Events In Ward

Spent some time this past Labor Day weekend with our veterans at Rhine VFW Post 2729 on Archer and Luna. Thank you to the members, the Auxiliary, and everyone who came out for the block party, bingo, and prizes. Thank you to our veterans for always opening the doors to the neighborhood.
Thank you to the community for coming out to support the mural unveiling honoring fallen Chicago Police Officers: Andres Vasquez-Lasso, Luis Huesca and Enrique Martinez. The mural was done by the artist Anna Murphy and is located at 6801 S. Pulaski Rd. in the West Lawn neighborhood.
​Click here for video.
Gov. JB Pritzker was at the West Lawn Park field house on August 14 to sign Senate Bill 3925 into law. This bill creates a flood relief rebate program — up to 50% of repair costs, capped at $1,000 per household — for homeowners hit by flooding. We’re going to make sure our residents know how to access these resources.
Thank you Strohacker Park Supervisor Tracy Fadziejewski, 8th District Chicago Police Department, CPD Bureau of Detectives Gender Based Violence Unit, Chicago Police Knights Baseball Club, The Home Depot, and all of our sponsors for helping over 200 families with resources and back to school supplies.
Thanks to the Midway Chamber of Commerce and to all the sponsors for organizing their annual Back to School event at Wentworth Park.
The Latino Organization of the Southwest held their Annual Resource Fair at 63rd Street and Karlov Avenue in the West Lawn neighborhood. Many families were connected with support and services and enjoyed food, music, raffles, and back-to-school supplies.
​Celebrated the ribbon cutting for the new mural, Las Estrellas que Nos Enseñaron a Soñar / The Stars Who Taught Us to Dream at Carnicería La Hacienda, 3629 W. 63rd Street. Thank you to the Greater Southwest Development Corporation for their support.
National Night Out took place August 4 at West Lawn Park.
Teamed up with 17th Ward Alderman David Moore and the CPD Soccer Club for a soccer clinic with the Marquette Park Kids Soccer. The kids had a fun time sharpening their skills and building positive relationships with our Chicago Police Department.
Visited the Flyway City exhibition with Sofia, my summer intern pursuing sustainable design at University of Illinois. We learned how buildings can be safer for the millions of birds that migrate through Chicago every year.
With June and July bad storms and the heat that followed. We wanted to thank our Chicago Department of Streets & Sanitation workers who were out around the clock in our neighborhoods to clean all the debris on top of their regular duties. Special thanks to Andy's Frozen Custard for showing their appreciation and donating treats for the D5 crews.
23rd Ward interns and I volunteered at the Greater Lawn WIC Clinic’s monthly fresh produce distribution in West Eldson. Thanks to the Greater Chicago Food Depository generously donating the fruits and vegetables, we were able to help pack and hand out nutritious food to families across the Southwest Side.
We helped Mark stock up the Stuffed Love Fridge and Pantry. Thank you to Sandi with UI Health for the partnership and thank you to everyone who donated during our June drive.
Over 900 participants took part in the Garfield Ridge Stars and Stripes 5k honoring Andrew “Drew” Price. Thank you to the Ortega family for organizing  this run every year.
The Garfield Ridge Satellite Senior Center, located at 5674 S. Archer Ave., is celebrating 30 years. Thank you to Julie and all the members of the board for serving our seniors citizens on the Southwest Side. 
Click here for resolution.
Thanks to Jason Huff with District Council 008- CCPSA for organizing a presentation with Cook County Sheriff's Office (Official) K-9 Unit on the vital work they do to support law enforcement across Cook County.
Congratulations to Anabelle and Antonio from the 23rd Ward who were awarded the Chicago Latino Caucus Foundation Scholarship.
Let’s give a big welcome to our summer interns that will be working with us in the 23rd Ward. We’ve partnered up with the Chicago Youth Works program and CPS so our youth can gain hands-on experience in public service.
Thank you to Derrick and the entire team at Plum Creek Chicago for inviting me to their first Juneteenth BBQ! Enjoyed catching up with my friends from the Senior Suites of Midway Village.
Our hardworking crews from the Chicago Department of Streets & Sanitation have been working hard to cleaning up the tree debris across the ward after the recent storms.
St. Faustina Kowalska Parish Polish club held their annual picnic. The event brought neighbors, Polish food, fun games for the kids, and a special meet-and-greet with our brave local Chicago Fire Department heroes. 
Archer Avenue was filled with classic cars and great community vibes as the Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch and Midway Chamber of Commerce kicked off its annual Car Show.
Joined the Chicago Dept of Public Healt at the Greater Lawn WIC Clinic for its monthly free fresh fruit and vegetable distribution.
I had the honor of kicking off the opening ceremony for the Marquette Park Kids Soccer Association. Thank you to coach Salvador for the invitation.
Joined families, children, and educators at Wunderkind Learning Co. for their Preschool Transition & 3rd Anniversary Celebration.
Stood with members of the community to urge CPS to fund Judy Mahoney’s position as school clerk at Byrne School. The Local School Council is collecting signatures.
​Click here for petition
Kicked off the 2nd annual fundraiser to raise funds for officer wellness at the 008th Police District with Jason Huff of District Council 008- CCPSA.
On Memorial Day we gathered at the Rhine Post V.F.W. 2729 and Auxiliary to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
Huge thanks to Tracie, Jennifer, and everyone who came out to grill, connect, and back the blue at their annual BBQ together supporting CPD.
Attended an Honorary Street Renaming ceremony for Chicago Police Officer Enrique Martinez #8314 on the 6400 block of Komensky in West Lawn. Thank you to the Martinez family for allowing us to stand with you.
Many families came out for the Midway Baseball Softball Association's Opening Day. We want to wish all the baseball and softball leagues a great season.
Canvassed the West Lawn area to gather support to build an artificial turf field at Madigan Sr. Park. 
Over 2,500 runners came out to Archer Park for the inaugural Carrera de las Madres on May 9. Congratulations to Carlos Jaramillo for organizing this 5k on the Southwest Side. 
Click here for video
During this week's meeting of the Chicago-Cook County Violence Against Women Task Force, we heard from survivors and engaged in discussions aimed at aiding women across Chicago and Cook County. We look forward to the next meeting on Thursday, June 4, 2026, to further awareness and education of County and State services to support survivors navigate the Cook County Court System.
Honoring 31 Years of Dedicated Service — The City of Chicago celebrates Sergeant Fernando Banda’s distinguished career, recognizing his integrity, commitment, and lasting impact on the community as he retires from the Chicago Police Department.
​Click here for resolution.
Baseball season kicks off with the Clear Ridge Little League annual parade and the home opener game. I was honored to throw out the first pitch. Let's play ball!
Alderman Sposato, my staff, and I met with Michael and Keenan from the Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association to better understand Illinois state laws related to hotels, particularly those on the front lines of preventing human trafficking. We discussed how the City Council can take proactive steps to ensure that hotels and motels comply with training requirements.
The BizHub was buzzing with vendors. Residents had the opportunity to talk with 23rd Ward staff and local businesses from the southwest side.
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I am glad to take part in the GBV Kids Fun Fest, organized by the Family Liaison of the Chicago Police Department's Bureau of Detectives. A big thank you goes to Sgt. Neris for making this event possible.
Hopping into Easter fun at Normandy Park!  🐇 Was thrilled to celebrate with the Garfield Ridge community during Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch Easter egg event. So many happy faces and full baskets!
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I look forward to partnering up with Mark and his organization Stuffed Love on giving back to our community in need. This Chicago nonprofit is spreading so much hope through their hand-stitched heart pillows and food assistance. Grateful to connect with such a compassionate group. Thank you for the work you do.
I attended a ceremony at St. Rita of Cascia Parish in the Southwest side of Chicago, joined by Alderman Lopez and Alderwoman Coleman, to honor the Lighting of the Torch of Forgiveness and Peace. This event celebrated the connection between St. Rita of Cascia Parish in Chicago and the Basilica of St. Rita of Cascia in Cascia, Italy.
Click here for Resolution.
Presented a resolution to honor Jan and Zofia Sieradzki on their 50th wedding anniversary. Shared this extraordinary milestone with Father Rafal from St. Daniel the Prophet Church. Click here to read the resolution.
The Chicago-Cook County Violence Against Women Task Force convened for its second meeting on February 11 in the County Building. Various presenters gave testimony, including the Office of the Inspector General and Life Span.
Attended the Holocaust Museum 360, located at 360 N. State St., and toured the exhibition with Elad Strohmayer, the new Israeli Consul General to the Midwest.  Many Latino and Jewish leaders were in attendance and came together to support one another and stand against hate.
​Click here for more information on the museum.
The film crew from NBC’s crime drama Chicago P.D. were in the West Lawn neighborhood this morning. Filming took place at the family-owned Lawn Bowl bowling alley by 67th and Pulaski Rd. Ro and Emma from the 23rd Ward Office joined owner David Supanich for a sneak peak and behind the scenes of the production set.
Christmas In The Wards held its annual toy giveaway event at McCormick Place this weekend and provided gifts to hundreds of families in need. Thank you to Businessman Larry Huggins, sponsors, community partners, volunteers and Team 23 for making the second largest toy giveaway in the country a success.
Click here to watch a YouTube short of ‘Christmas in the Wards’.
The Rhine Post V.F.W. 2729 and Auxiliary held their annual Breakfast with Santa this morning.
District Council 008- CCPSA held their end of the year review meeting last night at European Chalet Banquets. Thank you to our hardworking and dedicated councilmen for all that they do to address our public safety concerns.
Donations from our annual coat drive were dropped off with St. Richard Council of Catholic Women - CCW in the Archer Heights neighborhood. Thank you to Al Cacciottolo, George (23rd Ward Sup), Ro and everyone for your help in supporting One Warm Coat.
I had the honor of presenting a City Council resolution to George McDade who has dedicated 30 years of service as Chairman of Cook County Crime Stoppers during their annual awards dinner at the Mayfield on Nov 20. Thank you to Paul Rutherford, the new chairman of the organization, for inviting me to the dinner and for your leadership and dedication to this organization.
Thank you to everyone who donated perishable food items to help those in need. All items were dropped off at the food pantry at New Life Midway with Pastor Mike Berry.
Strohacker Park in the Archer Heights neighborhood held their community bonfire on Tuesday, November 25. Thanks to Park Supervisor, Tracey, for organizing the annual event.
Congratulations to Light the Line for receiving the Community Service Award during Cook-County Crime-Stoppers annual award dinner held at the Mayfield Banquet Facility on November 20.
City of Chicago Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin hosted a financial workshop for residents at Huntington Bank, 6151 S. Archer Ave.
Enjoyed a Christmas Jazz concert at West Lawn library this afternoon with Chris White and his Jazz Trio
​as well as a special performance by the Hubbard High School Choirs.
Thank you Chicago Artopia for bringing holiday cheer to our community.
Latino Organization of the Southwest held a celebratory ceremony for residents that completed their program in becoming U.S. Citizens.
Joined the Garfield Ridge Civic League in the St. Patrick's Day parade on Archer Ave. (2023)