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WARD SERVICE OFFICE
1447 W. MORSE AVE
CHICAGO, IL 60626
773-338-5796
www.49thward.org
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Good morning neighbors,
As the weather warms, we are getting outside more and enjoying our city. Unfortunately, we've also had our first few shootings of the year. I've been in communication with our 24th District Police as well as our Communities Partnering for Peace (CP4P) partners to discuss recent shootings and safety plans.
Some highlights:
- Gang truces in reached through CP4P are still holding.
- We have police assigned 24/7 to the Howard L, a community safety request that we fought for for several years and won. And with warming temps this weekend, Commander Christian, our 24th District commander has increased the presence.
- CP4P has engaged in support for recent victims of gun violence and will also have a heavier presence in our area as they work to prevent future gun violence in our area and help people resolve conflict in nonviolent ways.
- My office will continue to engage with our community members, organizations, and business to expand programming and engagement so that we can all be safe an enjoy our beautiful neighborhood.
Thank you to all of you for doing your part to build a safe and healthy community for us all to enjoy!
Have a safe and restful weekend,
Alderwoman Maria Hadden
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Click the links below to select the section that you want to read!
- CELEBRATIONS & APPRECIATIONS - good news for the week!
- WARD UPDATES - Community announcements, city services, and zoning/development updates
- INFRASTRUCTURE UPDATES - City services and infrastructure notices
- PRIMARY ELECTION MARCH 17 - resources ahead of the March 17 primary election
- COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT - local events and ways to get involved
- ROGERS PARK ARTS - events, theatre, and other public arts news
- YOUTH SHINE IN 49 - school news, scholarship opportunities, and youth employment offerings
- NEED TO KNOW INFO - alerts, services, and government resources
- ADDITIONAL RESOURCES - links to resources housed on the 49th Ward website
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Celebrations & Appreciations
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Congratulations, CMSA Robotics Team!
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Congratulations to the Chicago Math and Science Academy robotics team for their incredible performance last weekend! After the qualification matches, their team was ranked 5th overall, earning a spot in the playoff rounds. Additionally, the team was awarded the 1st Place Inspire Award, the highest honor at the competition! This award recognizes a team that serves as a strong ambassador for FIRST programs, exemplifies Gracious Professionalism both on and off the field, and demonstrates excellence in design, collaboration, and community engagement. The Inspire Award also advances CMSA's team to the State Competition! Amazing job, CMSA robotics, and good luck at the State Competition!
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Support Black-Owned Businesses This February!
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This Black History Month, our office encourages you to send some extra love to our local Black-owned business! As the most diverse neighborhood in the City of Chicago, Rogers Park has plenty of Black-owned businesses to become your new go-to spots, including Belizean cuisine, fresh coffee, Senegalese delicacies, and more! For a full list of Black-owned businesses, check out this website published by the Rogers Park Business Alliance.
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The Jewish festival of Purim starts on the evening of Monday, March 2nd, and continues until Tuesday, March 3rd. Purim is a joyous holiday in the Jewish calendar, and celebrates the triumph of the Jewish people over the wicked plot of Hamen. We wish all who celebrate a joyous celebration!
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This Wednesday, March 4th, is Holi, the Hindu festival of colors, love, and spring! The holiday represents the triumph of good over evil, and celebrates the arrival of spring. To those who celebrate, happy Holi!
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KNOW YOUR RIGHTS RESOURCES
As Operation Midway Blitz continues and ICE agents have been active around the City, we want to remind neighbors of our Fighting Against Fascist Occupation resources. Know your rights, stay safe, and stay informed. Find our guide here.
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Office Closed March 2 for Pulaski Day
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Monday, March 2nd, is Pulaski Day, which celebrates the memory of Casimir Pulaski, an American Revolutionary War cavalry officer born in Poland as Kazimierz Pułaski. In honor of this city holiday, the 49th Ward service office will be closed, and we will reopen at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 3rd. Feel free to email office@49thward.org or leave a message at 773-338-5796, and we will respond to your message when we return.
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49th Ward Town Hall - March 4th
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Join us in celebrating Chicago’s birthday at our first town hall of the year with community, music, and food! Hear updates from your Alderwoman, your State and County elected officials, and connect with organizations at our resource fair. The town hall will be in the auditorium of Sullivan High School, located at 6631 N Bosworth Ave, at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4th. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. See you there!
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1234 W Loyola Ave Demolition Underway
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Please be aware that demolition has begun on 1224 W Loyola Ave, and will continue for roughly 4-6 weeks, depending on the weather. Please continue to send any questions or concerns to Jennifer Clark, Loyola's Director of Neighborhood Initiatives, at jclark7@luc.edu.
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North Side Restaurant Week February 26 to March 8
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From February 26 to March 8, explore bold flavors, discover local favorites, and support small businesses across our neighborhood and beyond during Northside Restaurant Week! Participating restaurants will offer fixed-price menus for breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner, making it easy (and delicious) to plan a meal out with friends, family, or coworkers. Show some love to our local dining scene.
Rogers Park participating restaurants include:
AKAY Tacos - Badou Senegalese Cuisine - Cafe Nova - Mica’s Mexican Restaurant - Smack Dab - South of the Border - Urban Tables & Mickii’s Desserts
Check out their menus here!
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Chicago Fire Filming February 23 to March 4
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Please be aware that the TV show "Chicago Fire" will be filming on both sides of Eastlake Terrace on February 26 and March 2. There will be various "No Parking" restrictions from Monday, February 23, to Wednesday, March 4, from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. See the above flyer for a list of street closures. If you have any questions about the filming, the Chicago Film Office has provided us with the following contacts:
- Location Manager: Will Higgins (773) 525-2326
- On-Site Coordinator: Michael Proffitt (773) 938-3358
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Lighting Project on 1615 - 1758 W Chase & 7200 - 7331 N Paulina
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The Chicago Department of Transportation is currently undergoing a residential street lighting project on the 1600 to 1700 block of Chase and the 7200 to 7300 block of Paulina, which will last roughly 2 to 3 weeks, weather permitting. There will be a No Parking tow zone in effect from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. during the duration of the project. Workers will need to tear up the sidewalk in this process, though they plan to do this early in the timeline so as not inconvenience residents for a long period of time.
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Loyola University Construction at 6347 N Broadway
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Loyola University is currently undergoing several construction projects, including one at 6347 N Broadway. Construction at this address will result in a single lane closure affecting N. Broadway and the alley to the east beginning February 28. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Loyola at neighborhood@luc.edu.
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Primary Election March 17
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March 17 Primary Election Info
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A Midterm Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, March 17. Voter registration for the election is currently open, and Vote By Mail applications are now being accepted.
You can register to vote online, in person on Election Day, at an early voting site, or by mail. Click here for more information about registering to vote.
Vote-by-mail applications are now available online here. The Board of Elections will begin mailing Vote By Mail ballots in February, and you will be able to return your ballot by mail or using one of the secure drop boxes that will be in place at every early voting site.
PLEASE NOTE: You will not automatically receive a new vote-by-mail ballot unless you are already on the permanent vote-by-mail roster. If you want to vote by mail and are not on the permanent roster, you must apply again now. To join the Vote By Mail Permanent Roster, click here.
For more information about the upcoming election, visit chicagoelections.gov.
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Early Voting Begins March 2 in all 50 Wards
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Early voting for the 2026 Primary Election begins on Monday, March 2, in all 50 wards. Chicago voters may vote at any Early Voting location through March 17.
Any voter who needs to register to vote for the first time or file an address update or name change must show two forms of ID, one of which reflects the voter's current address. A list of acceptable forms of ID is available on the Board of Elections' website.
In the 49th Ward, voters can vote early at Willye B. White Park, 1610 W. Howard. A full list of early voting locations is available on the Chicago Board of Elections' website.
Voters are allowed to bring in notes with them to a polling place when casting their ballot.
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Sample Ballots Now Available
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Voters wanting to view a sample ballot ahead of casting their vote may obtain one on the Chicago Board of Elections' website.
Simply input your information on the Board of Elections' "Your Voter Information" page and click "Submit." From there, a window will pop up to select the eligible voter. Once you click your name, you will scroll approximately halfway down the page, where you can open a sample ballot by selecting a party designation and preferred language. Sample ballots are available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, Polish, Korean, and Tagalog.
Early voting officially started downtown at the Board of Elections offices (69 W Washington St, 6th Floor) and at 137 S State St. On Monday, March 2, early voting will expand to all 50 Wards, including our 49th Ward location: Willye B. White Park (1610 W Howard St). Click here for complete early voting hours and details.
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Changes to Vote By Mail Rules
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The United States Postal Service will not guarantee your Vote By Mail return ballot envelopes will be postmarked the same day that you mailed them. Any ballot postmarked after Election Day, March 17, cannot be accepted. USPS recommends voters take additional precautions and mail their completed Vote By Mail Ballot at least one week (March 10) before Election Day.
Returning your ballot close to Election Day (March 17)? You have options!
- Drop your ballot off into any of 52 Secure Drop Boxes located at all Early Voting sites in Chicago – even on Election Day!
- Starting February 12 at the New Voting Supersite at 137 S. State St.
- Starting March 2 at all 50 Ward Early Voting Sites across the city
- Go to the post office counter and request a manual postmark
- Deliver your ballot directly to 69 W. Washington St. – either at the First-Floor lobby drop box or in the 6th Floor office
All qualified ballots properly postmarked by Election Day (March 17) and received up to 14 days after (March 31) will be processed and counted for the 2026 Primary Election. The Chicago Board of Elections will send you an email when it receives your ballot return envelope, and again when your ballot has been processed and counted.
Please Note: Precinct polling places on Election Day do not have drop boxes. Precinct election judges cannot accept Vote By Mail ballots, and VBM ballots returned at precinct polling places will not be processed. Voters instead can use any of 51 Vote Centers open on Election Day to return their Vote By Mail ballot, including the new downtown voting Supersite at 137 S. State St. For more information, go to: https://chicagoelections.gov/voting/vote-mail
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Become an Election Judge for the March 17 Primary Election
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Are you interested in being a poll worker for the March 17, 2026, Midterm Primary Election? Visit pollworker.chicagoelections.gov to learn more and apply. You must be a US citizen and a registered voter in Cook County - and you can earn up to $230 for your service. If you are bilingual in Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, Polish, Korean or Tagalog, the Board of Elections is requesting your support. Do you know a high school junior or senior with a GPA above 3.0 and an interest in government? Let them know they can serve as an election judge and see how democracy works from behind the polling place curtain.
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Wild Onion Market Black History Month Celebration Today
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Join Wild Onion Market (7007 N Clark St) today, February 28, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., to enjoy samples and meet some of the people at local Black-owned businesses that offer their products at the grocery co-op. The businesses include Kribi Coffee, Awe Sauce, Grandma Fannie’s, Vargo Brothers Ferments, Sol Foods, Kyoto Black Coffee, and Old Arthur’s. Wild Onion Market owners can get 10% off on products from those vendors from now through March 3. Learn how to become an owner by going to wildonionmarket.com/become-an-owner.
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R Public House Fundraiser March 1
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R Public House (1508 W Jarvis) will be hosting a bingo brunch fundraiser for the Art in STEM contest that Willye B. White Park is organizing for all Rogers Park elementary students. The fundraiser will ensure prizes can be provided for the winners. Bingo Brunch will be held on Sunday, March 1, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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Conversations With The Commissioner March 4
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Join Commissioner Samantha Steele and her team for the latest edition of "Conversations With The Commissioner" for an opportunity to learn more about the property tax process from a county level. The event will be on Wednesday, March 4, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Rogers Park Library (6907 N Clark). The event will include appeal status updates, information on upcoming filing and exemption opportunities, and a broader discussion on property taxes and their local impact. Register here to attend.
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Northtown Garden Society Graceland Cemetery Tour March 5
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Northtown Garden Society will be hosting a virtual tour of Graceland Cemetery, led by Amanda Piotrowski, on Thursday, March 5th at 7 p.m. The event will be held at Warren Park (6601 N Western Ave), and will be all about this pivotal Chicago landmark. For more information, check out their website here: https://www.northtowngardensociety.org
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Loyola University Job Fair March 5
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Loyola University, along with Power Construction, will be hosting a career open house on Thursday, March 5th, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Centennial Forum (1225 W Loyola Ave). Come meet top organizations and find new opportunities to get hired! You can register at this link.
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Fair Housing Clinic March 11
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The Moran Center for Youth Advocacy will be hosting a free record relief, legal, and fair housing clinic on Wednesday, March 11, at the Rogers Park Library (6907 N Clark), at 5:00 p.m. Stop by to learn more about cannabis-related record relief, expungement, employment barriers, and more.
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Office Of Community Policing Movie March 18
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The 24th District is excited to announce its March 2026 movie feature: Medium Cool! The screening will take place at the 24th District Police Station (6464 N Clark) at 1:00 p.m. on March 18. The guest speaker will be Peter Kuttner, a Chicago filmmaker, activist, and cameraman who founded Kartemquin Films. Spots are limited, so please RSVP as soon as possible by emailing Daniel.Gajewski@chicagopolice.org.
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Project Wingspan Virtual Seminars March & April
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Throughout Spring 2026, Project Wingspan will be hosting virtual webinars about its agriculture-focused Pollinator Steward Certification in Illinois and Ohio. This is a free workshop for Illinoisans geared toward agricultural landowners, managers, producers, and affiliated professionals, regardless of the size of the land they have access to, and will show how to support pollinator conservation by incorporating pollinator-friendly plants and practices on their land. You can register here.
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Support A Local Music Group!
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Local Chicago group Funkadesi, which combines Indian bhangra, Bollywood, folk, reggae, funk, and Afro-Caribbean grooves, is celebrating its year-long 30th anniversary. They will return to the studio at the end of March and are inviting their family, friends, and supporters to make this dream a reality. If you are able, they are accepting donations at this link.
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Chicago Loves Local Campaign Available
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Chicago Loves Local is a free, collaborative campaign open to all 77 community areas, designed to uplift neighborhood businesses, amplify local pride, and encourage residents to shop close to home. Through its Instagram platform, the campaign highlights small businesses and commercial corridors across the city, helping drive visibility, storytelling, and local spending. Check out the campaign here, and remember to shop local wherever you can!
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Events at the Rogers Park Branch Library
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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.
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Factory Theater Presents: KUBRICKIAN
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Closes: Sun, Mar 15
Where: Factory Theater, 1623 W. Howard St.
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.
Tickets are available for purchase here.
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Lifeline Theatre Presents: Kitty And The Beanstalk
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Closes: Sun, Mar 22
Where: Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave.
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, based on Jack and the Beanstalk.
Purchase tickets here!
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Choose The Theme For Artists of The Wall 2026
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The Loyola Park Advisory Council is beginning planning for Artists of the Wall 2026, and they need your help choosing this year’s theme!
Please take a moment to cast your vote for your favorite theme. Your input helps shape one of our community’s most creative and beloved traditions.
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Chicago Park District Summer Jobs Available
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The Chicago Park District has plenty of opportunities for teens this summer, from ages 13 and up! To see a list of open positions and submit an application, click here.
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Chicago Aldermanic Black Caucus Foundation Scholarships Available
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Annually, the Chicago Aldermanic Black Caucus Foundation awards scholarships totaling up to $10,000 per student that are disbursed over four years, providing meaningful financial support to graduating Chicago high school seniors pursuing their undergraduate degree.
If you meet the following eligibility requirements, you should consider applying:
• Graduating senior from a City of Chicago high school
• Accepted and attending a four-year accredited university as a full-time student
• Resident of a CABCF ward
• One letter of recommendation from a teacher, coach, or community leader
• 500-word essay submission
• Completed application submitted by March 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM CST
The application period will extend from February 15, 2026 – March 15, 2026, and the application link can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/cabcscholarship26
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Lincoln Park Zoo Summer Internship Opportunities
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Attention students! Looking for something to do this summer? Check out the 2026 summer programs through the Chicago Park District! These internships are for Chicago teens, ages 16-18, and are a great way to get hands-on experience with zoo operations. Applications are due by Monday, March 9, and you can apply here.
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Student Employment Opportunities Available for Summer 2026
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WEC Energy Group is hiring interns for summer 2026! If you know a college student looking for work in the energy industry, please direct them to wecenergygroup.com/careers to review available opportunities.
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Mayor Johnson Budget Town Hall March 5
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Mayor Brandon Johnson is hosting a North Side City Budget Report-Back town hall on Thursday, March 5th, at 6:30 p.m. to go over what you can expect from this year's approved city budget. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. at Broadway United Methodist Church (3338 N. Broadway), and the program will start thirty minutes after.
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DWM Virtual Public Meeting March 6
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The City of Chicago Department of Water Management will hold a virtual public hearing on March 6, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. CST, to receive public comment regarding its intent to apply for loans from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) Public Water Supply Loan Program (PWSLP) for Lead Service Line Replacement (LSLR) activities. The funds shall be used for lead service line replacement projects and associated activities directly connected to the identification, planning, and replacement of lead service lines. The public hearing can be accessed through the following link: chicago.gov/dwmph or by phone at: 1-872-222-6918, Phone conference ID: 928 190 406#
The City of Chicago Deputy Commissioner, Lead Service Line Replacement Program, Michael Grillo, will receive written comments for a period of 10 days following the public hearing at: watermanagement@cityofchicago.org or chicago.gov/dwmph or by phone at 312-744-6636.
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VACCC New Facility Downtown
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The Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County (VACCC) opened its downtown office this past November, and it is actively encouraging Veterans and partners to utilize this convenient location. Located at 69 W Washington St, Suite 1420, VACCC staffers are there from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to provide the same comprehensive services as their main office at 1100 S. Hamilton Ave, including:
• Claims and Benefits Assistance
• VA Education Benefits
• VA Appeals
• General Benefits Navigation and Support
You can call them at 312-603-3865 or email them at vaccc@cookcountyil.gov.
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Rep. Cassidy Vaccination Clinic March 12
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The office of State Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-14) is hosting a springtime Vaccination Clinic! Get your flu and COVID-19 vaccines/boosters at no cost. Partnering with the Illinois Department of Public Health, this event will be on Thursday, March 12 from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 1507 W. Morse Ave. No ID or insurance required. To register ahead of time, please go to bit.ly/KellyCassidyVaccine. For questions, please email info@repcassidy.com.
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SNAP Changes Effective February 1
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Effective February 1, 2026, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will require work reporting to be eligible for benefits. A Just Harvest and Northside P.O.W.E.R. created these handouts that detail what these new changes entail. Read on to see what will be coming in February.
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R3 Funding Opportunity Available
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The Restore, Reinvest, and Renew (R3) Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is officially open! Through March 6, 2026, eligible community-based organizations can apply for funding that supports reentry, youth development, violence prevention, economic development, and civil legal aid in communities most impacted by the failed War on Drugs. Learn more at r3.illinois.gov.
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Find Which VAC Can Help You!
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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. To learn more, scan the code in the flyer, or click here!
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Greencorps Chicago is Recruiting!
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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.
More information and how to apply can be found on the attached flyer and at https://greencorpschicago.org/how-to-apply/.
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Sidewalk Shoveling Requirements
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As a reminder to all residents and businesses, per the Municipal Code of Chicago, property owners and occupants are responsible for keeping sidewalks clear of snow and ice. Many of our neighbors rely on walking and public transportation as their primary way to get around the city. Without a wide, clear path through the snow and ice, it makes it difficult for pedestrians (especially people with disabilities, seniors, and children) to walk to their destination safely.
If you have a neighbor who needs assistance clearing the sidewalk, pitch in to help out!
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We heard your feedback about the length of our newsletters and moved some of our sections to the website! Click the images below to access a variety of additional resources.
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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!
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Cook County:
Commissioner Josina Morita Website
State of Illinois:
Rep. Cassidy Newsletter | Website
Sen. Simmons Newsletter | Website
Federal Government:
Congresswoman Schakowsky's website
Senator Durbin's website
Senator Duckworth's website
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