Supporters for clean water lined the north bank of the Chicago River with Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) officials to celebrate the reopening of an iconic landmark where the city’s prized lakefront meets the river and soaring skyline.

After completing extensive renovations, MWRD commissioners were joined by city leaders to reopen the Nicholas J. Melas Centennial Fountain on Aug. 16 to again captivate onlookers to the fountain and its cannon spraying an arc across the main stem of the Chicago River. Watch the ceremony here.

President Kari K. Steele and the MWRD Board of Commissioners welcomed special guests, including 2nd Ward Ald. Brian Hopkins, 27th Ward Ald. Walter Burnett, Jr., 42nd Ward Ald. Brendan Reilly, Chicago Department of Water Management Commissioner Randy Conner, Elizabeth Melas, the daughter of former MWRD Board president for whom the fountain is named, and architect Dirk Lohan, under the fountain at 400 N. McClurg Court for remarks during the reopening ceremony.

State Rep. Kam Buckner, D-Chicago, is partnering with Near North Health, a leading provider of managed care services in Illinois, to host a back-to-school event to provide local families with free resources before the school year starts. The event will be held at Ellis Park, on 3520 South Cottage Grove in Chicago on Tuesday, August 13, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. State Rep. Kimberly du Buclet, D-Chicago; Cook County Commissioner Bill Lowry; state Sen. Robert Peters; and Municipal Water Reclamation District Commissioner Precious Brady-Davis are co-hosting.

“With rising costs creating new challenges for our community, I will do everything in my power to relieve economic burdens working families are facing,” Buckner said. “I appreciate the widespread

services my colleagues and vendors are providing to help their communities. There will be a comprehensive range of opportunities for assistance available and I encourage everyone to attend.”

The 3rd Annual Back to School Event highlighting school aged children, pre-k through 12th grades within the 26th District and Chicagoland. The event is intended to provide children and families free resources such as immunizations, health screenings, social services and mental health assistance. Free haircuts will also be available.

State Senator Mattie Hunter celebrated her 20th Family Health and Fitness Fair on Saturday, August 3, 2024, empowering residents with free health screenings and streamlined access to local and state services. The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, Commissioners Mariyana Spyropoulos and Precious Brady-Davis gave away tree saplings and milkweed seeds for pollinators.