Copy
         
49th Ward Update
May 20, 2023
LEE EN ESPAÑOL
Use our new Table of Contents and Return to Top links to jump back and forth to the sections you want to explore in the newsletter. Click the "View in your browser" link to take advantage of this feature.
Good Morning,

On Monday, we swore in the 57th Mayor of Chicago, Brandon Johnson, our Chicago City Clerk Anna Valencia, our City of Chicago City Treasurers Office Melissa Conyears-Ervin, and all 50 members of City Council. We’re beginning this term in the midst of a humanitarian crisis and facing the continuing challenge of how to make Chicago a safer, healthier place for all of us to thrive. And even with a hard road ahead of us, I begin this second term as hopeful as ever.

It’s through our struggles that we become smarter, stronger and wiser. And it’s through hard times that we are blessed with the opportunities to come together and work in community to recover, rebuild and get better. I look forward to serving you for another four years because I know that together we will continue to make Chicago the great city that we deserve.


Take care and have a wonderful week,

Alderwoman Maria Hadden
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Use the links to jump to the section of the newsletter you want to read.
 
- CELEBRATIONS & APPRECIATIONS - good news for the week
- WARD UPDATES - infrastructure, service and development updates
- COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT - local events and ways to get involved
- COMMUNITY AID - organizational and personal requests for support
- GOVERNMENT CORNER - connect to your other elected officials
- PUBLIC HEALTH UPDATES - Important public health resources
- NEED TO KNOW INFO - alerts, services and government aid
- BUSINESS NEWS - local announcements and services for small businesses
- SCHOOLS SHINE IN 49 - school news and updates
- EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES - hiring events and job postings
Celebrations & Appreciations
Let's celebrate and appreciate what's wonderful about our ward, the people, the places, and accomplishments. We need this more than ever, so please, send us the people, organizations, and actions you want the ward to know about next week! Email us at office@49thward.org
Care For Real Celebrates 3 Years in Rogers Park!
Care For Real celebrated its 3rd anniversary in Rogers Park this week! When the COVID-19 shelter-in-place orders were issued in 2020, Care For Real recognized the devastating impact the shutdown would have on our community. They contacted our office, expressing interest in setting up a pop-up food distribution site in Rogers Park. What was supposed to be a temporary presence to help during the pandemic has since grown into a satellite food pantry site that has expanded to two distributions a week and has seen over a 300% increase in first-time clients.

Care For Real has demonstrated a commitment to fighting hunger in the Rogers Park community and helping our neighbors not have to make tough decisions between buying groceries or paying other bills. Thank you to all the staff and volunteers at Care For Real for continuing to show up for our community! And thank you to the United Church of Rogers Park for generously providing the space to help our neighbors in need!
Commissioner Morita's Staff Help 49th Ward Residents File Property Tax Appeals!
Atour and Jared from Commissioner Josina Morita's office visited the 49th Ward office this week to help property owners file an appeal. Thank you to Commissioner Morita and her staff for providing this valuable service to our constituents!

Reminder, Rogers Park Township property owners have until May 25 to file an appeal with the Cook County Assessor's office
RETURN TO THE TOP
Ward Updates
Ideal Mini Mart Liquor Moratorium Meeting May 23
The owner of Ideal Mini Mart at 6900 N. Clark is requesting the lifting of the liquor moratorium at this location in order to apply for a packaged goods liquor license. The owner would like to sell liquor to supplement lost income over the last few years. The liquor moratorium would be lifted for a year-long period along Clark St. between Farwell Avenue and Pratt Boulevard. The applicant has already reached out to the Chicago Public Library Board regarding this proposal, and the Board offered no objection to the proposal. Additionally, the proposal is further than the 100ft. minimum distance from New Field Elementary School on Morse.

Please join the 49th Ward office on Tuesday, May 23rd, at 6 pm for a community meeting to learn more regarding this proposal. Register to attend the meeting at bit.ly/May23CommunityMeeting
24th District Council Meeting Sunday May 21
The newly elected 24th District Council will host its first monthly meeting on Sunday, May 21, at 3 pm, at the United Church of Rogers Park, 1548 W. Morse. Zoom registration is also available at bit.ly/24DC-may2023. The agenda for the meeting will be made available online on the Community Commission's website by clicking here

The newly formed District Councils are a result of the Empowering Communities for Public Safety Ordinance, which passed the City Council in July 2021. The District Council members will work with the community and officers in the 24th District on public safety issues and work to build stronger connections between the police and the community. 

During the meeting, community members will have the opportunity for public comment. Each person participating in the public comment period will have up to two minutes to speak, and a total of twenty minutes will be dedicated to the public comment period.

Anyone interested in speaking during the public comment period must write their name on a card provided at the meeting and give it to a Community Commission staff member in the meeting room any time between 3-3:30 pm on May 21. If the number of interested speakers exceeds the time dedicated to public comment, speakers will be selected by a random drawing. Anyone may also submit written public comment by delivering it at the public meeting or by emailing it to CommunityCommissionPublicComment@cityofchicago.org
Mobile City Hall June 6 at Loyola Park
The City Clerk's Office is partnering with the 49th Ward office to bring a variety of city services to the neighborhood. Residents will be able to purchase their City Stickers, Residential Parking Permits, Dog Licenses, and get their CityKey ID during a Mobile City Hall event. 

Representatives from the City Clerk's Office will offer their Mobile City Hall services in the 49th Ward on Tuesday, June 6, from 10 am to 1 pm at Loyola Park, 1230 W. Greenleaf. 
Save the Date: Glenwood Sunday Market Returns June 4!
The Glenwood Sunday Market returns to Glenwood Avenue between Morse and Lunt for its 14th season this summer! The season will kick off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sunday, June 4, at 8:45 am.  

After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, peruse the market, where a diverse selection of local vendors offer a great variety of fresh and delectable options. The market also accepts Link and SNAP benefits, and even offers a matching grant program for fresh produce! 

The market runs every Sunday from 9 am to 2 pm through October 22. To learn more about the Sunday Market, volunteer opportunities, vendors, and the SNAP benefits program, visit the Glenwood Sunday Market website
File a Property Tax Appeal by May 25 for the Rogers Park Township 
The Rogers Park Township is now open for property tax appeals through the Cook County Assessor's Office. Filing an appeal is one way that property owners can lower their property tax bill.

When a property owner files an appeal, they are not appealing the taxing bodies' levies; rather, they are appealing the assessed value of their property. Filing an appeal will never result in a higher assessed value of the property, and property owners should file an appeal every year. If a property owner's appeal is accepted, the changes to the property's assessed value will be reflected in the second installment property tax bill received in 2024. 

Property owners have until Thursday, May 25, to file an appeal with the Cook County Assessor. The Assessor's Office has created a user-friendly online portal to help property owners file an appeal. You can access more information and file an appeal online by clicking here

For any questions, please contact my office at 773-338-5796, or contact Cook County Commissioner Josina Morita's Office at 312-603-6383.
Temporary Reroute for CTA Bus #147
Due to ongoing work in the Rogers/Howard area, the CTA has rerouted the #147 bus route until work in the area is complete (which is anticipated to occur in mid-May). The route will now be the following: 

NB) #147 Outer Drive Express
Operate regular route to Sheridan/Touhy, (turn left) West on Touhy to Clark, (turn right) North on Clark to Rogers, (turn right) Northeast on Rogers to Paulina, (turn left) North on Paulina into Howard Terminal. Exit Howard Terminal onto Howard, (turn left) West on Howard to Clark, (turn left) South on Clark to Touhy, (turn left) East on Touhy to Sheridan, (turn right) South on Sheridan over the regular route.


SB) #147 OuterDriveExpress
Exit Howard Terminal onto Howard, (turn left)
West on Howard to Clark, (turn left)
South on Clark to Touhy, (turn left)
East on Touhy to Sheridan, (turn right)
South on Sheridan over the regular route.
Operate regular route to Sheridan/Touhy, (turn left) West on Touhy to Clark, (turn right) North on Clark to Rogers, (turn right) Northeast on Rogers to Paulina, (turn left) North on Paulina into Howard Terminal. Exit Howard Terminal onto Howard, (turn left) West on Howard to Clark, (turn left) South on Clark to Touhy, (turn left) East on Touhy to Sheridan, (turn right) South on Sheridan over the regular route.SB)
Infrastructure Updates
Sewer Main Replacement Project (PN7439):

Rogers and Howard reopened to two-way traffic this week. Traffic on Greenview north of Rogers is scheduled to reopen on Friday. 

Crews are working on the sewer installation on Birchwood. As soon as the new sewer pipe is installed, a concrete base will be poured. 

Continue to keep your eye on this space for updates on this project. Chicagoans may also visit BuildingANewChicago.org to register for notifications. You will need to enter your name, email address, and project identification number (7439) to sign up. 


Alley Resurfacing:
The sun is shining and temperatures are rising, which means it's construction season in Chicago! The Chicago Department of Transportation is working through a long backlog of alley resurfacing and other infrastructure projects this year. Delays were caused in recent years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent supply chain issues. As such, you might start to see orange signs posted throughout the neighborhood for various alley resurfacing projects. 

We know that these infrastructure improvements can take up our limited on-street and private parking. Unfortunately, we don't always receive advance notice from CDOT for alley resurfacing projects, and inclement weather and infrastructure emergencies can cause unforeseen delays. When an alley is resurfaced, crews first come through with a machine to grind the street and remove the top layer of asphalt. Then, after approximately two weeks after grinding, CDOT will dispatch a different truck to lay down asphalt.  

With alley resurfacing, the crews often have to relocate dumpsters and recycling bins, causing even more inconvenience. You may have to move your dumpsters back to their original space after crews are done or request your building management do so for you. If you have any questions about alley resurfacing or any other infrastructure-related issues, you can contact the 49th Ward at office@49thward.org or 773-338-5796.
Update on Lake Shore Drive Resurfacing Project
The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) today announced updated traffic impacts related to the ongoing resurfacing of North DuSable Lake Shore Drive (DLSD) between LaSalle Drive and Lawrence Avenue. Upcoming work will require temporary full closures of all southbound lanes beginning the evening of Sunday, May 14. The full upcoming schedule is as follows:

Northbound impacts:

Thursday, May 11: Beginning at 8 p.m., northbound DLSD will be reduced to one lane between LaSalle Drive and Lawrence Avenue. The exit and entrance ramps at LaSalle, Fullerton, Recreation Drive, Irving Park Road, Montrose, Wilson, and Lawrence will be closed.

Friday, May 12: The work starting Thursday night requiring traffic to be reduced to one lane will continue through the day on Friday, May 12. Three lanes of traffic will be reopened to traffic by 2 p.m.

A single northbound lane closure will remain in place through the weekend until the morning rush hour on Monday, May 15. Final surface paving work is expected to begin on Tuesday, May 16, and will require the night-time closure of three northbound lanes. The work will include a signed reduced speed limit to 35 mph.

Southbound Impacts:

Sunday, May 14: Beginning at 3 p.m., southbound DLSD will be reduced to one lane between Lawrence Avenue and Irving Park Road. The southbound entrance ramp at Lawrence Avenue and the entrance and exit ramps at Wilson, Montrose, and Irving Park Road will be closed. Beginning at 7:00 p.m., all lanes of southbound DuSable Lake Shore Dr. will be closed between Lawrence Ave. and Irving Park Rd. Traffic will be detoured to Marine Drive. All lanes will reopen at approximately 6 a.m.

Monday, May 15: Beginning at 4:30 p.m., southbound DLSD will be reduced to one lane between Lawrence Avenue and Irving Park Road. The southbound entrance ramp at Lawrence Avenue and the entrance and exit ramps at Wilson, Montrose, and Irving Park Road will be closed. Beginning at 7:00 p.m., all lanes of southbound DuSable Lake Shore Dr. will be closed between Lawrence Ave. and Irving Park Rd. Traffic will be detoured to Marine Drive. All lanes will reopen at approximately 6 a.m.

The work will include a signed reduced speed limit to 35 mph. CDOT advises drivers to plan ahead and allow extra time when traveling on DLSD, to take alternate routes if possible and encourages people to use public transportation. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to flaggers and construction signage when entering and driving near work zones, obey the posted speed limits, drive with extra caution, and be alert for workers and equipment.

Throughout the project, the latest information on traffic impacts will be available online at chicago.gov/CDOT.
RETURN TO THE TOP
Community Engagement
Shine the Light Event May 23 at Pottawattomie Park
ONE Northside's police accountability team, Communities Partnering for Peace (CP4P), District Council members, and Parent Mentors are hosting a Shine a Light public safety event at Pottawattomie Park, 7340 N. Rogers, on Tuesday, May 23rd at 6 pm.

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about free activities, programs, and youth initiatives through CP4P. The event will feature fun activities and free food. Swing by to learn more about how you can get involved in public safety initiatives in our community. 
Sullivan Civics Presents: Treatment Not Trauma Teach-In June 1
Sullivan Civics presents a #TreatmentNotTrauma Teach-In. Learn from Sullivan students about the campaign for the Treatment Not Trauma ordinance and why you should support it! The event will feature a variety of art and live performances by Sullivan students. 

The event will take place on Thursday, June 2, from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm at Sullivan High School, 6631 N. Bosworth. 
YOUNG KRONES Presents: A Drama in Rogers Park
YOUNG KRONES, a local theater-making duo, would like to invite you to attend a performance of its new site-specific work, A Drama in Rogers Park, this May. 

This community-driven play charts twelve stormy hours in the life of a local family as they grieve the dissolution of a long-term polyamorous relationship. Taking the architecture of Jarvis Square as its stage, A Drama in Rogers Park intervenes into private and public space in order to drive the convention of the kitchen sink play to a hysterically real extreme. 

Performances will take place Thursdays through Sundays at 7:30 pm every weekend in May in a two-bedroom apartment in Rogers Park for audiences of 10 at a time. If you would like to attend, you can make a reservation through this form.
Leone Beach Park Advisory Council Spring Programming
The Leone Beach Park Advisory Council announced its nature programming for Spring 2023, including the return of many neighborhood favorites. All programs are free and open to the public. They begin near the Leone Beach Park fieldhouse at Touhy and the Lake, 1222 W. Touhy. 

Conservation Work Day in the Oak Savana and Sand Prairie
Sunday, May 28th, at 9:30 am

Be part of stewarding Rogers Park's rare local ecologies at Leone Beach! All work days start at 9:30 am and meet at the Leone Beach Park fieldhouse at 1222 W. Touhy. The Park Advisory Council will provide gloves, tools, and instruction (and plants!). Please check the weather beforehand in order to dress accordingly. 
Rogers Park MOVES Event with Tessine Murji
Rogers Park MOVES, 1445 W. Morse, will host conservation organizer Tessine Murji for an hour of learning and dialogue on the efforts to shut down Enbridges Line 5 in Upper Michigan and how it affects you as a resident of Chicago.

Masks are required to attend the event. For more information and to register to attend, click here.  
Northtown Garden Society Plant Sale May 20
Join the Northtown Garden Society for a fundraising plant sale. The sale will be on Saturday, May 20 from 9 AM to 1 PM at Warren Park, 6601 N. Western. Stop by for tried and true plants, garden tools, and decor.

Arrive early for the best selection. Bring a wagon or fill the trunk of your car. For more information, visit www.northtowngardensociety.org.
Sign Up for Lifeline Theatre's Starcathers Youth Summer Drama Camps

Discover new worlds at Lifeline Theatre’s Drama Camps! Children explore their imaginations and hone their natural performing abilities while gaining sound theatre training in a fun-filled atmosphere. Lifeline Theatre's camps not only teach kids how to embody characters and act out stories, but they also help them to gain confidence, express themselves, and work patiently and respectfully with each other.

Learn more and sign up your child by clicking here.

Save the Date: The Best of Rogers Park June 22
Join the Rogers Park Business Alliance for an evening of celebrations as they honor outstanding members of Rogers Park at their annual Best of Rogers Park Celebration & Awards Presentation. Mingle while enjoying cocktails and Hors d'oeuvres served by a local business. Awardees will be announced at a later time.

The celebration will kick off at 5:30 pm on Thursday, June 22, at The Rhapsody Theater, 1328 W. Morse. More information is available here.
Dating Safety & Sex-Ed Summer Camp for 12-14-Year-Olds
A Culture of Safety will host a Dating Safety and Sex-Ed Summer Camp for youth ages 12-14 years old. The camp will take place June 12 through 16 from 1 pm to 4 pm. There will be a parents' meeting on June 10 from 4:30 to 6 pm. 

For more information and to sign up, visit the Culture of Safety website
The Rhapsody Theater Presents:
A Funny Thing Happened...Tomorrow!

Ross Johnson knows you’re skeptical about ESP. He knows you don’t believe in mind reading, second sight or mental projection because, well, he can read your mind!

The show will run through June 3. Learn more and buy tickets on The Rhapsody Theater's website by clicking here.

Lifeline Theatre Presents: From the Mississippi Delta
Lifeline Theatre presents From the Mississippi Delta. A compelling tale of tenacity and resilience, this Pulitzer Prize-nominated drama explores the incredible journey of a young woman from her hardscrabble Mississippi origins through the civil rights era and beyond. Dr. Endesha Ida Mae Holland's self-described journey is told through the lens of only three actresses.

The show runs April 27 through June 18 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here
Theatre Above the Law Presents: The Importance of Being Earnest: A Trivial Comedy for Serious People

Theatre Above the Law reimagines The Importance of Being Earnest: A Trivial Comedy for Serious People by Oscar Wilde by leaning into the author’s own description of “trivial”. Edited to come in at 90 minutes, this production will feature clown work, main characters as non-binary and, of course, plenty of cucumber sandwiches and muffins."

April 21-May 21 Jarvis Square Theatre 1439 W. Jarvis

Rogers Park and Ward 49 coupon code for online pre-sales only. Use the code C-PinkRose for $15 tickets. A limited amount are available for each performance. 

This production is sponsored by R Public House, The Jarvis Square Tavern, The Howard Street and Jarvis Square SSA, and Taste Food and Wine.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Theatre Above the Law's website

Adolescents Can Get Paid to Sleep!
The Promoting Urban Adolescent Sleep Health (PUSH) Study aims to better understand individual, family, and neighborhood factors that impact adolescent sleep health-- with an emphasis on stress and discrimination experiences. The study involves one in-person session where an adolescent and parent will each complete a 1-hour survey. Adolescents will be given a watch to track their sleep and will then answer short surveys twice a day for a week regarding their sleep. After successfully completing the entire study, parents can be compensated up to $55 and adolescents up to $180.

You can learn more about the research study and sign up at pushstudychicago.com.
Events at the Rogers Park Branch Library
The Rogers Park Branch Library, 6907 N. Clark, offers a variety of events and programming for people of all ages. Make sure to check out a list of their upcoming events and register to attend one. More information is available on its website here
RETURN TO THE TOP
Community Aid
Donate to the Late Thomas Kong's GoFundMe
On May 1, 2023, the artist of the people, Thomas Kong, passed away. Thomas Kong operated his store, Kim’s Corner Food, as a convenience store for the local Rogers Park community in Chicago. He simultaneously used the store as a studio and project space, opening his doors to local community members, art workers, and artists alike. His work has been exhibited in galleries and institutions. He was also shown internationally.

Evoked by his commitment to life and art - life as art, the owner of Kim’s Corner Food has been a vital part of Chicago’s art scene.

To support the family in funeral expenses and the long road to sustaining Kim’s Corner Food, the family is requesting your support to keep his vision alive. Consider making an online contribution by clicking here
Register now for the June 10 BikeWorks Ride! 
Do you like to ride your bike? Do you like to look for ways to support the Rogers Park community? You can do both by joining LivingWorks for BikeWorks!

On June 10th LivingWorks is hosting a family-friendly bike ride starting in Harms Woods North. Anybody who can ride a bike is welcome, and the event is open to all ages.

You will be supporting LivingWorks AfterSchool, which tutors/mentors students at Kilmer School, and also MusicWorks, which offers affordable music lessons in Rogers Park.
 
Ways to be involved:
  • Sign up now to ride on June 10th. Then recruit some folks to sponsor you. Click on the link below for more information.
  • Support someone else who is riding.
  • Recruit someone else to ride who maybe loves to ride and/or wants to support the community.
  • Volunteer to help on the day of the event.
Learn more and sign up by clicking here
Volunteer for Animal Care and Control
Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC) is seeking volunteers to help connect families with pets, walk and play with dogs, care for cats, provide one-on-one enrichment, and assist at special events. All volunteers must be at least 18 years old and attend an orientation. For more information, click here
Volunteer at Howard Area Community Center
Howard Area Community Center has a variety of volunteer opportunities to help give back to our community. Their volunteer opportunities include food pantry shifts, adult education tutoring, reading programs, and with the youth. 

For more information and to sign up, call 773-262-6622 ext 106, email volunteers@howardarea.org, or click here
Sponsor Refugees through Welcome Corps
The Welcome Corps is a new service opportunity for Americans to welcome refugees seeking freedom and safety and, in turn, make a difference in their own communities. Together, sponsor groups welcome refugee newcomers by securing and preparing initial housing, greeting refugee newcomers at the airport, enrolling children in school, and helping adults to find employment. You already have the most important skill you need to succeed—knowledge about daily life in your community. Experts will be there to guide you each step of the way.

Learn more at welcomecorps.org
RETURN TO THE TOP
Government Connect
Connect with Your Elected Officials
Want to get connected with your other elected officials? Find links to sign up to their newsletters and website information below!
 
Cook County:
Call Cook County Commissioner Josina Morita:
312-603-6383

State of Illinois:
Rep. Cassidy Newsletter
Rep. Cassidy Website
Sen. Simmons Newsletter
Sen. Simmons Website

Federal Government:
Congresswoman Schakowsky's website

Senator Durbin's website
Senator Duckworth's website
Applications for 2022 Property Tax Exemptions Now Open
Mark your calendar! The Cook County Assessor tax year 2022 exemption applicaitons will open on Monday, April 10! Exemptions are savings that contribute to lowering a homeowner’s property tax bill. The most common is the Homeowner Exemption, which saves a Cook County property owner an average of $973 dollars each year.

Before existing and new homeowners apply, there are a few things to know that will save them time and effort.

First, existing homeowners should determine which exemptions they received last year (tax year 2021) and determine if they will automatically renew this year (tax year 2022). The Assessor’s Office will continue the automatic renewal of the Homeowner, Senior, Senior Freeze, Veterans with Disabilities, and Persons with Disabilities Exemptions. Homeowners can check their exemptions by visiting the Cook County Portal and reviewing the Exemption History section.

Next, new homeowners, first-time applicants, or those that need to reapply can now do so online using a new form that consolidates the five most common exemptions into a single application. This allows homeowners to simply check mark the exemptions they want to apply for, only having to submit required documents once. 

Homeowners are strongly encouraged to apply online. Not only will they save trees, but they will also have a digital record that allows Assessor staff to provide a status update.

More information is available on the Assessor's website

RETURN TO THE TOP
Public Health Updates
Complete the Tapestry360 Health Equity Survey
Tapestry360 has launched a Holistic Needs Assessment Questionnaire as part of a Health Equity project for the city of Chicago. They are collaborating with community members and organizations to identify and dismantle barriers that would improve social and physical health in our community. 

Please take a moment to complete the community needs survey to help inform recommendations and solutions. 

English survey: https://forms.gle/qy9TYiLKHAG8cdsJ6
Spanish survey: https://forms.gle/JRXkP1EXr4YHMgeb7
End of Public Health Emergency Means Changes for COVID-19 Vaccines, Tests, Treatment, and Re-Enrollment for those on Medicaid

COVID-19 vaccines, tests, and treatments will continue to be widely available in Chicago even as the federal Public Health Emergency declaration ended on May 11. The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) will also continue to closely monitor and publicly share local COVID-19 data, including local variant and wastewater data.

But Chicagoans should be aware of the changes, including that COVID-19 tests, treatments, and vaccines will no longer automatically be at no cost for everyone. Health insurance companies, for example, will need to start paying for these COVID countermeasures for their members rather than relying on the federal government. CDPH remains focused on supporting uninsured Chicagoans to continue to be able to access COVID vaccines and treatments.

Another important change is that those with Medicaid insurance coverage will again need to re-enroll in the program in order to maintain their benefits.

The following are some of the changes that Chicagoans as a result of the public health emergency ending on May 11

Vaccines

Vaccines will still be widely available for all Chicagoans ages six months and up, including at doctors’ offices, hospitals, pharmacies, community health centers, City-operated clinics, and the Mobile CareVan. For as long as these federally purchased vaccines remain available, COVID-19 vaccines will remain free for all Chicagoans, regardless of insurance coverage.

In April 2023, the Biden Administration announced that it will plan to buy discounted doses for community health clinics, pharmacies, and federal, state, and local vaccination programs, including CDPH’s, that traditionally deliver vaccines to the uninsured. Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance providers will continue to pay for vaccines for adults and children. Go to vaccines.gov to locate vaccine providers near you.

Testing

Both at-home rapid antigen tests and lab-based PCR tests will continue to be available in Chicago, although they may no longer be at no cost for everyone.

At-Home tests will continue to be available in pharmacies but private insurance companies will no longer be required to pay for at-home tests, and Medicare recipients will no longer receive free at-home tests. Medicaid will continue to cover the cost of at-home tests. Contact your insurance provider for more information.

The City will maintain tests and a distribution plan in the case of a surge.

Lab-based PCR tests will continue to be available at select pharmacies, hospitals, and health clinics. Medicare and Medicaid will continue to pay for lab-based tests, but private insurance companies may decide to require co-pays for them.

Select pharmacies and health clinics will continue to offer free PCR tests through funding from CDC for those without insurance.
Visit https://testinglocator.cdc.gov/ to find no-cost testing.

Treatment

Therapeutics to treat and limit the severity of COVID-19, including Paxlovid, Molnupiravir, and Remdesivir (Veklury), will continue to be available from physicians, hospitals, and pharmacies.

Under the HHS Bridge Access Program, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention will contract with pharmacies to offer oral antiviral treatments with no out-of-pocket cost to uninsured individuals.

Medicare and Medicaid will continue to cover these treatments through at least September 2024 (Medicaid) and December 2024 (Medicare).

For those with private health insurance, coverage and out-of-pocket costs will vary based on their insurance provider and plan. Individuals should contact their insurance provider for more details.

Medicaid redeterminations

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Government instructed states to maintain continuous enrollment in Medicaid programs to ensure no one would lose access to healthcare coverage. The automatic re-enrollment in Medicaid ended with the end of the public health emergency. Individuals and families that receive health insurance through Medicaid will need to be re-authorized for coverage.

The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) will be contacting Medicaid enrollees regarding eligibility redetermination. Information will be mailed to different households at different times, starting in May and continuing for the next 14 months, and it is important that residents make sure their addresses are up to date with HFS:

Surveillance and data reporting

CDPH will continue to use all available data to track COVID-19, including data about cases, severe disease, and healthcare burden, along with variant and wastewater monitoring to inform public health activities. Weekly updates to the CDPH COVID-19 data dashboard will continue to be posted on Wednesdays at 5:30 pm.

After May 11, due to changes in data reporting streams as the public health emergency ends, CDC will no longer be able to calculate COVID-19 Community Levels (CCLs), and the indicator will be discontinued. CDPH will continue to monitor multiple local data sources to inform local public health guidance and interventions.

Even with the end of the public health emergency, Chicagoans should continue to be aware of COVID-19 and remember the steps they can take to protect themselves, their loved ones, and their communities:

  • Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines. Vaccines remain the best line of defense against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. This is especially important for older adults, people with disabilities, people who are immunocompromised, and people with underlying medical conditions.
  • Effective treatments for COVID-19 are available. If you test positive for COVID-19, contact your healthcare provider, health department, or community health center to learn about treatment options. Treatment must be started within 5–7 days of developing symptoms to be effective.
  • People can also protect themselves and others by wearing a mask, getting tested and staying home if experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, and improving ventilation when indoors.
RETURN TO THE TOP
Need to Know Info
IHDA Mortgage Assistance Program
The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) has extended its mortgage assistance program designed to assist homeowners financially impacted by the pandemic. The Illinois Homeowner Assistance Fund (ILHAF) provides up to $60,000 in mortgage assistance to eligible homeowners—paid directly to the servicer, taxing body, or other approved entity—while homeowners work to regain their financial footing. Whether homeowners have a mortgage, a reverse mortgage, or are mortgage-free, the program can fund past due housing payments and up to three months of prospective mortgage payments.

The program is free, and funds do not need to be repaid. Application, program information, and updates can be found at illinoishousinghelp.org or by calling the ILHAF hotline at 1-866-IL-HELP (866-454-3571).

The HANA Center can also assist homeowners with their application. To contact the HANA Center, call 773-583-5501 or email housing@hanacenter.org
ComEd Launches New Assistance Programs
ComEd recently issued the attached news release to announce new and enhanced customer assistance options that will make more customers aware of the help available, provide more grants to help with electric bills, and remove barriers customers sometimes face when accessing assistance options.
 
ComEd’s new assistance offerings include:
  • Catch Up and Save: A two-part program that first provides monthly credits to a customer’s bill to eliminate past-due balances. To help families save on future energy bills, the program also provides a free energy savings kit while supplies last. Each kit includes home products designed to help lower home energy use while improving the efficiency of the home.
  • Fresh Start Services: To help customers become aware of and navigate the options available to manage bills and energy use, ComEd offers both online and person-to-person help. This service also offers customers tools that will alert them when their energy use is trending higher than usual and help them be aware of financial assistance programs they may be eligible for.
  • Your Neighbor Fund: To be funded by donations from ComEd’s 6,000 employees who proudly work and live in the communities the energy company serves. This fund, managed in collaboration with Neighborhood Housing Services, provides another needed source of grant money to help limited-income families pay their ComEd bill.
For more information and to enroll, visit comed.com/sam.
RETURN TO THE TOP
Business Updates
Host an Event in an Alfresco Space!
Spring is here, which means it's a great time to start thinking about events for our community alfresco spaces! In Rogers Park, we have two public spaces available for community use. Both spaces, one on Glenwood between Morse & Lunt and the other at Jarvis Square (Jarvis Red Line) are available for anyone in the community, including businesses in the area, to use.

Because both spaces are open to the public and are located in the public way, admission to any events must be free. Food, drinks, or merchandise can be sold with proper permitting and licensing.

Request event approval a minimum of 2 weeks in advance. Learn more about hosting an event here
Sign-Up to be a Vendor at Chalk Howard Street Festival

Are you a vendor interested in participating at Chalk Howard Street? The Rogers Park Business Alliance just launched the vendor sign-up forms. These are available for artists, merchants, and food vendors. The deadline to apply is July 14th; priority will be given to Rogers Park vendors.

Learn more and apply by clicking here.

ARPA Funding Opportunities
Information about all active city, county, and state ARPA RFPs and grant opportunities can be found at greaterchicagotogether.org. Information on City programs can be by clicking here.
RETURN TO THE TOP
#SchoolsShineIn49
Park District Seeking Youth Lifeguards
Get paid $375 stipend for lifeguard training 🛟! New this year, swimmers 🏊 will receive the necessary training to become a Chicago Park District lifeguard during Sunday classes, starting April 16, at 5 park pools.
Registration is open NOW. 👉 www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/waterfront-lifeguard-academy
One Summer Chicago Now Accepting Applications
The Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) welcomes Chicago youth with new summer opportunities as we reopen the application portal for One Summer Chicago (OSC) at www.onesummerchicago.org.
 
This year, there are thousands of opportunities available for young people ages 14-24, with opportunities in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Young people can apply at www.onesummerchicago.org up until the June 2nd deadline.
  • Summer Youth Employment Program provides employment and internship opportunities for 16 to 24 year-olds, earning $15.40 an hour while working with partners like the Chicago Park District, the Lincoln Park Zoo, and Lurie’s Children’s Hospital.
  • For our 14–15-year-olds who are not quite old enough to work, our Chicagobility program helps young people explore career pathways, participate in project-based learning and field trips, and earn a $450 stipend for the summer.
Apply here!
Sign Up to be an iMentor Volunteer!
iMentor Chicago matched predominantly first-generation Chicago public high school students with adult mentors who help them navigate the journey to and through college and other post-secondary career pathways.

This upcoming fall, it will serve students at five CPS schools and are looking for mentors from a variety of career backgrounds and diverse social identities to mentor high school juniors. To support the success of the relationship, each pair is assigned a dedicated program manager and has access to mentor workshops and resources. 

This fall, iMentor will match 800 mentors to 800 new students. Its goal is to have every student matched with a mentor by October. To learn more and sign up, visit imentor.org/volunteer
Free English and GED Classes at Howard Area Community Center
Howard Area Community Center is offering free English and GED classes. Online, in-person, and one-on-one options are available. For more information, contact Moon Parker at mparker@howardarea.org or Katherine Erickson at kerickson@howardarea.org. 
Chicago Youth Service Corps Program
Are you between the ages of 16-24 and interested in youth-led public service? Apply to the Chicago Youth Service Corps, a year-round program that provides paid opportunities for youth to engage in community services, project-based learning, and leadership development. 

For more information and to apply, click here
RETURN TO THE TOP
Employment Opportunities
Receive a $600 Bonus by Becoming a Lifeguard!
Individuals interested in helping keep swimmers safe at our beaches and pools this summer can enjoy a $600 bonus and other great benefits when they become a Chicago Park District lifeguard. These benefits include: 
  • Working outdoors
  • An hourly rate of $16.19 for seasonal/summer lifeguards
  • Free evenings
  • The opportunity to remain active
  • Gain life-saving, communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills
  • Free certification classes & paid training (the CPD Lifeguard Training Academy)
  • Having fun working with a great team
  • Making a positive impact serving others & our city
American Red Cross certification is required to be a lifeguard, but not needed before applying or taking the test. The Chicago Park District offers free certification classes. People can sign up for a class here: Lifeguard Certification Classes.

For more information and to apply, www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/lifeguards.

 
Bally's Chicago Job Fair May 20
Bally's Chicago is hosting a job fair on Saturday, May 20. Bring your resume to CreditUnion1Arena (at UIC), 525 S. Racine, between 9 am and 5 pm to learn about employment opportunities in Chicago's new casino.

For more information, visit BallysChicago.com or email HR@ballyschicago.com
Airport Expo and Job Fair May 24

The Chicago Department of Aviation is hosting its semi-annual Airport Expo and Job Fair at the UIC Forum located at 725 W. Roosevelt Road, Chicago, IL 60607, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 24, 2023.  The Airport Expo and Job Fair is an opportunity for local entrepreneurs and job seekers to learn how their careers can take off at Chicago’s airports.   

At the Expo, entrepreneurs will have exclusive access to critical workshops on various topics about doing business with CDA. Workshops include a detailed overview of our procurement process, how to contract with the Construction Managers at Risk (CMAR's), and how to obtain certification from Department of Procurement Services. Additionally, business owners will have unique opportunities to network with key stakeholders in a variety of industries.  

At the Job Fair, job seekers of all experience levels will be able to attend career building workshops, connect with support agencies and apply directly with businesses. Book an appointment with on-site workforce professionals to learn how to build your resume for success and nail your next interview.   

Please visit FlyChicago.com/AirportExpo, where you can register and find the latest information about the event. 

Apply for a Summer Job with the Chicago Park District
This summer, have fun, help others, and make your community a better place while earning money! Job openings for Lifeguard, Recreation Leader, and Junior Laborer positions are now available for qualified candidates, ages 16 and older, to apply. The District’s summer jobs offer competitive wages, life-skill-building opportunities, flexible work schedules, and pathways to careers and full-time employment. Apply now for your perfect summer job at the Chicago Park District! 
Chicago Urban League Workforce Development Center Information Sessions
The Chicago Urban League has launched a workforce development program, which aims to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to secure employment opportunities in various fields. Every Thursday at 10 am, they are hosting information sessions where prospective employees can learn how to elevate their careers in a range of fields. 

To register to attend an information session, visit bit.ly/culsuccessstrategies.
Swissport Chicago is Hiring
Swissport Chicago is looking to hire key passenger services positions at O'Hare airport. They are especially in need of representatives that speak Spanish. To learn more about openings, visit its website here
Heartland Alliance Medical Interpreter Program

Heartland Alliance has launched a medical interpreter training program. As one of the services of the RICS College and Career Pathways program, participants can complete this independent medical interpreting course with support provided by Heartland Alliance.  This course is free to eligible participants and is a first step to prepare for work as an interpreter.  

Heartland Alliance is now enrolling new participants. 

Some important notes:
  • Enrollees need to be completely fluent in both languages they will use for interpreting. 
  • The course materials are in English.
  • The course is completely online and independent.
  • Basic computer skills are necessary as participants will need to navigate through the online materials independently
  • No medical experience is needed.
  • The College and Career Pathways program covers the cost of the course for eligible participants
For more information, contact Dionn McDonald at 708-943-8664 or dimcdonald@heartlandalliance.org. 
Free Online English Classes at Howard Area Community Center
Howard Area Community Center, 7648 N. Paulina, is offering free online English classes to help individuals in the workforce. The classes will help participants with their communication skills for the workplace and provide support in job training and searches. 

The classes meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-8 pm. To sign up, click here. For more information, contact Moon Parker at mparker@howardarea.org or 312-768-8046. 
Trilogy Behavioral Health is Hiring!
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 openings, visit its website here
Greencorps is Recruiting
Interested in landscaping, construction, or ecological restoration? Greencorps Chicago is the City of Chicago’s green-industry employment program with on-the-job training for individuals with barriers to employment. Apply to their 10-month green industry employment opportunity, where you will receive training, earn licenses, certifications, and more! 

For more information and to apply, click here
Work for the CTA
Are you looking for a career change, a new job, or know someone who is? Look to the CTA each Friday to see newly posted positions as you seek a new career opportunity! Visit transitchicago.com/careers to find a full list of jobs!
Misericordia is Now Hiring
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.
Greater Chicago Food Depository Job Training Programs
The Greater Chicago Food Depository now offers free and paid hospitality and supply chain career path training programs. These programs are available to unemployed and underemployed adults living in Cook County. Programs are background friendly and welcoming to those without a high school diploma or GED.

More information on the program is available on the Greater Chicago Food Depository's website by clicking here.
CTA Second Chance Program
The CTA Second Chance Program allows individuals with a barrier to employment an opportunity for a fulfilling and stable career with the CTA. Those interested in the program should complete a survey of interest by clicking here. More information on the Second Chance Program is available on the CTA's website here
Join the Chicago Park District Team
The Chicago Park District is seeking to hire several key year-round and seasonal positions. To view all openings, visit ChicagoParkDistrict.com/Jobs.
PACE Bus is Hiring

Pace Bus is hiring for bus operator and mechanic positions at its facilities across the suburbs to ensure that it can provide the level of bus service that our regional economy depends on. Working for Pace has many advantages:

  • Competitive starting pay
  • Paid on-the-job and ongoing training
  • Promotion from within
  • Working close to home
  • Health insurance benefits
  • Retirement benefits
  • Paid vacation and other paid time off
  • Safe, clean work environment (visit PaceBus.com/health to see all of our COVID-related safety precautions in place to protect personnel)

Applications and a list of open positions can be found at PaceBus.com/Careers

CPS is Hiring Substitute Teachers
Chicago Public Schools is seeking committed substitute teachers to ensure our students receive quality instruction in the absence of their teacher. To apply, visit cps.edu/iwanttosub
CPS is Hiring Board Custodians
CPS is hiring Board Custodians. To apply for the position, click here. To register for an interview, click here. For more information, call 773-553-2100 or email HRFacilities@cps.edu
Collective Resource is Hiring
Collective Resource Compost, a specialty waste hauler that collects food scraps for composting, is hiring. They work out of a site just over the border in Skokie (near McCormick, between Howard and Touhy). The Driver / Compost Service Specialist job starts at $16 per hour and goes to $17 after a 90-day review. They're looking for people who are reliable, hard-working, tech-capable, and committed to reducing environmental harm.

Learn more at: collectiveresource.us/join-our-team/.
CPS is Hiring Lunch Attendants
CPS is hiring lunch attendants across the district! Employees get to work a regular Monday to Friday schedule with holidays off. Positions include medical, dental, and pension benefits.

For more information and to apply, visit cps.edu/careers
Apply to be a Crossing Guard
Earlier this year, the City of Chicago transferred the crossing guard program from OEMC to Chicago Public Schools. During this transition, many crossing guards decided to retire or resign while school was not operating in person due to the pandemic.

As we have CPS has returned to in-person learning, they have been working hard to fill vacant positions. They are still seeking applicants to fill the positions to help families and children safely get to and from school. 

To apply to become a crossing guard, please follow the steps below:
  1. Please visit the CPS Careers Website at cps.edu/careers
  2. Click on "CPS Job Board" at the bottom of the page.
  3. On the top of the next page, click on "Basic Search."
  4. Type "Crossing Guard" into the "Keywords" field.
  5. Click on the Crossing Guard job posting for the location you want to apply to, and follow the instructions to fill out the applications.
If you have any questions, please contact Crossingguard@cps.edu.
Greater West Town Training Programs
Greater West Town Community Development and Project has over 30 years of expanding economic opportunities in education, job training, and job placement for Chicagoans. Check out the academic and location opportunities available to Chicago residents now, then schedule your orientation today. For more information, please call 312-563-9044 or visit http://GWTP.org
Find a Career with S&C Electric Company
S&C Electric in Rogers Park is seeking to hire team members for several key positions in their organization. S&C Electric is a 100% employee-owned team seeking several team members in the Rogers Park community to keep the lights on across the globe.

To learn more and apply, visit ww.sandc.com/careers.
Heartland Alliance Job Openings
Heartland Alliance has several positions open across Chicago. These positions include a bilingual mental health clinical practitioner, a clinical supervisor, an LPN, case managers, and more. 

Heartland Alliance works to advance human rights and champion human dignity by providing services and promoting solutions to achieve a more just global society. Heartland Alliance's mission is to advance human rights and respond to the human needs of endangered populations—particularly the poor, the isolated, and the displaced—through the provision of comprehensive and respectful services and the promotion of permanent solutions leading to a more just global society. Its approach is multi-faceted and intentional and intersects through three focus areas: health and healing, safety and justice, and economic opportunity.

For more information on job openings, visit Heartland Alliance's Careers website by clicking here
RETURN TO THE TOP
Facebook
Website
Twitter
Instagram
Alderwoman Maria Hadden | 49th Ward Service Office
1447 W. Morse Ave, Chicago, IL 60626
773-338-5796 | office@49thward.org

Office Hours*

Monday: 9 am - 5 pm
Tuesday: 9 am - 5 pm
Wednesday: 9 am - 5 pm
Thursday: 9 am - 5 pm
Friday: 9 am - 5 pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed


Paid for and authorized by Maria for the 49th Ward.

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.






This email was sent to <<Email Address>>
why did I get this?    unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences
Alderwoman Maria Hadden · 1447 W. Morse Ave · Chicago, IL 60626 · USA