Mayor Lori Lightfoot and the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced new vaccine requirements due to the rise of COVID-19 infections, which is driven by the new Omicron variant. Effective Monday, January 3, 2022 individuals 5 years of age or older are required to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 to dine indoors, visit gyms, or entertainment venues where food or drink are being served. Additionally, patrons age 16 and over will need to show a matching ID.

Proof of vaccination means a CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card, an official immunization record from the jurisdiction where the vaccine was administered, or a digital/physical photo of the record. People are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or two weeks after a single-dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

The vaccine requirement does not include houses of worship, grocery stores, schools/daycares, and locations in residential or office buildings that are restricted to resident or tenant use only. Additionally, it does not apply to individuals entering an establishment for less than 10 minutes to order and carry out food, deliver goods, or use the bathroom. Please CLICK HERE for more information regarding the new vaccine requirements.

It is more important than ever to get vaccinated and boosted and wear a mask while indoors. If you have not been vaccinated or received a booster dose, please CLICK HERE to find a vaccination site near you.

RNRA manages a separate non-profit organization called River North Clean Streets (RNCS), which provides training, support and transitional employment to people affected by poverty (and often the challenges of recovery, domestic violence, episodic homelessness, and incarceration).   Through the performance of much-needed weekend street cleaning services, RNCS crew members rebuild hope, self-esteem and opportunity for themselves and their families.

Since our founding in 2017, we have achieved outstanding results together:

• Weekend cleaning services were performed on up to 38 of River North’s neediest blocks
• 2,385 bags of trash and 941 bags of recyclables (over 40 tons) have been removed from our streets
• 406 hard-working RNCS interns have participated in the program
• 171 interns secured permanent employment at a current average hourly wage of $14.23

Since most of our typical Block Sponsors work in the hospitality sector, many were unable to continue supporting us while struggling to keep their doors open and their staff employed during the pandemic.

It seemed inevitable that we would have to suspend operations in 2021, but fortunately, three prominent local organizations stepped up with emergency funding. The generosity of Verilife, Salesforce and Sunnyside enabled us to continue operations during this challenging period. These benefactors, along with eleven other Block Sponsors, epitomize good corporate citizenship. Thanks to them, RNCS makes River North cleaner, safer and more beautiful, while creating potentially life changing opportunities for our excellent crew members.

With a little luck, RNCS will be able to resume its original funding model in 2022. To learn more about River North Clean Streets, visit us online at RNCleanstreets.org.

The City announced plans to welcome in the New Year with a 1.5-mile-long midnight fireworks display along the lakefront and Chicago River.

These will be the largest fireworks display the City’s ever had and will be accompanied by a live simulcast from WGN. This year, with the COVID-19 pandemic still threatening the health and safety of Chicago residents, the City has introduced health guidelines that will encourage visitors and residents alike to celebrate safely.

Promptly at midnight, a fireworks display choreographed to a special music soundtrack will light up the sky synchronized across eight separate launch sites along the Chicago River and in Lake Michigan near Navy Pier. The display will be free to view, courtesy of the City, Choose Chicago, and participating partners from across the hospitality community. A website has been created to provide details about the event including locations where people can view the fireworks. WGN-TV will be broadcasting live starting at 11:00 pm and showcase the Midnight Fireworks and accompanying music soundtrack. Viewers are encouraged to watch the show from the safety of their homes.

The Chicago Department of Public Health encourages everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated. The COVID-19 vaccines are by far the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from the virus. Even if you are vaccinated, consider a COVID-19 test (either through a healthcare provider or at home) before gathering, and encourage guests to do the same before indoor holiday gatherings. Tests can help protect unvaccinated children, older individuals, those who are immunocompromised, or individuals at risk of severe disease. As a reminder, the mask mandate for Chicago and Illinois remains in effect and a mask is required at all public indoor settings across the city. Many venues will also require proof of vaccinations or a negative COVID-19 test for entry. Effective Monday, January 3, 2022, any individual 5 years of age or older will be required to show proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to dine indoors, visit gyms, or enjoy entertainment venues where food or drink are being served. If you have been exposed to COVID-19, are sick, or experiencing any COVID- or flu-like symptoms; you should not attend any gatherings for New Year’s Eve, even if you are vaccinated. For more information on how to stay safe and reduce the spread of COVID-19, visit chicago.gov/covid.

Event partners are located in close proximity to the display launch points, offering guests beautiful views and plenty of entertainment options. Visitors and locals alike are encouraged to eat, drink and be merry at a variety of partner venues and events. The fireworks will also be broadcast live on WGN-TV.

The event is made possible by support from the City of Chicago and partners from the hospitality industry, which employs more than 90,000 workers.

To learn more about the Chicago New Year’s Eve River Fireworks Celebration and view a full list of all official partners and event options, please visit www.NYEBlast.com.

Street closure and traffic impacts can be reviewed here.

Wishing all of our River North residents and businesses Happy Holidays! Thank you to Mary Lassila, Michele Berman and Brian Israel, RNRA volunteers who hung these beautiful wreaths to bring cheer and joy to the neighborhood!

To see 2022 Winter Programming for the Jesse White Community Center, CLICK HERE

Jesse White Community Center – 410 West Chicago Avenue – Chicago,, Illinois
Located in the Near North community, the Jesse White Park and Community Center is 1.64 acres and it includes a fieldhouse with a gymnasium, a computer room, a fitness studio with wheelchair accessible stationary rollers and a state of the art gymnastics center.

CLICK HERE for a PDF

CLICK HERE for a PDF