A Vision for Rogers Park: Considering a Future Run

For years, I’ve lived, worked, and invested my heart into Rogers Park. I've volunteered at local events, spoken with neighbors about the challenges we face, and fought for small businesses to be heard. Through the Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce, which we’ve been building from the ground up, I’ve seen firsthand how resilient, diverse, and spirited our community truly is.

Lately, I’ve been thinking seriously about what comes next—not just for me, but for our ward.

What would it mean to have an Alderman who doesn’t just represent Rogers Park at City Hall, but lives Rogers Park every day? Someone who rides the CTA, shops on Clark Street, organizes block cleanups, and actually answers emails and phone calls from constituents?

I’m not announcing anything yet—but I won’t pretend I haven’t been encouraged to run. If I ever do, it won’t be for a title. It would be to amplify your voices, not mine. To prioritize safety, local business, affordable housing, and transparent leadership—not slogans.

Right now, I’m focused on continuing the work in front of me: supporting entrepreneurs, keeping our neighborhood informed, and being present at every meeting and event I can.

But someday? I just might take that next step.

Until then, I’m listening.

A Thought About the Future of Rogers Park

Lately, a few neighbors have asked me if I’ve ever thought about running for Alderman. The honest answer is—yes, I’ve thought about it. Not because I want a title, but because I care deeply about Rogers Park and want to see real, lasting progress.

I walk these streets every day. I talk with business owners, artists, families, students, seniors—people from all walks of life. What I hear again and again is that we deserve more: more support for our small businesses, more transparency from leadership, and more real solutions for the challenges our community faces.

I’ve always believed in doing the work first. Showing up. Listening. Volunteering. Supporting our neighbors and standing up for what’s right—even when it’s not popular. That’s what leadership looks like to me.

I’m not announcing anything today. But I am committing to continuing the work I’ve been doing—amplifying community voices, organizing around issues that matter, and building bridges between people who care.

If one day that leads to running for office, I hope it’ll be with your support, built not on slogans, but on shared experiences and trust.

Let’s keep moving forward—together.

— Bill Morton

A Rogers Park Success

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce two-year anniversary celebration!





The Board and Directors of the Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce
Without the support of the entire Board, this event would not have been as successful as it was.

Back in the Days BBQ
Mark Finley was our guest speaker, presenting the Multi-Facet Network and the business plan and investment plan to bring Back in the Days BBQ to Rogers Park.

Bill's Digital Photos
Official photographer of the Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce two-year anniversary event.

Caribbean American Bakery
Thank you for your tasty donation!

Charmers Cafe
Thank you for your tasty donation!

Quest Network Services
Thank you for hosting our event at your business!

Premier Signs & Awnings
Thank you for providing our new Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce banner.


Dex for being our Official Grill Master.

Fred of LifeStorage for contributing to our networking event.

Mary Ellen and Chris of Alden Village North for contributing to our networking event.

Laini of Comcast Business Class Service for contributing to our networking event.

And everyone who attended, celebrated and made connections during our annual anniversary event.


















Thank you,

Bill Morton, President
Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce
(773) 850-0049

Alden Village North

CHICAGO BULLS’ SIDNEY GREEN VISITS DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED


Chicago, Ill. – Chicago Bulls’ Sidney Green recently visited developmentally disabled children and young adults in Chicago’s Rogers Park community. Green passed out t-shirts and autographed photos to several fans at Alden Village North Health Facility for children and young adults. A power forward, Green played on the Bulls from 1983-1986.

“We have a group of seven guys who watch every Bulls game together and get so excited when cheering on their favorite players. They talk about the good and bad plays for days after,” says Mary Ellen Schweitzer, community liaison.

“When Sidney came in, I knew who he was right away. I told the guys, we should have known the staff was planning something special for us because they kept asking us about the Bulls and our favorite players,” says Lorne Mackey, 31, resident.

“The Bulls are my favorite team, and it was great to have Sidney come and visit on my birthday. It was a great day,” says Sam Galloway, 35, resident.

Recently, Alden Village North underwent a total top-to-bottom renovation. The updated facility provides nearly 100 special needs children and adults with larger bedrooms, increased bathing rooms as well as classroom and programming spaces.


“We try and do lots of outings and trips with our residents; they go to Cubs games, the movies, the Shedd Aquarium and museums, shopping, out to eat, and even the beach. But most of all, our residents love watching Chicago sports. They know the teams, stats and when all the games are on. Basketball playoffs are one of the best times of year here because they get really into the games,” says Janine Ciemny, Administrator, Alden Village North.

Alden Village North offers specialized programs to address the needs of developmentally disabled children and young adults and is located at 7464 N. Sheridan Rd. in Chicago. For more information, call 773.338.0200 or visit http://www.aldenvillagenorth.com/ .

__________________________________________

A Rogers Park Success

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce two-year anniversary celebration!




The Board and Directors of the Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce
Without the support of the entire Board, this event would not have been as successful as it was.

Back in the Days BBQ
Mark Finley was our guest speaker, presenting the Multi-Facet Network and the business plan and investment plan to bring Back in the Days BBQ to Rogers Park.

Bill's Digital Photos
Official photographer of the Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce two-year anniversary event.

Caribbean American Bakery
Thank you for your tasty donation!

Charmers Cafe
Thank you for your tasty donation!

Quest Network Services
Thank you for hosting our event at your business!

Premier Signs & Awnings
Thank you for providing our new Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce banner.
Dex for being our Official Grill Master.

Fred of LifeStorage for contributing to our networking event.

Mary Ellen and Chris of Alden Village North for contributing to our networking event.

Laini of Comcast Business Class Service for contributing to our networking event.

And everyone who attended, celebrated and made connections during our annual anniversary event.



















Thank you,

Bill Morton, President
Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce
(773) 850-0049

Alden Village North

CHICAGO BULLS’ SIDNEY GREEN VISITS DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED


Chicago, Ill. – Chicago Bulls’ Sidney Green recently visited developmentally disabled children and young adults in Chicago’s Rogers Park community. Green passed out t-shirts and autographed photos to several fans at Alden Village North Health Facility for children and young adults. A power forward, Green played on the Bulls from 1983-1986.

“We have a group of seven guys who watch every Bulls game together and get so excited when cheering on their favorite players. They talk about the good and bad plays for days after,” says Mary Ellen Schweitzer, community liaison.

“When Sidney came in, I knew who he was right away. I told the guys, we should have known the staff was planning something special for us because they kept asking us about the Bulls and our favorite players,” says Lorne Mackey, 31, resident.

“The Bulls are my favorite team, and it was great to have Sidney come and visit on my birthday. It was a great day,” says Sam Galloway, 35, resident.


Recently, Alden Village North underwent a total top-to-bottom renovation. The updated facility provides nearly 100 special needs children and adults with larger bedrooms, increased bathing rooms as well as classroom and programming spaces.


“We try and do lots of outings and trips with our residents; they go to Cubs games, the movies, the Shedd Aquarium and museums, shopping, out to eat, and even the beach. But most of all, our residents love watching Chicago sports. They know the teams, stats and when all the games are on. Basketball playoffs are one of the best times of year here because they get really into the games,” says Janine Ciemny, Administrator, Alden Village North.

Alden Village North offers specialized programs to address the needs of developmentally disabled children and young adults and is located at 7464 N. Sheridan Rd. in Chicago. For more information, call 773.338.0200 or visit http://www.aldenvillagenorth.com/ .

__________________________________________