Hi neighbors,

Our community is hurting this week. On Wednesday, ICE agents violently dragged a beloved daycare teacher out of the daycare she works at, in full view of parents, children, and fellow teachers. In doing so, these agents have shattered so many people’s sense of safety, not only at this one daycare, but at daycares and schools across our ward and city.

Horrific takings like this have been happening across Chicago for months – and they’re escalating in severity. For decades, ICE activity was off limits at certain “sensitive locations” including schools, hospitals, and houses of worship. But the Trump administration tore up that policy earlier this year and we’re suffering the consequences of it.

Yesterday, a federal judge said that ICE’s actions in our city “shock the conscience” and that a senior ICE official lied about firing tear gas at Chicagoans. And a different federal judge recently said that the alleged conditions at Broadview are “disgusting” and declared, “To have to sleep on a floor next to an overflowing toilet – that’s obviously unconstitutional.”

Over the weekend, President Trump said ICE raids “haven’t gone far enough.” Our ward and our city couldn’t disagree more.

If you’re as fed up with ICE as I am, we can’t stay silent. This coming Wednesday, ahead of Diana’s court hearing, join us for a Day of Solidarity to say loud and clear: ICE out of our schools, hospitals, and churches. If you’re a parent or a student, consider organizing a rally at your school and make a sign, buttons, or banner. If you’re a worker, wear purple; it’s the daycare teacher’s favorite color. And if you’re a leader in a faith community, consider hosting a fundraiser, a meal, or a vigil.

Whatever you do – make it visible, make it loud, and make it clear: this is a line in the sand.

Yours in service,

Ald Matt Martin

Petition: Demand Release of Teacher Detained by ICE

Many of you have seen the footage: a teacher was violently dragged by ICE out of the daycare in the 47th Ward.

Parents have organized a petition demanding her release.

Sign the Petition

Get Involved: School Watch, Mutual Aid, & More

If you want to take action to protect our community and support immigrants, you can look at local opportunities at the link below.

This is includes fundraisers, school watches, Know Your Rights trainings, and more.

Learn more

Pumpkin Smash

Saturday, November 8th

This is a fun, family-friendly way to compost your pumpkins and keep them out of the landfill. This is a free event at Lake View High School. All you need to do is bring your pumpkin.

Learn more

Virtual Budget Town Hall

Monday, November 17th



Join Alderman Martin for our third Budget Town Hall. We will discuss updates to the Mayor's proposal ahead of a potential City Council vote on the proposal before Thanksgiving.

To increase access for all neighbors after hosting the first two budget town halls in-person, we are hosting this third one virtually.

Learn more

Food Assistance & Community Meals

Community Meals

• November 9th, St Vincent DePaul, 773-539-7510
• November 27th, St Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 773-561-5992
• December 2nd, St Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 773-561-5992
• December 14th, St Vincent DePaul, 773-539-7510

Grocery Buddies

• For those that need help
• For those seeking to help

Ravenswood Community Services

• Food Pantry

Lake View Cross Country Team Competes in State

The Lake View Cross Country Team is headed to State! Good luck to the boy's team and women athletes competing.

Donate to team

Take the Budget Survey

Please take a moment to fill out the 47th Ward Budget Survey. Your feedback will shape Alderman Martin's priorities as budget hearings and negotiations progress.

The City Council is currently scheduled to vote on the Mayor's proposed budget before Thanksgiving. Tell us your thoughts!

Take the Survey

How to Throw a Sustainable Party

Tuesday, November 11th

Come to Eco Flamingo (4750 N Rockwell St) for a fun and informative event hosted by Chicago Environmentalists and Eco Chic Events where you will learn how to host a sustainable party AND be an eco-friendly guest, followed by crafting a lovely and eco-friendly decor item together, using secondhand materials. 

Come to connect in person with like-minded individuals and hone your party-throwing skills. $15 per person (after registering payment info will be sent via a follow-up email).

RSVP

Ravenswood Mulch Madness

Bring leaves, get drinks, and help native gardens! From October 25th until November 15th, bring bagged leaves to our drop zone (Sunnyside and Ravenswood) where they will be shredded and turned into leaf mulch for our native gardens. Residents who drop bags of leaves are eligible to join us for a special happy hour in Ravenswood!

Learn more

Repair Cafe

Saturday, November 8th

Forward Chicago is hosting a Repair Cafe every 2nd Saturday of the month. In this program, Forward Chicago volunteers can repair jewelry, sew clothes, and repair general stuff too depending on the item. Volunteers are unable to repair watches nor properly hem garments.  Adults and teens are welcome.

Please contact Forward Chicago with any questions at 773-633-8312.

Learn more

Know Your Rights Training for Business

Tuesday, November 18th

Business owners are invited to the United Church of Rogers Park (1545 W Morse) for a Know Your Rights Training. This session will cover the following:

• Your legal rights during encounters with immigration enforcement
• What to expect if ICE comes to your workplace
• How to safeguard your business and employees against unwarranted ICE visits
• Best practices for I-9 audits
• Where to find reliable legal resources

Learn more

Apply for Addison South SBIF

Thursday, November 6th

Hey NorthCenter: The Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) opens for applications in December in the Addison South TIF district. Apply at chicago.gov/sbif by Dec. 30, and register for an informational webinar at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 3.

Register for Webinar

• Water Management, Job Openings, Learn more
• Park District Concession Opportunities, Learn more
• Holiday Marketing Essentials, November 4th, Learn more
• SBIF 101, December 3rd, Learn more
• Woodworking Training, Learn more
• Shipping, Receiving, Training, Learn more
• Fire Department, Paramedic Openings, Learn more

Western Brown Line Construction

On Western, crews aim to finish the bulk of the work before Thanksgiving. Even as they work on building the pedestrian refuge island and traffic diverter, they will also start work repaving the section of Western between Eastwood and Leland (which was omitted during the larger resurfacing of Western last year). They intend to mill (remove the asphalt) on Western next week. Repaving will happen before Thanksgiving, once crews have been able to adjust utility structures.

Learn more

This Weekend

• Andersonville Autumn Restaurant Week, November 1-9, Learn more
• Pumpkin Smash, November 8th, Learn more
• Community Yard Sale at Waters Elementary, November 8th, Learn more
• Ravenswood UMC Pancake Breakfast, November 8th, Learn more
• St Andrew Book Sale, November 9th, Learn more
• Clark Park Community Bonfire, November 10th, Learn more

Community Job Boards

Looking to work locally? Many of our local chambers of commerce offer job boards to help highlight openings at local businesses. Find more information at the following links:

• Andersonville
• Lakeview/Roscoe Village
• Lincoln Square/Ravenswood
• Northcenter
• Greater Ravenswood