June 24th, 2022 Dear Neighbors, Today is a difficult day as the Supreme Court handed down a decision overturning Roe v. Wade. For 50 years, Roe v. Wade ensured a woman’s constitutional right to have an abortion. Being able to access reproductive healthcare should be a woman’s absolute right, but this decision sets a very terrible precedent as states across our country now have the power to restrict a woman’s ability to make this very personal health decision. Abortion is still legal in the state of Illinois, but we must work to make sure that all people in our country have access to this care. Governor JB Pritzker has called a special session of the Illinois General Assembly to strengthen Illinois’ protections of reproductive rights.This decision follows the January 6th Congressional Committee Hearings that clearly show former President Trump’s numerous efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election. I encourage everyone to watch these hearings. Our democracy is only preserved by the active engagement of all Americans. Please take the opportunity to vote on Tuesday or during early voting at the Broadway Armory.Early voting for the primary is still happening at the Broadway Armory – 5917 N Broadway – through Election Day (Tuesday). You can visit the Armory on weekdays from 9am-6pm, Saturday 9am-5pm, and Sunday from 10am-4pm. On Tuesday, you can vote from 6am to 7pm. You will also be able to register to vote at early voting sites across the city. Fore more information on early voting, click here. City Council UpdatesThe June meeting of Chicago City Council was held this week, with issues like speed cameras and residential heating ordinances on the agenda. The ordinance that would raise the speed threshold for speed cameras to issue tickets from 6 miles to 10 miles over the speed limit was deferred and published, so the vote on this issue will be held in July. I will be voting no on this ordinance because pedestrian safety is one of the most important issues facing our city. I will continue to work to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety across the 48th Ward.City Council passed the Heating and Cooling Ordinance to establish further heating and cooling regulations in buildings across the city following the tragic deaths of three older adults in Rogers Park. This is an effort to prevent future tragedies and ensure there are cool and safe buildings for older Chicagoans. Thank you to Alderwoman Hadden for her leadership in getting this resolution passed.Have a safe and fun weekend!Sincerely, Harry Osterman, Alderman, 48th Ward |
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COVID-19 Information and Resources If you require assistance in verifying your COVID-19 vaccination, please click this link for helpful resources and answers to commonly asked questions, courtesy of the Illinois Department of Public Health. |
More At-Home COVID-19 Tests Available Every home is eligible to receive 4 additional at-home COVID-19 testing kits. If you already ordered tests, you can get 4 more, and if you have not ordered testing kits, you are able to order 8. Place your order here. At-home tests, or “self tests,” give rapid results and can be taken anywhere, regardless of your vaccination status or whether or not you have symptoms. Visit CDC.gov to learn when to test yourself, how to use an at-home test, and what your test results mean. |
Thresholds Services Thresholds provides a comprehensive array of clinical services for people with serious mental illnesses and substance use conditions. We have specialized services for young people experiencing psychosis, young adults, deaf adults, veterans, and those experiencing homelessness. We also offer a wide array of supported housing services. All clients have access to support networks that include social workers, case managers, psychiatrists, therapists, and nurse practitioners, creating a holistic approach to recovery. Thresholds serves all clients regardless of ability to pay. For more information about eligibility for services, contact our Intake and Access Department at 773-572-5500 or email intake@thresholds.org. Information about Thresholds programs at www.thresholds.org/programs-services. Our programs are occasionally at full capacity; please call for the most current information available. |
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The Chicago Department of Family Support Services shared an update on their Rental Assistance Program (RAP), a fund for all Chicagoans who are at risk of becoming homeless due to loss of income or other eligible emergency which prevents them from paying rent. The RAP deadline has now been extended and can be applied for on the DFSS website at http://chicago.gov/fss/RAP . Click here for FAQs on the eligibility for the RAP program. DFSS is processing applications on an ongoing basis and working to process applications to help connect people with their RAP services. You can also visit the DFSS North Area Community Center, 845 W Wilson Ave, open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm, to file your application in person. |
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People’s Gas Construction UpdatesRIDGE PHASE 02 – Sidewalk restoration began on June 1st starting at Wayne (Ridge to Ardmore) & Early (Glenwood to Magnolia). Once that is completed the crew will move over to Ardmore (Clark to Ridge) & Ridge (Clark to Victoria). They expect sidewalk restoration to take approximately 4-5 weeks total. Sod restoration will follow the sidewalk restoration. Residents can still expect a sporadic opening left within the areas noted above for final retirement. Restoration of Phase 01 will follow the People’s Gas meter transfers and take place in the Fall. As meter transfers are completed, they will do their best to restore whatever is available. |
Development Updates![]() |
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CTA Red Purple Modernization Project UpdatesConstruction Activity and Community Impacts5/9-9/30: Lead Abatement & Painting – Underneath the CTA elevated tracks west of:1032 – 1040 W. Montrose Avenue4400 – 4458 N. Broadway5/26-7/8: Sidewalk/Alley Impacts –1113-1121 W. Bryn Mawr AvenueThe alley behind 5500-5558 N. Winthrop Avenue (W. Catalpa Avenue to W. Bryn Mawr Avenue)5/27-6/30: Daily Alley Closure – The alley behind 5300 – 5358 N. Winthrop Avenue5/31-6/30: Intermittent Daily Alley Closures – The alley behind 5700 – 5758 N. Winthrop Avenue5/31-7/1: Intermittent Daily Alley Closures – The alley behind 5600 – 5658 N. Winthrop Avenue5/31-7/1: Extended Street Closure – W. Catalpa Avenue between the CTA tracks and N. Winthrop Avenue5/31-7/7: Daily Alley Closure – The alley behind 5400 – 5450 N. Winthrop Avenue6/4-7/1: Extended Street Closure – W. Ardmore Avenue between the CTA tracks and N. Winthrop Avenue6/9-6/18: Daily Alley Closure – The alley behind 5200 – 5268 N. Winthrop Avenue6/15-7/16: Daily Alley Closure – The alley behind William C. Goudy School6/16-6/24: Night Time Construction – W. Balmoral Avenue from the CTA Tracks to N. Winthrop Avenue6/16-6/24: Night Time Construction – W. Ainslie Street from the CTA Tracks to N. Winthrop Avenue6/16-7/2: Sidewalk & Extended Alley Closures –W. Argyle Street between the CTA tracks and N. Winthrop AvenueThe alley behind 4900 – 4954 N. Winthrop Avenue6/18-7/23: Intermittent Daily Alley Closure – The alley behind 5200 – 5268 N. Winthrop Avenue6/27-7/8: Extended Alley Closure – W. Ainslie Street between the CTA tracks and N. Winthrop Avenue6/27-7/15: Extended Alley Closure – The alley behind 5800 – 5828 N. Winthrop Avenue See below for resources on getting connected to receive construction alerts, view archived footage of community meetings, and other information about this once-in-a-lifetime project for our community:Sign up for RPM construction alertsFollow CTA RPM on Twitter, Facebook, and InstagramBookmark this link to an interactive map that shows street/alley closures & CTA service impactsCheck out recordings from last week’s Station-by-Station meetingsVisit transitchicago.com/rpm for comprehensive information about the projectCheck out the Open for Business microsite to see how you can support impacted businesses |
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Attend a local beat meeting! To find your local beat, click here. Beat 20133rd Wednesday of every even month (Feb, Apr, etc)Philadelphia Church, 5437 N Clark St.Beat 2022 & Beat 2023This year 20th district has consolidated BEAT 2022 and BEAT 2023 meeting to the second Thursday of every odd month. They will both take place simultaneously.2nd Thursday of every odd month (Jan, March, etc)Kenmore Plaza, 5225 N Kenmore Ave.Beat 20243rd Thursday of even months (Feb, Apr, etc)Margate Park Fieldhouse, 4921 N Marine Dr.Beat 24333rd Tuesday of every monthChicago Fire Department, 6030 N Clark St. |
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2022 Street Sweeping Schedule Click here to view the 2022 Street Sweeping schedule! To view a map version, click here. |
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Apply for Your Free Transit Card Today! The Chicago Moves Program is providing relief to Chicago residents struggling with transportation expenses. Chicago Moves aims to help combat the spiking costs of gas and rising inflation by providing 100,000 Chicago transit riders with a $50 prepaid transit card. Prepaid transit cards can be used to add transit value to your Ventra account or purchase an unlimited ride pass through the Ventra app, Ventra website or Ventra Vending Machine. If you are a Chicago resident and are at least 18 years old, you may be eligible to receive a $50 transit card. The City of Chicago will distribute prepaid transit cards to each winner via the mail. Click here to apply. |
Care For Friends is moving to Church of the Atonement and their first meal will be served on July 18th! |
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Upcoming Zoning Meetings Sir Spa – 6228 N. Broadway The new owner of this property is seeking a zoning change to establish a new salon at this location. Because the business plan includes massages, this “use” would require a change from the current B1-2 zoning to the proposed C1-2 zoning. No date & time has been set yet for this informational community meeting and more info will be available in the near future. You can send any feedback, comments or thoughts to dan@48thward.org |
Peoples Gas works with federal and state officials to pay off heating bills for customers who have low incomesPeoples Gas announced that its customers who applied and qualified for heating assistance over the winter and spring will have all remaining past-due balances cleared and they will not be subject to disconnection. This marks the second straight heating season Peoples Gas customers with low-incomes have had their balances taken care of.In addition to financial assistance, Peoples Gas works closely with customers on flexible payment plans and energy efficiency programs.Any customer having trouble paying their bills is urged to contact Peoples Gas so they can access all help available to them. Specific information is available on the Peoples Gas mobile app, at peoplesgasdelivery.com, and by calling 866-556-6001. |
Do you get health insurance through Medicaid?Don’t risk losing your health insurance. To keep your insurance, Illinois Medicaid needs to be able to send you paperwork. Give them an address where mail can always reach you.Updating your address is easy, fast, and free:Call 877-805-5312 for from 7:45am – 4:30pm. If you use a TTY, call 1-877-204-1012.Visit www2.illinois.gov/hfs/address |
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Resource for Immigrants The Chinese Mutual Aid Association is beginning its winter term of classes geared towards adults seeking English education and skills for the citizenship naturalization interview. See the flyer below for more information and to sign up for classes. ![]() |
At Home Vaccination Program![]() ![]() |
Utility Bill Assistance by CEDA The ongoing pandemic has made the need for financial assistance even more prevalent and with CEDA’s numerous offered services, the financial burden on so many can be lessened. Here is a recent webinar covering the Utility Assistance Programs offered at CEDA in addition to the flyer included below. ![]() |
Lawyers Committee for Better Housing Rental Assistance Information |
Eviction Assistance Resources from the Chinese Mutual Aid Association |
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The EDW Senior Satellite Center is open for seniors to pick up their to-go dining of box lunches Monday – Friday 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM If anyone has questions, they should contact the director, Debra Northey at dnorthey@catholiccharities.net. (312) 742-5187 Office (312) 742-5323 Lobby |
Look what’s happening in Edgewater Village! What’s your thing? If it’s movies, dancing, discussing books, or conversation about current events, then check out and register for these and other upcoming programs offered by Edgewater Village Chicago. Some programs are in-person and others are via Zoom; all are free. Sign up for the newsletter to stay in the know. |
Edgewater Senior Center Activities June 2022 Stop by the Edgewater Senior Center at 5917 N. Broadway to enjoy their programming and lunches! For a calendar of events throughout June, click here. For the lunch menus, click here. |
In-Home Appointments for Covid Booster Vaccines Available The Protect Chicago at Home program is reaching out to homebound Chicagoans and seniors who received their in-home vaccines earliest to schedule their booster shot appointment. To make an appointment for a visit, call 312-746-4835 or register at Protect Chicago at Home. For more information, visit the Chicago Booster Shot Program’s website here. |
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50 Lockers in 50 Days at McCutcheon Elementary Let’s cut to the chase. The Middle School at McCutcheon Elementary located in the branch building on Kenmore has never had lockers. Students are required to carry all of their belongings from classroom to classroom all day. Let’s fix this. In collaboration with the Assistant Principal Kahinde Longmire and the Local School Council, we are looking to raise $15,000 in the next 50 days to provide the needed funds to order and install the lockers that will bless the students for decades. Let’s work together to make this long-lasting change and support the growth of executive functioning for the students as they progress towards high school. I’m sure you can do the math, but this equates to $300 per locker. Will you give $300 today and be a part of supporting these amazing students? The clock is ticking. Our 50 days ends on June 30. We need to order these lockers as soon as possible so they arrive in time for the new school year. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at friendsofmccutcheon@gmail.com |
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Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentoring Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago is looking for adults to help match local youth with caring, committed mentors! You have the opportunity to help shape a child’s future for the better by inspiring positive change and empowering them to achieve what they never dreamed possible. And the best part is, it’s a lot of fun! Help start one of our waiting Little’s on their path to Big things at: https://bbbschgo.org/volunteer/ |
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Senior Connections with Chicago Methodist Senior Service We are currently looking for more seniors and volunteers to participate in Senior Connections, a program that matches vetted volunteers with older adults who are experiencing isolation and loneliness. The volunteers visit (or call) the seniors weekly, providing companionship and a connection to community. For more information, click here. |
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The Emanuel Congregation Stitching Ladies Women of all ages and religions volunteer their time and knitting and crocheting skills to craft handmade gifts for those in need or ill. The Stitching Ladies meet Tuesdays at Emanual Congregation (5959 N Sheridan Rd) from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, except for the first Tuesday of each month where meetings are held over Zoom. All are welcome to join when able. Also, donations of fabric and yarn are always appreciated. To request or suggest items or for more information, contact Sandy Pakin, the Stitching Ladies coordinator, at rsvp5959@gmail.com |
Volunteer or Donate Food to Care for Real With a surge in need for food assistance, Care for Real is calling for the community to provide aid in any way possible. You can get involved by signing up to volunteer, hosting a collection drive for high-need items, or by making a financial contribution. To learn more, click here or email info@careforreal.org. |
Donate Your Used Cooking Oil After use, vegetable, canola, peanut, or whatever other cooking oils you may use are poured down the sink or into the trash can. Instead of disposing of it, you can recycle your used cooking oil to be made into biofuel, via Loyola University’s recycling program. To learn more, click here. |
Volunteer to be an English Tutor The Chinese Mutual Aid Association is looking for volunteers to give individualized tutoring sessions to students learning English as a second language. If interested, please contact CMAA’s Literacy Associate at tutoring@chinesemutualaid.org. |
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![]() To apply, send a resume to jobs@exploreuptown.org. No phone calls, please. |
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Andersonville is Hiring! Work at one of the many locally owned and operated small businesses along Clark Street. See what fits your vibe or come walk the District to see how Andersonville is different. |
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Job Opportunities at Misericordia Misericordia is home to over 600 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We have a 31 acre campus where we provide ‘round the clock care and support to our residents. We strive to find compassionate and hardworking individuals to join our team. We offer competitive pay rates and great employee benefits. You can find out more information about our organization by clicking this link: https://www.misericordia.com/ Available positions include:The Direct Support Professional position. Experience in this field is not a requirement for this position and we provide paid training for employees hired.C.N.As and we provide paid training for Certified Nursing Assistants who have passed their state boards.LPN/RN/BSN positions and would be delighted to welcome your new graduates that have an interest in working in our field. More information can be found at: https://www.misericordia.com/employment/career-opportunities/ We are also currently hiring for a number of auxiliary positions. These are positions within departments that have specialized functions to operate in support of our overall mission. Examples of these positions include, but are not limited to, opportunities within our Kitchen, Bakery, Laundry, and Housekeeping departments. For more information, click here. |
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Be a Lifeguard with the Chicago Parks District! As the Park District gears up for this summer, they are looking for qualified candidates to join the aquatics team. The Chicago Park District employs 300 lifeguards yearly to offer aquatics programming, and hires an additional 500 lifeguards to safeguard beaches and pools during our busiest season, the summer. The benefits of becoming a Chicago lifeguard are bountiful. Lifeguards are part of a talented workforce that is essential in providing vital services to Chicago’s residents and visitors. Candidates for Seasonal Lifeguard positions must be 16 years old and over, a resident of Chicago and fully vaccinated. Future lifeguards must also pass the swim skills test and become American Red Cross certified. Pay for entry level lifeguards starts at $15.88. To apply today, visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/lifeguards. |
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Exelon/ComEd Internships Available for College Students College students pursuing either engineering or non-engineering career paths are encouraged to apply for an internship offering life skills and industry experience. Those interested, click here for more details or to apply. |
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Summer Camp at the Swedish American Museum Monday, June 27 – Friday, July 1, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Jelena is back this year to teach children about different cultures through art (not the same countries as last year). This camp is for ages 6 – 12. Monday, July 25 – Friday, July 29, 9 a.m. – noon New for this year! Explore what it was like for the children who immigrated to Chicago in the early 1900s through improvisation and games. We will also learn about Swedish culture. This camp is for ages 10 – 12. For more information, click here. |
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Vaccine Options for Children The Chicago Department of Public Health recommends getting vaccinated through your normal healthcare provider or pediatrician. However, here are more options in our local community: Walgreen’s ![]() 5625 N. Ridge 773-989-7546 Walgreen’s 5440 N. Clark 773-596-5022 Swedish Hospital 2751 W Winona, Anderson Pavilion Auditorium 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Mon-Fri Walk-ins accepted, or Register for appt online or call 773-907-7700 Senn HS: School Health Center 5900 N Glenwood Ave. Chicago, IL 60660 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Mon-Fri Appointments required. Pfizer (12+) Open to Heartland Patients Only Call 773-751-1860 to make an appointment |
Youth GED Program The Safer Foundation’s Youth Empowerment Program (YEP) offers free GED training and testing for youth aged 16-24. For more information, call 312-575-3285. |
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SAVE THE DATE: Argyle Night Market Returns July 7th!![]() |
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Chimes At Midnight: Newly Restored! Saturday, Jun 25 at 7:00 PM 1326 W Hollywood Ave Enjoy the Chicago premiere of a new restoration of Orson Wells’ crowning achievement, CHIMES AT MIDNIGHT, which constructs a moving portrait of Shakespeare’s larger-than-life character Sir John Falstaff. Purchase tickets. |
Remaking the Exceptional with Acting OutSide 6018 North Kenmore Avenue, Chicago, IL 60660 Monday, June 27 at 6 PM by RSVP 6018North and Acting OutSide host a performance, discussion and activation of Remaking the Exceptional: Tea, Torture, and Reparations. This event is a part of the Envisioning Justice RE:Action initiative by IL Humanities. Guests will share tea, dinner, and discussion. Acting OutSide are a theater troupe of actors, artists, and abolitionists who are all formerly incarcerated women. The members of Acting OutSide have developed their art practices within the extreme confines of the prison, and who now apply their practice to theater-making on the outside. Acting OutSide includes Monica Cosby, Heather Canuel, Nia Frazier, Sandra Brown, Lauren Stumblingbear, Iviva Paige, and Latanya Sublett. Remaking the Exceptional examines local and international implications of state violence, while also uplifting acts of creative resistance. Through the voices of torture survivors and activists, this podcast highlights connections between policing and incarceration in Chicago and the human rights violations of the Global War on Terror, while also celebrating the struggle for justice and reparations. |
Edgewater Historical Society Walking Tours Enjoy views of the historic buildings of Edgewater in our own unique outdoor museum. Edgewater has three historic districts, designated by the U.S. Department of the Interior, and many blocks filled with historic homes. Tours will be led by knowledgeable guides. There is a limit of 20 in each tour. Our tour guides, who will have microphones, will lead you through the tour, and share with you our researched brochure. Face masks are recommended, but optional. The fee for each tour is $15, which supports the Edgewater Historical Society Museum. To register, click here. |
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Steep Theater Summer Shows Paris By Eboni Booth Directed by Jonathan Berry June 17 – July 23, 2022 Steep Theatre, 1044 West Berwyn, Chicago, Illinois, 60640 Returning home to the small town of Paris, Vermont, Emmie tries to make ends meet while navigating the challenges of being Black in a predominantly white community. After finally landing a second job at a retail giant, her search for connection and identity leads her to a stark realization. Eboni Booth’s Paris, an off-beat workplace comedy, explores the impacts of race and economics on the wage-earners of rural America. Light Falls By Simon Stephens Directed by Robin Witt July 8 – August 14, 2022 Theater Wit, 1229 West Belmont, Chicago, Illinois, 60657 For one clear moment, rain and light fall from a cloudless sky. For one clear moment, Christine sees the lives of her family, her town, her world stretched before her, beyond her. Simon Stephens’ Light Falls is a haunting tale of resilience, hope, and the impossibly strong bonds of family. |
Rewired Pizza Cafe and Bar![]() |
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The Luckiest at Raven Theatre May 4 – June 26, 2022 Raven Theatre closes their 39th season with a Chicago premiere that will make you laugh your ass off, cry your heart out, and immediately call your loved ones. Lissette and Peter are best friends living their best lives. But when an out-of-nowhere diagnosis shatters Lissette’s world, Peter and Lisette’s mom are left trying to pick up the pieces. This modern story follows the highs and lows of friendship, family, and life. Save $5 off full price, non-preview tickets with the code EDGE5. For tickets, click here. |
Heartland Alliance Free ESL Courses Heartland Alliance will offer free online English as a Second Language courses, citizenship prep classes, vocational courses, and GED prep courses. They have classes available at different English language levels and at various times, including Saturdays. |
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This Month at the Swedish American Museum Enjoy Nordic cuisine, decorate a Dala Horse, or attend a cooking class. There’s something for everyone at the Swedish American Museum. Please click here for more information on upcoming activities. |
Helping Cats Near You 4th Sunday of every month 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM Zoom Link Here Password: feralcats With temperatures dropping, stray and feral cats need more assistance than ever. Cats in Action has begun hosting monthly community workshops over Zoom to educate the community on how best to help stray cats. If interested, please join us every 4th Sunday of the month via the Zoom link above. |
Enter the Reeling: 40th Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival The 40th LGBTQ+ film festival, produced by the Chicago Filmmakers, will take place from September 22 – October 2, 2022. If interested in submitting your cinematic work to the festival, click here. The submission dates are listed below with those who enter by the early bird deadline receiving a discount on their submission. Late Deadline: June 9, 2022 We look forward to receiving a wide variety of talented and material! |
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48th Ward Alderman Harry OstermanWard Office City Hall Office 5533 N. Broadway, 121 N. LaSalle Room 300, Chicago, IL 60640 Chicago, IL 60602 773-784-5277 312-744-6860 Office hours: Monday-Friday 9 am – 5 pm; Evening hours available by appointment www.48thward.org |