After receiving FDA authorization on September 22, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended a single booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine at least six months after completing an initial Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine series for all four of the below groups:

The CDC/ACIP recommendations currently only apply to individuals who received a Pfizer primary series. No booster recommendations have been made for individuals who received a Moderna or J&J primary series.

Alderman Dowell hosted a document shredding event at the True Rock Ministry (57 E. 16th St.) on Saturday, October 2nd. Thank you to partner Midway Moving and Storage for providing the shredding services, Pastor Earl Grandberry for hosting, State Rep. Lamont Robinson, and to 3rd Ward Staff Allyson Allison, Lucy Macedo, and Anthony Lindsey for assisting residents in safely and securely shredding their documents.

All residents who came to the event were offered free, on-site shredding where they were able to watch their documents get loaded and securely shredded in Midway's mobile shredding truck. Professional shredding services are not only a great way to dispose of your personal documents safely, but a wonderful way to spring clean!

As a proud sponsor of the event, Alderman Dowell started her morning by joining numerous runners for the 2nd Annual Bronzeville 5K Run Walk at Armstrong Park. Big thank you and congratulations to race organizers Valane and LaTrina Spaulding for their energy and commitment to our neighborhood.

As the Alderman of the 3rd Ward, Alderman Dowell participates in the ward mapping process for the City of Chicago. New ward maps for the entire City must be redrawn every 10 years, in conjunction with the decennial Census, to reapportion each ward to equal population. This ensures each resident of every ward is represented equally in City Council.

Aldermen are tasked with going block-by-block through the City to determine exact boundaries for each ward, attempting to ensure both equal population, and the fair representation of minority residents in City Council. The new ward map must be finalized by December 1st.

The September 2021 City Council meeting was a busy one for the 3rd Ward. During the meeting, the City passed the financing package and land sale for the 43 Green mixed use housing/retail development at 43rd St. and Calumet Ave. 43 Green is a transit-oriented, mixed-use commercial and residential development anchored by the 43rd St. Green Line station. Led by a joint venture between Bronzeville-based P3 markets and the Habitat Company, the development will directly invest over $100 million in the historic Bronzeville neighborhood and will consist of 99 residential apartments (51% affordable housing, 49% market rate units) with ground Level Retail accessible from 43rd St.

In addition, zoning approval for a new housing construction at 1400 S. Wabash Ave. and 3920-32 S. Calumet Ave. was approved by City Council. The property at 1400 S. Wabash Ave. will feature a new 299-unit tower developed by CMK Companies, who also developed the nearby tower just north on Wabash Ave. The developers of 3920-32 S. Calumet Ave. will construct seven (7) 3-story 3 dwelling unit masonry residential buildings with three-car parking garages.

Alderman Dowell was also proud to support new minority concession agreements at O'Hare Airport and the appointment of 3rd Ward resident Myetie Hamilton to the Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners.

Finally, on the school front, 3rd Ward resident and former CPS CEO Dr. Janice Jackson was honored for her stellar service and stewardship of our City's school system, and Kennedy King College (Dawson Technical Institute at 39th and State St.) was recognized as one of the nation’s top ten community colleges and #1 in Illinois.

Another Bronzeville happening! The opening of Hatch 41 a spacious, bright co-working space at 4131 South State Street. Congrats to Stephen Mitchell, Esq. on his newest venture. To sign up for a tour or to become a member, please go to www.hatch41.com.

Congratulations to Jamal Junior on the opening of his new business Williams Inn Pizza at 2210 South Michigan Avenue in the 3rd Ward. For great pizza and a great atmosphere drop on by! Information and a menu can be found at https://www.williamsinnpizza.com/

The eviction moratorium entered by Gov. Pritzker is scheduled to end this Sunday, October 3rd. Even though the eviction moratorium is coming to a close, there is help, both legal and financial, to keep residents in their homes.

More details and additional resources for renters can be found at Chicago.gov/Eviction.

Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) visited 45th St. and Princeton Ave. for the last block of repaving where they announced that the Department has reached the milestone of more than 100 miles of arterial and residential streets resurfaced in Chicago during the 2021 construction season. CDOT Crews are working on the next 100 of miles of paving for this construction season with funding provided through the Chicago Works Capital Plan.

The five-year Chicago Works Capital Plan was approved by the City Council last November and will provide an additional $3.7 billion to improve quality of life for all Chicago residents by investing in sustainable transportation infrastructure and City facilities in all 77 communities. The plan relies on data and an equity lens to guide investments that are expected to put thousands of Chicagoans back to work helping the City recover from the Covid-19 Pandemic and addressing a decades-long backlog of infrastructure needs.

Windy City RE's property at 2245 S. Michigan Ave. in the 3rd Ward has received a 2021 “Chicago Landmark Award for Preservation Excellence." The awards, established in 1999, are presented annually to individuals, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and public agencies that have worked to preserve Chicago's architectural and cultural heritage. The winners were chosen from dozens of projects reviewed by the Landmarks Commission’s Permit Review Committee over the last year.

Netsync is providing notification for proposed fiber optic installation construction projects at the following locations: 44th St. and Prairie Ave, Pershing Rd. and Giles Ave., and Cermak Rd. and Indiana Ave. Work consists of the installation of communications manholes. This project comes as an effort by Netsync to build up their infrastructure in order to bring advanced fiber optic connectivity within the Chicago Public Schools system. This build is scheduled for Q4 2021.

MCI is providing notification for a proposed fiber optic installation construction project at Pershing Rd. and State St. Work consists of the installation of advanced fiber optic cable. This project comes as an effort by MCI to build up their infrastructure in order to bring advanced fiber optic connectivity in the neighborhood. This build is scheduled for Q4 2021.

In accordance with CDOT/OUC requirements, ComEd is providing notification for a proposed conduit installation projects in the 3rd Ward at: 41st St. and Wabash Ave., and Wabash Ave. from 37th St. to 39th St.

The proposed 607 linear feet of 3-5” Conduits will be installed via open cut trench beginning at the ComEd manhole located at 41st St. and Wabash Ave. and continues north along Wabash Ave. to 41st St. There is also a proposed 107 linear feet of 3-5” conduit to be installed via open cut trench at the south side of the 37th St and Wabash Ave. intersection.

The second project will begin at the ComEd manhole located at Pershing Rd. and Wabash Ave. and continues north along Wabash Ave. to 38th St. There is also a proposed 107 linear feet of 3-5” conduit to be installed via open cut trench at the south side of the 37th St. and Wabash Ave intersection.

All cuts will be fully restored upon completion. ComEd is projecting this work will be completed Q4 2021.

Safe Chicago is a new public safety program to improve the safety of Chicago residents and municipal employees by making life-saving equipment readily available at City facilities as well as offering training on this life-saving equipment.

This new program will provide bleeding control kits at every occupied, City-owned or leased facility. The City have already installed 426 kits in 269 locations to date. One wall-mounted kit is designed to treat 8 victims before EMS arrives and can bridge the gap between initial life-threatening injury and EMS arrival. Items inside each bleeding control kit include a tourniquet, combat gauze, trauma shears, gloves, and an instruction manual. As part of this initiative, the City will offer in-person training beginning this fall, on how to identify, treat, and stop life-threatening injuries before first responder’s arrival. Training for City employees will be optional and free.

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. 

To help businesses facing acute operational impacts due to COVID-19, 521 grants totaling more than $24 million have been provided to small businesses in 146 cities across the state. The first wave of funds provided through this program support an array of diverse businesses representing industries and geographies hardest hit by the pandemic, and with more than half of the grants provided to minority-owned businesses across Illinois.

To help restore operational losses incurred during the pandemic, the B2B program will provide grants ranging in size from $5,000 to $150,000, commensurate with losses experienced. The administration will continue to accept applications for B2B grants through October 13, 2021. Eligible businesses are encouraged to apply before the October 13 deadline by visiting the DCEO website.

Still enrolling individuals 18-24 years old. Jobs pay $15 per hour. Public Image Partnership is a nonprofit organization which has served the needs of Chicagoland residents for over 20 years. They implement employment services for underserved and unemployed youth and adults. Call 773-374-7756 to make an appointment today!

Join Elvin J. Carey Living Memorial and Progressive Community Church for a food giveaway. Must register onsite and bring you own shopping bags.

Where: Progressive Community Church (56 E. 48th St.)

When: Monday, October 4th from 4:00 pm until the food is gone

From October to July, 300 volunteers are needed to sign up 1000 qualifying women for free mammograms via online form. Each volunteer would only have to sign up 3-4 women. Training will be provided. Information and volunteer sign up links will be provided at the kick-off. Questions? Call 773-688-9168.

Where: Register at https://bit.ly/VOLUNTEER-KICK-OFF-EVENT

When" Monday, October 4th at 7:00 pm

Learn about the home buying process such as the basics of budgeting, improving credit, understanding

the closing process and down payment assistance programs. This is an eight-hour course delivered in four

2-hour sessions.

When: Wednesday, October 6th at 6:00 pm (link to register), Saturday, October 2nd at 9:00 am (link to register)

Whether you are planning to purchase a home or simply need to improve your finances, this webinar will

prepare you for financial security. Learn How To: develop a spending plan, reduce your debt, and

increase your credit score.

When: Tuesday, October 5th at 6:00 pm (link to register), Thursday, October 19th at 6:00 pm (link to register)

Get a better understanding of budgeting, saving, credit and money management. Presented by the Chicago Urban League. For more information, please contact 773-285-1500.

Where: Register for the event here

When: Thursday, October 7th from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm

Quinn Chicago is hosting a prayer walk in the park to share the gospel, connect, offer encouragement and de-stigmatize mental health. After the walk, refreshments, a panel discussion and a tour of the historic Quinn Chapel will be offered.

Where: National Teachers Academy (55 W. Cermak Rd.)

When: Saturday, October 9th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Tired of renting? Ready to purchase? The homebuying process is complex and can be a little confusing. The Homebuyer Education Series is designed to help homebuyers prepare for the process of purchasing a home and to navigate the challenges of becoming a new homeowner. Call 773-451-3610 for more information..

When: Homebuyer Part One (Tuesday, October 12th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm), Homebuyer Part Two (Thursday, October 14th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm)

Join the CTA for a presentation with the recruitment team. Lean more about roles across all six lines of business: maintenance infrastructure, administration, operations, law and technology.

Where: Register at https://form.jotform.com/workforce_connections/cta

When: Thursday, October 14th from 10:00 am to 11:00 am

Participate in a two-part series conversation to create the 2nd and/or the 9th District's 2022 Strategic Plan. Let's make a difference in our neighborhoods together!

Where: Register here. Meeting ID 843 2415 5787. Passcode 423177.

When: Thursday, October 14th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Where: Register here. Meeting ID 867 5764 0224. Passcode 435290

When: Wednesday, October 13th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Educare Chicago is hosting a free day packed with fun and community resource information. At the fair you can have your child screened for eligibility for enrollment, enjoy arts and crafts, games, a petting zoo and pony rides, community resources and health and safety presentations. Questions, call 773-924-2334.

Where: 5025 S. State St.

When: Saturday, October 16th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

From PreK to high school, what you need to know about the application process. The event will review: account setup, school options, deadlines, how to research, site navigation, and more.

Where: Register for the Zoom meeting here

When: Saturday, October 16th at 6:00 pm

It's that time again! Commissioner Larry Rogers Jr. is hosting a virtual property tax appeal forum for the taxpayers of South Chicago. Learn how to apply to potentially have your taxes reduced!

Where: Register here

When: Tuesday, October 19th at 6:30 pm

This free event will feature a keynote address, webinars, city license experts, networking, exhibitors, and business resources. For more information or to register visit www.ChiSmallBizExpo.com.

Where: Virtual

When: Thursday, October 21st from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm

Brand new winter coats will be distributed to children in CHA Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher households. A service fair with resources and giveaways is planned as well. All CDC, State of Illinois and City of Chicago public health guidance will be followed. Residents must pre-register at https://coats.thecha.org to receive coats. Questions? Call 312-786-3621.

Where: UIC Forum (725 W. Roosevelt Rd.)

When: Saturday, October 23rd

Dr. Lilla Fernandez, author of Brown in the Windy City, will share the story of the Mexican American and Puerto Rican migration to the Windy City. This is the first history to examine the migration and settlement of Mexicans and Puerto Ricans in postwar Chicago.

Where: Register for the Zoom meeting here

When: Thursday, October 28th from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm

Mortgage late? Don't wait, avoid foreclosure. Presented by the Chicago Urban League. For more information, please call 773-285-1500.

Where: Register for the virtual event here

When: Thursday, October 28th from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Mox.E Women emerged from an envisioned world where fully empowered women are fulfilling their purpose. All transformation and growth starts at an individual or cellular level. We want to ignite women to awaken to their power and Emerge transformed and Empowered and ready to Expand their sphere of influence to the larger community. This is what our conference will focus on. Sign up at https://moxewomen.com.

When: Saturday, October 30th from 8:00 am to 2:30 pm

This month's 3rd Ward Star is Elaine Spencer who has been selected as a 2021 Fellowship Hero! Fellowship Heroes are members doing exemplary work in the church, their community, and/or career.

This year's Fellowship Heroes were celebrated on Sunday, September 26th at 10:00 am at a special ceremony in their honor which was broadcast on Facebook Live, YouTube Live and Fellowship Church's website (https://fellowshipchicago.com/). Please join Alderman Dowell and the 3rd Ward staff in recognizing Ms. Spencer on this wonderful achievement.