Image Courtesy of marinacity.org

Obituary from the Chicago Tribun

RNRA wishes to express our condolences to the family of honoroable Burton F. Natarus.

Obituary from the Chicago Tribune

Honorable Burton F. Natarus, age 86, of Chicago. Burt was a respected alderman, attorney and one of the longest-serving Democratic Alderman in Chicago history, serving from 1971 – 2008. Having won 9 elections for public office, Burt was widely recognized as a colorful alderman, who thought of himself as the “Janitor of the Ward”. He worked tirelessly to ensure every resident of the 42nd ward was represented. He was also known in City Council as an expert in parliamentary procedures, and as the ‘master of the ordinance’ for crafting much of the legislation that was passed in council during his aldermanic tenure. Burt was known for his flamboyant speeches and often made fun of himself. A resident of Chicago’s Near North Side since 1960, Burt was born and raised in Wausau, Wisconsin. He was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin and University of Wisconsin Law School. A graduate of the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard, he later taught at Chicago’s Loyola University on the subject of local government. He served in the U.S. Army and the U.S. Army Reserves, earning paratrooper’s “jump wings”. Burt was a true lover of the Chicago Bears, an avid reader and enjoyed rafting many rivers out west. Burt is survived by his son, Michael, daughter, Jill and grandchildren, Jacob and Jenna. Graveside service will be private. Contributions may be made to The Anti-Cruelty Society, www.anticruelty.org – select “donate on behalf”.

During this busy and eventful time, it has been easy to forget Chicago is still actively fighting against the spread of coronavirus. Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, the City of Chicago has been committed to basing decisions to reopen on the science and data related to this disease and communicating actions to the public in an open and transparent way.

The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) has published updated data and figures relating to COVID-19 in Chicago. My office has compiled the latest information.

CLICK HERE to see the full Reilly Report of 6/11/2020.

The Chicago Public Library has launched “Live From the Library: A Daily Story Time for Kids of Chicago.” This program will feature librarians and Chicago notables reading their favorite children’s books. Join story time weekdays at 10:00 am on Facebook Live.

June 5, 2020 Newsletters

Ward 42 – Alderman Reilly

Ward 27 – Alderman Burnett

Ward 02 – Alderman Hopkins

To see all of their newsletters during the Covid-19 Pandemic, CLICK HERE.

(AP Photo/Russel A. Daniels)

Alderman Reilly joined Mayor Lightfoot and other city officials this weekend to discuss the events that occurred during the nighttime hours (Alderman Reilly’s comments begin at 41:30). Alderman Reilly also joined Pete McMurray on WGN Radio to discuss the events of this past weekend.

The City of Chicago under Mayor Lightfoot and Commissioner of Public Health Dr. Allison Arwady have issued a curfew for all residents and visitors, effective from 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily, until further notice.  

The curfew is enforceable by law and restricts people from remaining in any public place – including, but not limited to, streets and highways, and common areas of schools, hospitals, office buildings and shops; or on the premises of any establishment – defined as any privately owned business operated for a profit to which the public is invited, within the City of Chicago during curfew hours. The curfew excludes persons engaged in essential activities as defined in the Municipal Code, Order 2020-3 (listed here under Section 2.5).

The Chicago Police Department will enforce the curfew through measures including warnings, fines and/or arrests. In addition, a small contingent of the National Guard will be deployed to maintain a limited presence and support Chicago police in order to ensure there will not be a repeat of Saturday night.

Alderman Reilly strongly encourages private homes and residential buildings to lock their exterior doors and to not allow visitors. Please return home by 9:00 p.m. after performing essential activities.

If you see something, say something. Report suspicious behavior and activity, and call 911 if there is an emergency or immediate threat. If the situation is not an emergency, you can also submit tips to CPD online.

Get alerts from Notify Chicago on various emergency and non-emergency situations in your area.

To See Alderman Reilly’s full report of 6-1-2020, CLICK HERE.

To see Newsletters from ALL River North Aldermen, CLICK HERE.

Mayor Lightfoot Announces New Initiatives to Encourage Citywide Participation in the 2020 Census
Census participation is vital for bringing essential federal funding to Chicago

CHICAGO – Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot today announced two new initiatives to encourage Chicagoans to take the 2020 Census including a neighbor-to-neighbor texting program and a mobile Census center.

“Now more than ever it is critical for Chicago’s residents to fill out their Census forms and make themselves count,” said Mayor Lightfoot. “These two new initiatives will help us in that effort, and I am tremendously grateful to the individuals behind Chicago Cares for their support. Aside from ensuring fair representation in federal policymaking, the Census will also play a major role in determining the Federal dollars we receive to help us recover from the COVID-19 crisis, supporting everything from our infrastructure and essential services, to our entire economy for years to come.”

When the COVID-19 pandemic rendered in-person canvassing and group events unsafe, the City created a neighbor-to-neighbor initiative with Chicago Cares, a nonprofit committed to mobilizing volunteers in Chicago. The neighbor-to-neighbor initiative is a volunteer effort enabling Chicagoans to text other Chicagoans and encourage census participation. More details and information on volunteer opportunities can be found at chicagocares.org/census.

“Chicago Cares has been thrilled to partner with the City of Chicago to mobilize volunteers to spread the word about the Census,” Jenné Myers, CEO of Chicago Cares said. “So far, our volunteers have sent over 170,000 text messages reminding Chicagoans to complete the once-in-a-decade count. It’s a safe, easy, and fun way for Chicagoans to volunteer right now and make a huge impact on the city we love.”

In addition, the City has dispatched a mobile Census center that travels to food banks, mask distribution sites, and other events to provide residents with Wi-Fi for completing the Census. It is a neon green van marked with, “Make Yourself Count: Take a Second for Your City,” which is visiting locations throughout Chicago reminding residents to respond.

So far, 53% of Chicagoans have responded to the 2020 Census, which is in-line or above other cities with large, hard-to-count populations, but below the national average of 60%. In the last Census, 66% of Chicagoan’s responded, and Mayor Lightfoot set a goal for the Chicago of at least 75% participation in this year’s Census, which the City is committed to achieving.

“All the decisions we are making right now to help recover from the public health and economic challenges of the pandemic demonstrate the importance of the Census,” said Andrea Zopp, President & CEO, World Business Chicago. “The pandemic has ripped the cover off a lot of inequality in our city. Completing the Census ensures that Chicago will receive funding for essential services that benefit everyone in the future.”
Census figures set the level of funding Chicago will receive for public health, parks, public safety, transportation and essential infrastructure, as well as other City services. Funding for many programs benefitting Chicagoans is allocated based on the Census, including Medicaid, Head Start, SNAP, Section 8, Title I and Special Education Grants. The City of Chicago stands to lose an estimated $1,400 each year for every resident missed in 2020, with other adverse implications in redistricting.

“Although times are difficult, we still ask everyone to do their part. This funding is crucial to Chicago,” Ric Estrada, CEO, Metropolitan Family Services said. “We will continue to work with our partners to get all Chicago residents counted.”

Nearly half of Chicago’s 2.7 million residents are considered “hard-to-count” by the U.S. Census Bureau. This includes families of color, children under five, the elderly, veterans, returning residents, individuals with high rates of mobility and housing instability, residents with disabilities, those with limited access to the Internet, and those who may be afraid to participate. Earlier this year, the City provided more than $700,000 in grant funding for community-based organizations to support the City’s efforts in educating and engaging residents about the 2020 Census. Additional information on the program is located here.
“We know that many Chicagoans, especially in our immigrant communities are fearful that completing the Census will report their or their families’ citizenship status,” said Rebecca Shi, Executive Director, Illinois Business Immigration Coalition. “Nothing could be further from the truth. There is no question about citizenship, and personal information collected in the Census cannot be shared with anyone or any other federal agency, including the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or Immigration or Customs Enforcement (ICE). Data is only released in summary tables; no individual information is released.”

Illinois Census Month begins Monday, June 1, and the City of Chicago continues working with its partners on new initiatives to increase engagement and activate Chicago to complete the Census. To learn more about the City’s 2020 Census efforts, please visit census2020.chicago.gov to find up-to-date information and City resources aiding to ensure a full count.

Listen to Dr. Allison Arwardy on May 29, 2020.  CLICK HERE.

The Mayor stresses the pandemic is far from over and social distancing measures are still crucial in preventing the spread of COVID-19. Please continue to exercise social distancing while out in public spaces and wear facial coverings.  Face coverings are the most effective means of preventing the spread of this virus. As our city opens more, and we encounter more individuals, it’s more important than ever to wear a face covering.

CLICK HERE to read Alderman Reilly Report of 5/28 for detais on the Chicago transition to Phase 3.

Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) announced new virtual events for everyone missing Millennium Park’s renowned cultural programming. The new online Millennium Park at Home series on YouTube and Facebook will bring some of City’s beloved live events straight to concertgoers featuring many of Chicago’s most popular hometown genres and artists.

Millennium Park at Home begins Memorial Day weekend, May 22 and 23 with a virtual DJ house mix on what would have been Chicago’s 5th Annual House Music Festival. This year the City would have celebrated the 35th Annual Gospel Music festival.

Instead the Millennium Park at Home Series on May 29 and 30 will feature some of Chicago’s most renowned gospel artists will still bring the spirit through social media. Blues was born in Chicago and on what would have been the 37th Annual Blues Fest, June 5, 6, and 7 live Blues will still be enjoyed online.

For a full schedule and line up of artists, please click here.

Like many other cultural presenters, the City of Chicago and DCASE made the difficult decision to cancel these beloved music festivals out of an abundance of caution related to large public gatherings, following recommendations from the CDC and the guidance of Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot, Governor JB Pritzker and City and State public health officials.

The Year of Chicago Music will continue this year and throughout next year, to amplify the excitement and momentum building across the local industry. Many of the initiatives planned for 2020 will extend into 2021 – specifically, Chicago In Tune and the return of the House music, Gospel music, and Blues festivals.

Grant Park Music Festival is also working on presenting online programming this summer.  Additional Millennium Park online programming includes following the Spring bulbs which are on display here. The Chicago Cultural Center is also offering online programming related to the exhibitions and Meet the Artists events.