Neighbors,

Fall is here, and Halloween time brings with it a world transformed with vibrant colors. It's a time when creativity blooms, and people of all ages come together to celebrate the fun and spooky activities that only come around once a year.

In this week’s newsletter you’ll find updates on what I’ve been up to, work my staff is doing out in the community, improvements and cleanups in the ward, job opportunities, fall programs and events to mark on your calendars.

Please feel free to reach out to my office for any questions you may have, or any assistance you may need! My team is hard at work to assist the residents of the 30th ward. As always, it is my honor to serve you.

Sincerely,

Ruth Cruz

Participatory Budgeting Continues

Participatory Budget is a democratic process by which community members decide how to spend part of a public budget. Residents work together to generate ideas about improvements they’d like to see in the 30th Ward, then vote on which project they wish to see funded.

Idea Collection Questionnaire

Click this link below to be taken to our questionnaire to vote on Alley and Street fund allocations, provide your specific ideas to projects, and become a PB Community Representative!

PLEASE NOTE: If you participated in any of the previous 3 town halls, or have voted in the questionnaire already, you are ineligible to vote again in the questionnaire. However, you are still encouraged to send your specific ideas on ward improvements to our 30th ward email below.

Participatory Budgeting Questionnaire

Tax Appeals Workshop

We had our first of two property tax appeal events this week. Thank you Cook County Commissioner Anthony Quezada, State Representative Eva-Dina Delgado, and Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi for helping 30th Ward residents navigate the appeal process. And thank you to Marvin Cameras Elementary for hosting us!

95th Anniversary Polish Alliance Club

The Polish Alliance Club celebrated their 95th anniversary this weekend and it was an honor to be a part of the celebration!

I am so proud to represent the vibrant Polish community here in the 30th ward and I look forwarding to celebrating again next year.

Openlands Tree Plantings

The Openlands tree plantings around Athletic Field Park was an inspiration for the 30th Ward. The Independence Park and Athletic Field Park neighbors planted 57 trees!

We need more trees in our neighborhoods and I’m excited to partner with Openlands to make it happen! Special thank you to State Senator Robert Martwick, Representatives Lindsey LaPointe. Jaime Andrade, MWRD Commissioner Daniel Pogorzelski, Cook County Commissioner Anthony Quezada, and Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa and all the volunteers that helped make it happen.

Upcoming Events!

Fall Bingo!

10AM - 12PM - Saturday, October 7th

Reilly Elementary School - Main Entrance (3650 W. School St.)

O-7! Anyone have O-7? As in, October 7th, where you can join our office for bingo at Reilly Elementary School! Come on by for some afternoon fun.

First Annual Trunk or Treat!

6pm - 8pm - Friday, October 20th

St. Bartholomew Parking Lot (4910 W. Addison Avenue)

Save the date - Join the new 30th Ward for our first annual Trunk or Treat on Friday, October 20th! Candy, pumpkins, games and more!

Fall Family Fest

11am - 2pm - October 7th, 2023

Steinmetz College Prep (3030 N. Mobile Ave.)

Don’t miss this free event with games, a petting zoo, face painting, free clothing and snack! Hope to see you there!

5th Annual Schurz Schuffle

9am - 11am - Saturday, October 21st

Frank Preo Field (3701 N Kostner Ave)

Join us for Friends of Schurz’s annual neighborhood 5k through historic Old Irving Park. Proceeds from this year's Schurz Schuffle will support the Schurz Fifthstar Makerspace, where students explore technology and hone their leadership and job skills.

Friends of Schurz will provide materials, resources, and financial support to ensure that students can continue to learn and mentor others in valuable problem-solving and creative activities.

Participants can run/walk/crawl - whatever you choose! A sidewalk route through the Old Irving Park neighborhood will be marked on race day.

Registration

25th Police District Walking Rally

10am - 2pm - Saturday, October 7th, 2023.

25th Police District Station (5555 W. Grand Ave)

Join the 25th Police District and the community for a walking rally in support of domestic violence awareness. Register below and get a free shirt! We’ll see you there! For any questions, call (312) 746-5090.

Arts in the Dark

The 9th Annual Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade is back! Join in on Saturday, October 21st from 6pm - 8pm on State Street (moving south from Lake to Van Buren.)

See the link below for more information!

Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade

Helpful Information!

Metra’s Grayland Station Website Launch

Metra recently introduced a website dedicated to providing construction progress updates for the Grayland station located at the intersection of Milwaukee and Kilbourn avenues.

For more information, please see the link below:

Grayland Station Information

Suicide & Crisis Hotline - Dial 988

Mental health is crucial for overall well-being, enabling individuals to cope with stress, fulfill their potential, and contribute meaningfully to society.

It is the foundation for emotional, psychological, and social stability, emphasizing the importance of understanding, promoting, and maintaining good mental health for everyone. If needed, please see the link below for resources.

Mental Health Resources

Empty the Shelters

October 1st - October 15th

2741 S. Western Avenue, Chicago IL, 60608

Have you been thinking about adopting a furry friend? Chicago Animal Care and Control invites you to help empty the shelters.

Adoption fees will be waived until October 15th!

Burglary to your Business

Tips to help reduce your chances of becoming a victim and what to do if a burglary occurs, courtesy of the 16th Police District office.

Upcoming CAPS Meetings

Please see the flyer above for information on the next CAPS meetings in the 16th, 17th, and 25th Police Districts. Don’t forget, a safer ward starts with you!