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February is Black History Month, but this year instead of highlighting one of the 3rd Ward's many contributions to African-American history or the civil rights movement, I wanted to encourage everyone to get out and vote in the 2020 Primary Election. The local and national conversation around race and politics has become so polarized. I think, instead of arguing, the best way to have your voice heard on these critical issues is voting. We must get out there and vote for the change we want to see!
Early Voting at the Loop Super Site (175 W. Washington Blvd.) is tentatively scheduled to start Thursday, February 6th. Voting at the Loop Super Site will continue into March when the neighborhood Early Voting sites will open. Early Voting at all sites citywide runs from Monday, March 2nd to Monday, March 16th. Government ID is not required to vote early if you are already registered to vote. If you need to register, voter registration services are available at every Early Voting site. A complete list of sites and voter information is available at
www.chicagoelections.gov/en/early-voting.html.
This year, the Office of the President, one statewide US Senator, your US Congressman, State Senator, State Representative, Cook County State's Attorney, the Clerk of the Circuit Court, judges and other offices are up for election. It's a big one! So please get out there and vote.
If my team or I can help you in any way, please don't hesitate to reach out anytime at 773-373-9273. Thank you for reading this newsletter. Please share it with a neighbor or friend.
Sincerely,
Pat Dowell
Alderman, 3rd War
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Third Ward Update
3rd Ward Town Hall Meeting February 11th
Alderman Dowell is hosting a Town Hall meeting on Tuesday, February 11th at IIT's McCormick Tribune Campus Center (3201 S. State St.). Attend for an informative discussion about Chicago's new recreational cannabis laws. Additionally, an overview of the 2020 Census, public safety updates from the 1st and 2nd District Commanders, and a proposed development located at 51st St. and State St. will be presented. Take this opportunity to get your recreational cannabis, public safety and development questions answered!
Invest South-West Rolls Out with Mayor Lightfoot, Alderman Dowell in
Attendance
Alderman Dowell attended the launch of Mayor Lightfoot's Invest South-West initiative which seeks to prioritize $1 billion in strategic public investments in 10 communities in Chicago, including Bronzeville. The goal is to leverage public dollars to attract more private investment in our communities. Alderman Dowell spoke about the need to create more business growth, affordable housing, jobs and better infrastructure through this program and expressed hope in a newly energized Department of Planning and Development under the leadership of Maurice Cox. For more information about the Invest South-West program go to www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dcd/provdrs/invest_sw.html
Public Safety Committee Holds Hearing on Dowell Resolution to Address Dangerous Motorcycles
The City Council Committee on Public Safety held a hearing on Alderman Dowell's ordinance that asks the City to outline a plan to deal with the illegal and dangerous groups of
motorcycle riders that recklessly ride around many neighborhoods in Chicago. Thank you to Chairman Chris Taliaferro for holding this important hearing, and to Chicago Police Department Bureau of Patrol Chief Fred Waller, Commander Sean Loughran and OEMC Executive Director Rich Guidice for their testimony at the hearing.
Dowell Visits Seniors to Offer Census, Senior Center Updates
Alderman Dowell visited with 3rd Ward senior constituents to provide updates on the 2020 Census, planning for a Bronzeville senior center, public safety, health programs and all the activities of State Reps. Lamont Robinson and Kam Buckner. Thanks to Oak Street Health and 2nd District Police Officers Gathings and Carcione for attending the update and all the work you all do on behalf of our neighborhood residents.
13th St. and Indiana Ave. Project Canceled
The project proposed for the vacant parcel located on the northeast corner of 13th St. and Indiana Ave. has been canceled. The developer is not moving forward with the purchase of the parcel, which remains under the ownership of Crescent Heights. Crescent Heights has no plans for the parcel at this time. Should a new project be proposed for 13th St. and Indiana Ave., Alderman Dowell will once again bring it to the community for input and comment before any action is taken.
Alderman Dowell Partners with Commissioner Rogers on Property Tax Appeal Forum
Cook County Board of Review Commissioner Larry Rogers Jr., along with Alderman Dowell, State Senator Mattie Hunter and Cook County Commissioner Dennis Deer hosted a property tax appeal forum where members of the public received valuable information about how to appeal their property taxes.
With the first installment of homeowner's property taxes due March 3rd, Commissioner Rogers explained how the property tax appeal process works - starting with the Cook County Assessor's Office, then to the Board of Review if necessary - and how to find and file the proper appeal paperwork. If you would like to appeal your property taxes, please start here at
www.cookcountyassessor.com/Appeals/Appeal-Forms.aspx. For more information about the Cook County Board of Review, visit
www.cookcountyboardofreview.com/.
 Mayor Lightfoot Visits Bronzeville and Washington Park to Talk about Economic Investment
Mayor Lori Lightfoot, accompanied by Alderman Dowell, toured Bronzeville and Washington Park speaking with business and community leaders about plans to invest more resources to create economic opportunity in the community. First stop was Overton Elementary School (221 E. 49th St.) followed by Peach's Currency Exchange Cafe (305 E. Garfield Blvd). Big thanks to Ghian Foreman for organizing this event and framing the discussions.
Harbor Restaurant Opens in the South Loop 
Alderman Dowell helped cut the ribbon on the new Harbor Restaurant in the South Loop located at 1312 South Wabash Ave. Kudos to Chris Parth, Joe Taylor, Adam Ellis and Chef Anthony for bringing a new dining option to the community and for creating a warm welcoming aura perfect for socializing with friends. Check it out at www.harborchicago.com/.
Dowell Offers Condolences on the Passing of Two Community Leaders
Alderman Dowell had the honor of celebrating the life and many achievements of two historic Chicago figures that passed recently, Reverend Dr. Clay Evans and Lester Goodman. Alderman Dowell delivered remarks on the impressive life of Reverend Dr. Clay Evans during the January City Council meeting. He was a great Baptist pastor, gospel singer and civil rights leader who founded Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church located at 45th St. and Princeton Ave. in the 3rd Ward. Dr. Evans passed on November 27, 2019 at the age of 94.
Also, Alderman Dowell was in attendance as friends and loved ones helped Lester Goodman to his final resting place. Such a wonderful service of reflection and love. Lester experienced tremendous success dancing professionally, appearing frequently on television and performing in some of the most famous clubs and theaters internationally, even making it to the famed theaters on Broadway.
Landmarked Former Oscar Stanton De Priest Building Restored
 The restoration of the former home of Oscar Stanton De Priest (4536-8 S. King Dr.) began in 2017 when Landmarks Illinois was awarded a $250,000 grant from the National Park Service's African American Civil Rights Grant Program to carry out essential roof and masonry repairs. Thank you to Congressman Danny Davis (D-7th) for securing this important project funding.
De Priest lived in the apartment building between 1929 and 1951, and it was designated a National Historic Landmark for its association with De Priest in 1975. Beginning in 1904, De Priest held a seat on the Cook County Board of Commissioners, and in 1915, he became Chicago's first black alderman, serving his first term on City Council until 1917. Later, De Priest served Illinois' 1st congressional district where he was the sole Black representative during his time in Congress. He is long remembered as an advocate for anti-discrimination and desegregation. For instance, in Congress, De Priest introduced several anti-discrimination bills, including his 1933 amendment barring discrimination in the Civilian Conservation Corps, which was signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
2nd District Crime
Statistics
for 2019
The 2nd District Police has released the following year-end
crime
statistics for the district:
Murder
16 31 -48%
Shootings
71 96
-26%
Crim Sex Assault 90 93 -03%
Robbery
359 505 -29%
Burglary
307 410
-25%
Motor Veh Theft 418 478 -13%
Theft
639 639 0%
Guns with Arrests 195
115 +68%
The 2nd District has been trending in a positive direction in terms of
crime reduction. The 2nd District Police will continue to work hard to serve the community and protect the lives and rights of all citizens in 2020, while prioritizing the continued improvement of police-community relations.
Garfield Red Line Station Damaged
The 3rd Ward Public Service Office is sad to report the destruction of glass public art pieces inside the heavily-used Garfield Red Line CTA station. These beautiful and welcoming artistic glass panels were smashed by vandals and now have to be removed by the CTA. The CTA has boarded up the damaged areas to prevent further deterioration. Alderman Dowell is working closely with the CTA to explore options for repair or replacement of these works.
Alderman Dowell and the CTA continue to take meaningful steps to add placemaking and beautification improvements throughout the 3rd Ward. From public art, streetscapes, banners, and community markers, to seasonal decorations and historical landmark protections, all of these strategies are being used beautify the area and improve the sense of community. It is up to all of us to prioritize and protect these improvements. Whether it's simply keeping benches clean outside of your home or business, or calling the appropriate authorities for potential vandalism, we all have to chip in to keep our neighborhood beautiful.
The CTA will provide updates through the 3rd Ward Public Service Office on the restoration of the Garfield Red Line CTA station when available.
Alderman Dowell Joins City and State Legislators in Supporting Chicago State University
Chicago State University is on the upswing, even as black student college enrollment nationally is down 26%. Alderman Dowell had an opportunity to hear Chicago State University (CSU) President Zaldwaynaka "Z" Scott speak about the school's increased enrollment and new programming, meet the new Athletic Director Elliott Charles, and learn about the importance of the CSU Foundation which we all can support. Mayor Lightfoot spoke about the strength and vibrancy of CSU as an economic engine for the South Side.
Carson Cares Book Series Launches
Alderman Dowell attended the launch of the "Carson Cares" book series written by Jermaine Lawrence Anderson. Jermaine is an active leader in the community, founding Project Gentleman - which helps clothe young men graduating high school and men re-entering the workforce - and serves on the Executive Leadership Team for the 6,000+ member Apostolic Faith Church. Join Alderman Dowell in wishing him the best of luck on this new endeavor.
Black-Owned Businesses Highlight the NBA All-Star Game
The 2020 NBA All-Star Game is here in Chicago February 14-16. As part of the festivities, the NBA has prioritized opportunities for local black-owned businesses to participate though dining, shopping and nightlife partnerships. 3rd Ward black-owned businesses are well represented in this partnership, including: Ain't She Sweet Cafe (526 E. 43rd St.), Bronzeville Jerk Shack (5055 S. Prairie Ave.), Chicago's Chicken and Waffles (3947 S. King Dr.), Friistyle (5059 S. Prairie Ave.), Jerk Villa (2216 S. Michigan Ave.), Peach's Currency Exchange (305 E. Garfield Blvd.), Sip and Savor (78 E. 47th St.), Tastee Cafe (503 E. 47th St.), Burger Point (1900 S. State St.), Truth Italian (56 E. Pershing Rd.), Windy City Ribs (67 E. Cermak Rd.), Agriculture Bronzeville (530 E. 43rd St.), Curl Kitchen (3428 S. King Dr.), DTLR (306 E. 47th St.), Succezz (2214 S. Michigan), Bureau Bar (75 E. 16th St.), and M Lounge (1520 S. Wabash Ave.).
Fiber Optic Conduit Installation: 35th St. and Prairie Ave.
Alderman Dowell would like to notify residents of the following construction project.
Sunesys is installing fiber optic conduit cable in the intersection of 35th St. and Prairie Ave. This project comes as an effort by
Sunesys to build up infrastructure to bring advanced cellular technology to the area. The project is scheduled for the first quarter of 2020. A detailed construction schedule will be sent out at a later date. Please contact the 3rd Ward Public Service Office should you have any questions.
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Events in and Around the Ward
OBNA Annual Pancake Breakfast
The Oakwood Boulevard Neighborhood Association is kicking off a new year with an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast and membership drive. Hope to see you there! Accepting membership dues via cash, check, credit card, Zelle and Venmo. Email [email protected] for more information.
Where: BIS AME Zion Church (3956 S. Langley Ave.)
When: Saturday, February 1st from 9:00 am to 10:30 am
Cannabis Resource Fair
The fair will cover all things cannabis - from laws for possession and consumption, to licensing for businesses, expungement provisions, employment opportunities and other topics. There will be 6 breakout sessions with panelists from leading cannabis industry experts, to regulators, funding institutions, criminal justice reform advocates and many more. Follow the link below for more details about the event and to register for any of the breakout sessions.
Where: UIC Forum (Roosevelt Rd. and Halsted Ave.)
When: Saturday, February 1st from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
CPD Community Conversations on Policies
Take a leadership role in shaping Chicago Police Department policies and procedures. To read more about the policy topics, RSVP, request reasonable accommodations, or submit comments if you are not able to attend, please contact the Office of Community Policing at 312-745-5900, your local CPD CAPS Office or visit www.chicagopolice.org.
Tuesday, February 4th - 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Truman College (1145 W. Wilson Ave.)
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Wed., February 5th - 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Kennedy King College (740 W. 63rd St.) |
Thursday, February 6th - 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
JLM Abundant Life Center (2622 W. Jackson) |
Saturday, February 8th - 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Daley College (7500 S. Pulaski Rd.) |
City Treasurer Town Hall Meetings
The Office of the Chicago City Treasurer will be hosting a series of investment town halls during the month of February to ensure residents have an opportunity to learn how their taxpayer dollars are invested and to highlight the various economic development investments made and resources offered by the Office in 2020. The town halls will also feature products and programs available through our partnering financial institutions for residents seeking small business loans.
To RSVP for the town halls, please visit the specific link below for the town hall nearest you:
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Central: Tuesday, February 4th, from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St.- Council Chambers, 2nd Floor
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West: Saturday, February 8th, from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at Michele Clark High School, 5101 W. Harrison St.
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South: Saturday, February 22nd, from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at Englewood STEM School, 6835 S. Normal Blvd.
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North: Saturday, February 29th, from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at Albany Park Branch Library, 3401 W. Foster Ave.
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Census Community Forums
The Chicago City Council is hosting a series of Census Forums throughout the city to educate residents on what's at stake for the 2020 Census. Come to one of these events to learn more about applying for Census jobs and helping your community. Food and family entertainment will be provided.
Where: Juarez High School (2150 S. Laflin St.)
When: Wednesday, February 5th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm |
Where: Chicago Tabernacle (3231 N. Cicero Ave.)
When: Monday, February 10th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm |
Long Term Care: Who Will Pay?
The Circuit Court of
Cook
County
's
Elder
Justice
Center
, as part of its Free Senior Enrichment Seminar Series, presents "Long Term Care: Who Will Pay." The meeting will cover the nature and cost of long-term care, what Medicare covers, and the role of long-term care insurance. To register, please call 312-603-9233.
Where: Richard J. Daley
Center (50 W. Washington, Room 2005)
When: Thursday, February 6th from noon to 1:30 pm
Droplet! 2020
Droplet is a one-day program that invites high school students to the University of Chicago for classes on a wide variety of topics, from doodling to programming circuits to music and identity.
The classes are designed and taught by students at UChicago who want to share their knowledge and passion with others. There is no cost to attend, and and UChicago provides free pizza lunch!
To learn more, visit
https://splashchicago.learningu.org
.
Where: Harper Hall (1116 E. 59th St.) and Noyes Hall (1212 E. 59th St.)
When: Saturday, February 8th from noon to 4:00 pm
Teen Opportunity Fair 2020
Recreation, education and job readiness. This is an opportunity for teens ages 13 to 19 to learn about programs and get information in the following fields: recreation, educational/vocational opportunities and job readiness. Advance registration is encouraged at www.chicagoparkdistrict.com.
Where: Truman College (1145 W. Wilson Ave.)
When: Saturday, February 15th from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Augmented Reality Mural
The mural will incorporate augmented reality to connect digital and physical spaces to educate visitors on historic Bronzeville and its smart energy future. Hear from ComEd, Gallery Guichard, the local artists and the students from Little Black Pearl who are working to develop the mural to showcase Bronzeville's rich culture and ComEd's vision for a smart city and how its smart energy future will help it meet the challenges of climate change.
Where: South Side Community Arts Center (3831 S. Michigan Ave.)
When: Saturday, February 15th at 2:00 pm
Financial Self Defense
Whether you are making mortgage payments, have paid off your home, or simply need to improve your finances, this workshop will prepare you for financial security. Learn how to choose the best home insurance plan, reduce your monthly household debt and avoid predatory/discriminatory utility scams. Register
here or call 773-329-4013 for assistance.
Where: NHS South Side Hub (639 E. 87th St.)
When: Tuesday, February 18th from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
Medicare: Understanding the Basics
The Circuit Court of
Cook
County
's
Elder
Justice
Center
, as part of its Free Senior Enrichment Seminar Series, presents "Medicare: Understanding the Basics." The meeting will cover Medicare eligibility and costs, Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Part D, Medicare Supplement Insurance, and Medicare assistance programs for low-income residents. To register, please call 312-603-9233.
Where: Richard J. Daley
Center (50 W. Washington, Room CL-115)
When: Thursday, February 20th from noon to 1:30 pm
Black Chicago Aspires for Residential Security: Battling the Restrictive Covenant 1927-1948
In 1940, a "Colored Restriction Agreement" went into effect prohibiting "any person found to have 1/8 part or more negro blood, or any person generally considered to be a colored person" from residing in an area bounded by Roosevelt Road on the north, Cermak Road on the south, the alley west of State Street on the west, and the Illinois Central Railroad Tracks on the east. These restrictive covenants were all too common in Chicago and across the country until they were outlawed by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1948.
This presentation will address the impact of restrictive covenants and will be given by Dr. Christopher R. Reed, professor emeritus of history at Roosevelt University, and recognized as "the Dean of Black Chicago History" for his numerous books and articles and his work within the Black Chicago History Forum.
Following the presentation, a panel discussion will address issues facing African Americans and other minorities in the real estate arena, both locally and nationally.
Where: 2nd Presbyterian Church (1936 S. Michigan Ave.)
When: Sunday, February 23rd at 1:30 pm
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Important Announcements
South Loop Event Parking Restrictions
Parking restrictions are in place for the South Loop from Roosevelt Road to Cermak Rd. from Lake Shore Drive to Clark St. during all Chicago Bears football games and many other Soldier Field events.
Wintrust Arena events have been removed from the parking restrictions. Vehicles parked in the South Loop without a valid South Loop Event Parking Pass, South Loop Event Guest Pass or Residential Permit Parking pass (for Residential Permit Parking Streets ONLY) are subject to ticketing or towing.
For a complete list of Soldier Field events, please visit
www.SoldierField.net/event. The 3rd Ward is providing the list below as a courtesy to residents and visitors and does not assume liability for the accuracy of the monthly list of South Loop events. All Soldier Field events are subject to change, including cancellation or the scheduling of additional events. It is your responsibility to adhere to the parking restrictions in place.
| DePaul Women's Basketball vs. Providence - Sunday, Feb. 2nd at 1:00 pm |
DePaul Men's Basketball vs. Xavier - Tuesday, February 4th at 8:00 pm |
| NBA All-Star Celebrity Game - Friday, February 14th at 6:00 pm |
NBA All-Star Practice & Media Day - Saturday, Feb. 15th from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm |
| DePaul Men's Basketball vs. Villanova - Wednesday, February 19th at 8:00 pm |
DePaul Men's Basketball vs. Georgetown - Saturday, Feb. 22nd at 8:00 pm |
| AEW Revolution - Saturday, February 29th at 6:00 pm |
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Tax Prep Chicago
Chicago's 2020 free
tax
preparation assistance program kicks off this month with 15 locations citywide to help Chicagoans get millions of dollars in income
tax refunds.
Families earning up to $56,000 or individuals earning up to $30,000 are eligible to take advantage of the free and confidential
Tax
Prep assistance at 15 sites across
Chicago. Volunteer
tax preparers certified through IRS-approved training will assist residents with federal and state income
tax returns. Most sites are open between early-February and mid-April 2020, but please refer to the links below for specific information on the location and hours of the sites.
This year, eligible Chicagoans could receive up to $7,737 from the federal and state Earned Income
Tax Credits alone, depending on certain qualifications, in addition to other credits. But many people may not claim all the credits they deserve without the help of knowledgeable preparers.
For more information about how to access free
tax assistance, Chicagoans can:
* Call the City's 311 helpline
* Visit the IRS at
www.irs.gov and type "free
tax help" in the search box or call (800) 829-
1040 I (800) 829-4059 (TDD)
Property
Tax Bills Due March 3rd
The Cook County Property
Tax bill is due March 3, 2020.
Tax bills show taxpayers the debt of every local government that levies
taxes on their homes and other real estate, helping explain where your
taxes go to. On the front of every bill is a section called "Taxing District Debt and Financial Data" which shows you detailed information for each taxing district. The First Installment is always 55 percent of the prior year's total
taxes. Property owners can download a copy of the new
tax bill by going to
www.cookcountytreasurer.com.
Neighborhood Opportunity Fund Accepting Applications
In 2016, the City of Chicago revised the Zoning Code to leverage funds generated by new development in and around the Loop to catalyze investment in Chicago's West, Southwest and South Sides. The Neighborhood Opportunity Fund uses these funds to support commercial corridors in Chicago's underserved neighborhoods. Business and property owners may apply for grant funding to pay for the construction or rehabilitation of real estate and projects that support new or expanding businesses or cultural assets.
Click here to apply for NOF grants up to $250,000. The application will be open until
F
ebruary 29, 2020
.
Applications for grants more than $250,000 are currently CLOSED.
South Chicago Dance Theater
Registration is open for South Chicago Dance Theater's winter session. Learn ballet, modern, jazz, and tap while taking exciting field trips and meeting potential mentors. Partial and full scholarships are available. To learn more visit
www.southchicagodancetheater.com.
Logan Center Matinee Series
Teachers and students are invited to participate in the robust seventh season of the Logan Center School Matinee Program, which features FREE matinees for elementary to high school students in the state-of-the-art Performance Hall at the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts at the University of Chicago.
Each school may request up to two free buses
and 90 free tickets for four performances this season.
School Matinee Reservations
Please make reservations by
completing the ticket and bus request form
or by contacting the Logan Center Community Arts team by phone 773.702.5146 or email:
[email protected]
.
Visit
schoolmatinees.uchicago.edu
for a complete listing of matinees. The Logan Center handles all free travel arrangements, and we most often use Sunrise Transportation. Due to space limitations, we do not have the capacity to accommodate schools for lunch following the school matinee except on special occasions.
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February CAPS
Attending and participating in the Chicago Police's Community Policing Program (CAPS) is one of the best ways to address crime and quality of life issues in your neighborhood. By attending CAPS meetings, you can share important information with the police that will assist them in making arrests and preventing crime as well as receive valuable information about resources that promote homeowner and community safety. Visit
www.chicagopolice.org
to find out what district you live in and click on each district title to learn more about what is happening in your neighborhood.
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1st District
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7th District
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2nd District
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131/132
Tuesday, February 18th @ 6:30 pm
1st District
(1718 S. State St.)
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133
Tuesday, February 18th @ 6:30 pm
1st District
(1718 S. State St.)
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711
Tuesday, February 25th at 6:30 pm
Primo Center
(6212 S. Sangamon)
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211
Monday, February 10th @ 6:30 pm College of Opt. (3240 S. Indiana)
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212/214
Tuesday, February 4th @ 6:30 pm
Mandrake Park
(3858 S. Cottage)
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213/215/224
Tuesday, February 25th @ 6:30 pm
St. Elizabeth's
(4058 S. Michigan)
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221/223
Tuesday, February 18th @ 6:30 pm
King Center
(4314 S. Cottage Grove Ave.)
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225/231
Thursday, February 6th @ 6:30 pm
Washington Park Fieldhouse
(5531 S. King Dr.)
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9th District
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915
Tuesday, February 11th @ 6:30 pm
9th District Station
(3120 S. Halsted)
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924
No Meeting in February
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931/933
T
hursday, February 13th @ 6:00 pm
Cornell Square Park (1809 W. 50th St.)
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925
Wednesday, February 19th @ 6:00 pm
St. Gabriel's
(4500 S. Wallace)
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934/935
Tuesday, February 18th @ 6:00 pm
Sherman Park
(1301 W. 52nd)
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