Happy October!
I’ll be back in Springfield this month for veto session from October 14-16 and again from October 28-30. Each fall, the General Assembly reconvenes after regular session to reassess legislation that has been vetoed by the Governor and to pass or amend existing legislation.
A key focus will be funding and reform for public transportation in Illinois. Many of you have reached out about your worries about potential service cuts to our transit agencies and the impact they would have on our community. I share your concerns and am deeply committed to advancing the necessary reforms to build a transit system that is reliable, efficient, and truly works for everyone.
Read on to learn more about our annual Pumpkin/Canned Food Drive, flu and COVID-19 vaccine information, road closures for the Chicago Marathon, and more.
Need Help with a State Agency?
My office is happy to offer assistance! Examples of state-related programs and common constituent inquiries include:
- The State Treasurer’s I-Cash Program
- The Department of Aging
- The Department of Human Services
- SNAP
- The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
- The Department of Employment Security
- Consumer Complaints
- The Department of Veterans Affairs
- The Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
If you are not sure who to contact regarding an issue pertaining to government affairs, my team is always happy to connect you with the appropriate resource. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us at (773) 348-8974 or via email at info@repcroke.com.
Fifth Annual Pumpkin Giveaway and Canned Food Drive
My office is hosting our fifth annual Pumpkin Giveaway and Canned Food Drive! Join us at Lincoln Central Association’s annual neighborhood Halloween party, Howler at Bauler, on October 25th from 3-5PM at Bauler Park (501 W Wisconsin). This family-friendly event includes a costume parade, face painting, a bouncy house, and if you bring a canned good to donate, you will receive a free pumpkin in return. All proceeds will go to the Nourishing Hope food pantry. See you there!
44th Ward Shred Event
Alderman Lawson’s fall shred event will be held on Saturday, October 25th from 9AM-12PM outside of the 44th Ward office (3223 N Sheffield). Residents are limited to recycling only two boxes or containers per household. For questions, call 773-525-6034.
In the Community
Advocate IL Masonic Medical Center’s New Bed Tower Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
It was an honor to celebrate the new modernization project at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center. At a time when the federal government is defunding our healthcare systems, it was incredibly moving to cut the ribbon on Advocate Masonic’s modernization project that has been 10 years in the making. We are lucky to have a world-class facility with the best healthcare providers right here in Lakeview serving all Chicagoans.
44th Ward Senior Picnic
My team had the privilege of helping out with Alderman Bennett Lawson’s annual senior picnic. It was so fun to watch the raffle drawing, serve food, enjoy live entertainment, and chat with so many seniors. Thank you to everyone who attended, and we hope to see you around the district!
Government Updates
Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office
Cook County State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke has released a new Community Report and an accompanying public dashboard that analyze crime and prosecution trends. This initiative promotes accountability and transparency by making data for your specific jurisdiction readily available to the public. To view data for Illinois’ 12th House District, click here, and then filter the dashboard by ‘State House District’ and then select ‘State House District 12.’
Illinois Department of Public Health
With the excitement of changing leaves and cooler temperatures comes the reminder to get you and your family vaccinated for the flu and COVID-19. To learn more, click here.
Chicago Marathon Street Closures
The Chicago Marathon is coming up on Sunday, October 12, 2025, and a highlight of the race is its journey right through Illinois’ 12th District. For those planning to cheer on the runners or navigate the area, please see the map above for street closure information in IL-12. For a map of the full course, click here.
Grant and Scholarship Opportunities
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
The Community Solar Energy Sovereignty Grant Program will provide funding to support the development of community solar projects to promote community ownership and energy sovereignty. The program provides capital on solar and renewable energy projects for individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and other groups. The Department prioritizes funding for projects that demonstrate direct and tangible benefits to the local community. The deadline to apply for this grant is December 31st by 5pm CST and rewards range from $50,000 – $1,000,000. For more details contact Matthew Swaine at Matthew.Swaine@Illinois.gov or click here.
ComEd Future of Energy Scholarship
ComEd is accepting applications for $175,000 worth of college and trades scholarships made available through its Future of Energy scholarship program. Now through November 16, 2025, students who are pursuing a future career in energy, either through a trades training program or a STEM-related college major, can apply for scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. To learn more, click here.
Upcoming Events and Community Meetings
19th Police District Council Meeting
The 19th Police District Council will host their next meeting on Wednesday, October 22nd at 6:30pm at Sultzer Library Uptown Church (4455 N Lincoln Ave). For more information, click here.
18th Police District Council Meeting
The 18th Police District Council will host their next meeting in October (location, time, and date are TBD). For more information and updates, click here.
Pumpkin Painting Party at Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum 
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum (2430 N Cannon Dr.) is hosting a Pumpkin Painting Party on Sunday, October 5th from 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM. Acrylic Craft Paint and brushes will be provided, and there will be smocks available to help cover your clothes. After you’ve painted your pumpkin, explore the museum while you wait for it to dry. To learn more, click here.
Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce’s Spooktacular 2025
Businesses on Lincoln Avenue and Clark Street, from Diversey to Armitage, will embrace the spooky season and transform into trick-or-treat stops. Join the haunted fun on Lincoln Avenue (Saturday, October 25) and Clark Street (Sunday, October 26) from 1:00 – 4:00 PM. For more information, click here.
Ghouly Park Halloween 2025
Join the Gold Coast Neighbors Association and start the Halloween partying early, on Sunday, October 26, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., at Goudy Park, at the southeast corner of Astor Street and Goethe Street. This intimate, family-friendly Gold Coast community event will feature circus performers, a magician, a DJ, and more. Click here for more information.
Resources
Halloween Safety Tips
Halloween is a time for fun, costumes, and treats. To ensure a safe and happy night for all, please keep these safety tips in mind.
Know Your Rights
Understanding your rights is vital for all individuals in the United States. The information above provides helpful guidance for encounters with ICE. For further support and resources, visit the National Immigrant Justice Center’s Legal Deportation Assistance website or Organized Communities Against Deportations’ Resource Guide.
Mental Health Mobile Crisis Response
Residents of the 19th Police District are encouraged to keep the above contact information for Mental Health Mobile Crisis Response. If you or someone you know may be struggling with a mental health crisis, please utilize these resources.
PAWS Shoutout
We have a PAWS shoutout for October: Meet Carrisa!
Carissa is a loving, fun, and independent girl who also loves to be close to her favorite person. She can be a bit shy initially, but with a little time and patience, she’s quick to feel at home. Her most recent foster family shared that she settled in quickly, picking up right where she left off, heading straight for her scratch pad, and even deciding that the best place to sleep was between her human’s pillows!
Carissa is available for adoption at PAWS Chicago’s Pippen Fasseas Adoption Center, located at 1997 N. Clybourn Avenue. Visit pawschicago.org and make your adoption appointment today!
Social Media
For the latest updates on bills, Springfield happenings, and helpful resources, follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
Wishing you a safe and healthy October. As always, please reach out to my office with any questions or concerns. We are always here as a resource!