off at one of these locations:

1400 W Greenleaf Ave

3737 W Lawrence Ave.

Theatre Above the Law is hosting its 3rd annual summer carnival fundraiser in Jarvis Square (1508 W Jarvis) on July 28th from 12PM-4PM. The event is FREE and welcomes all ages to attend. There will be games, prizes and so much more! All proceeds from the event go towards funding Theatre Above the Law's 9th Season. If you are not able to attend, the theatre asks that you consider donating to them by visiting theatreatl.org

Events in Edgewater

Edgewater Greek Fest

The 62nd annual Edgewater Greek Fest will be held at St. Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Church Chicago on Saturday, July 13 and Sunday, July 14th, 2024 from 12:00 noon to 10:00 pm. We invite you to come and join us for a weekend of delicious Greek food, entertainment, live Greek music, fellowship and to all shout: OPA!

Edgewater Glen Garden Walk

On Sunday, July 14th, The Edgewater Glen Association will be hosting its annual Garden Walk! This year, the neighborhood association will be featuring the houses of East Edgewater Glen. Interested participants will start the tour at 1354 W Norwood and the tour will last from 12:00 to 5:00 PM.

To learn more about the history of the event, click HERE.

Miles for Melanoma

The Melanoma Research foundation is hosting its "Miles for Melanoma" 5k race on Saturday, July 21 at Montrose Beach (4400 N Lake Shore Dr). The event will help support the Chicago community by raising money for Melanoma Research. Each participant receives a UPF50 long sleeve Cabana Life shirt to keep you sun safe all summer! This year’s event emcee will be Whitney Reynolds, from "The Whitney Reynolds Show" and the weather looks like it will be fabulous!

To learn more about this event and to register for the race, click HERE.

Synapse Arts' Birthday Bash

Synapse Arts extends its gratitude to the community of artists, partners, collaborators, students, and families who have contributed to their longstanding success by hosting a Birthday Bash! The Birthday Bash is an invitation to celebrate these accomplishments together, and reunite as they celebrate the budding creators they are cultivating now.

Attendees will meet other artists of the Chicago community, watch dance performances live and onscreen, and are invited to participate in a special performance of Crosswalk Dances. The Birthday Bash is a celebration of Synapse Arts in a welcoming, festival-type environment. All attendees will have access to their open events and get a cupcake!

This event takes place on Saturday August 3rd, from 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM at the Berger Park Cultural Center (6205 N. Sheridan Rd).

Opportunities at the event include:

• Free dance classes for kids 
• Two adult dance workshops by Kristina Fluty (donation required)
• Performances by the young artists of the Synapse Performance Troupe and dance professionals from our 20 year history, including Reign Drop, IS/LAND Performance Collaborative, Camila Rivero Pooley, Chrissy Martin, and more
• Dance film screenings with works by Maggie Bridger, Rahila Coats, Rachel Damon, and more
• Interactive museum tours led by Synapse artists (donation required)
• Crosswalk Dances on the lawn
• Make your own dance crafts
• Games and trivia
• A wild and wacky livestream
• Birthday cupcakes!

To learn more about this event, click HERE.

Events in Andersonville

The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce (ACC) is pleased to present the annual Andersonville Summer Sidewalk Sale from Friday, July 26 – Sunday, July 28 (hours vary by business). Join as more than 40 businesses from 4800 to 5900 N. Clark and adjacent side streets expand their storefronts to line the sidewalks with summer sales, bargain antiques, one-of-a-kind merchandise, fashion apparel and local treasures. Once again this year, independent musicians and other artists will perform throughout the district, entertaining shoppers and families as they explore the one-mile district.

Check here for a list of participating vendors!

Youth & Teen

Gale Community Academy Seeking Donations

This summer, Gale Academy is excited to provide students in grades Kindergarten to 3rd with the Springboard Collaborative Summer Program. This initiative is designed to enhance our students' learning experiences and help them retain and build upon the knowledge they have gained during the school year.

The program is set to run from Monday, June 24th to Friday, July 26th, and there are 30 enthusiastic students registered to participate! Gale Academy seeking the support of our community to help make this program a success.

• They are kindly requesting donations of snacks for our students. These snacks will help keep our young learners energized and focused throughout the program. Some suggested snack items include:Cheez-It
• Goldfish
• Popcorn
• Chips
• Fruit or Nutri Grain bars
• Fruit Snacks
• Go-Gurt
• GoGo squeeZ
• Roll-Ups
• Any other light snacks

For more information and to arrange a donations please contact Gale's Springboard

Collaborative School Program Leader, Ms. Morales at niurkaivettemorales.sbc@gmail.com.

Mary Crane Center: Head Start Program

Mary Crane Center's Rogers Park location at 1545 W Morse Ave is currently accepting applications for enrollment in their Head Start program! The free services include year-round childcare for working families and/or students, scholarship opportunities, free nutritional meals and snacks, and much more! Mary Crane Center's services are available all year round, including when school is not in session. 

If you're interested in learning more, you may call the Mary Crane Center team at 773-262-1390. To apply for Mary Crane Programs, click HERE!

Chicago Youth Service Corps

Chicago Youth Service Corps is a year-round program that provides paid opportunities for youth ages 16-24 to engage in community service, project-based learning, and leadership development. Chicago Youth Service Corps celebrates and welcomes diverse backgrounds and encourages you to bring your experience, background, and traditions to your service.

The application period for this program is year round. To apply, click HERE!

Job Openings

Illinois Department of Transportation Temporary Hires

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is hiring for multiple temporary positions. Information about the role can be found by viewing the linked PDF. If you have any questions about the role or on how to apply, feel free to email our office at info@repcassidy.com and we can inquire on your behalf.

Rogers Park Business Alliance is Hiring

Are you passionate about fostering community-business relationships and driving local economic growth? We are excited to announce an opening for the position of Economic Empowerment Center (EEC) Program Assistant at Rogers Park Business Alliance.

We are seeking a proactive and dedicated individual to support the EEC Director in the comprehensive planning, development, and operations of the Economic Empowerment Center. Key responsibilities include community outreach, effective program implementation and management, and precise data entry. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, efficient, and skilled in fostering strong workplace and customer relationships. Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish and the ability to connect with diverse populations are essential.

Join our team and contribute to making a significant impact in our community.

RPBA is an equal-opportunity employer. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.

Submit your cover letter and resume to sprice@rpba.org. No phone calls, please.

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.

Howard & Evanston Community Center

The Howard and Evanston Community Center is seeking 2 part time English Language Aquisition Instructors. Applicants will have the opportunity to work at 2 different locations: In East Rogers Park, at 7548 N Paulina, in West Rogers Park at Northtown Library (6800 N Western Ave). The position is salaried at around ~29$/hr

To apply, email a cover letter and your resume to parkm@metrofamily.org

Perception Cannabis Now Hiring Multiple Positions!

Perception Cannabis will be opening soon on a schedule of 10 AM- 9 PM and is looking to hire locally within the Rogers Park/Edgewater Community!

Budtender - (Part Time and Full Time): 

We are looking for knowledgeable and friendly Budtenders to join our team. As the face of our company, the Budtender plays a crucial role in ensuring an exceptional customer experience while maintaining strict compliance with state regulations. This role involves educating customers about our products, staying informed about industry trends, and managing sales transactions effectively

Receptionist - (Part Time and Full Time): 

We are seeking a detail-oriented and responsible individual to join our team as a Retail Cannabis Receptionist. The receptionist plays a critical role in maintaining compliance with state regulations and ensuring a secure environment for both staff and patrons. This position involves rigorous verification of identification and other relevant documents to ensure that no one under the age of 21 enters the facility without a valid patient card.

Fulfillment Techs - (Part Time and Full time): 

Our company is seeking meticulous and organized Retail Cannabis Fulfillment Technicians to manage the accurate handling of our inventory, including the receipt, fulfillment, and labeling of products. This role is pivotal in ensuring that our operations remain efficient and compliant with all regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate will have a keen eye for detail and excellent organizational skills.

To fill out your application today, please go to: www.perceptionfarms.com/careers

Trilogy: Open Positions

Trilogy Behavioral Health is looking to hire key mental health positions in its organization. Trilogy offers generous benefits and training opportunities. 

To learn more about open positions and to apply, click HERE.

Sincerely,

Kelly Cassidy

State Representative, 14th District



Office of State Representative Kelly Cassidy

1507 W. Morse Ave

Chicago IL 60626