CDPH Recommends Getting COVID-19 and Flu Vaccines for Holidays

Chicago has shifted back into the Medium COVID-19 Community Level according to the latest Community Level metrics. Combined with a surge in respiratory viruses and the onset of flu season, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) reminds all residents that it is critical to get the updated COVID-19 booster as well as a seasonal flu shot as soon as possible.  Young children and older adults are both at higher risk of severe outcomes like hospitalization and death from influenza and should be vaccinated to prevent such outcomes.

The CDC reports an increase in RSV and RSV-associated emergency department visits and hospitalizations in much of the U.S., with some regions nearing seasonal peak levels. RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious, especially for infants and older adults. Sign up to get your vaccines here.

3rd Ward Town Hall Meeting - 13th and Indiana Intersection and Public Safety Update

Alderman Pat Dowell is welcoming the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) to discuss potential infrastructure and operational improvements to the intersection at 13th St. and Indiana Ave. Previously—per CDOT’s Recommendation—Alderman Dowell authorized the installation of a raised intersection at the location. This meeting will discuss additional potential improvements designed to increase pedestrian and traffic safety at the intersection.

Additionally, Alderman Dowell will be joined by the Commander of the 1st Police District and the Commander of the Mass Transit Unit to provide updates on neighborhood public safety. To register for this virtual event, click here.

When: Thursday, December 8th at 6:00 pm

Take the Red Line Extension Survey!!

Alderman Dowell is asking 3rd Ward residents to participate in a survey regarding the proposed CTA Red Line Extension project. This project will affect 3rd Ward residents by creating a new Red Line Extension TIF district that will cover parts of the South Loop and Bronzeville communities. It will also open up new possibilities for riders looking to be connected to newly CTA-serviced communities south of the existing 95th St. terminal.

Questions about the survey, Red Line extension, or TIF district can be directed to the 3rd Ward Public Service Office at 773-373-9273 or [email protected]. For details on the CTA Red Line Extension project and to take the survey, click here.

3rd Ward Christmas Toy Drive

It's time for Alderman Dowell's annual Christmas Toy Drive. Please bring new, unopened toys you would like to donate to the 3rd Ward Public Service Office at 5046 S. State St. The office will be accepting donations through Monday, December 12th. Help us make someone's Christmas extra special!! Call 773-373-9273 with any questions.

Alderman Dowell's Resolution to Make Central Vote Centers Permanent Passes City Council

In order to increase voter access during elections, Alderman Dowell authored a resolution asking the State of Illinois to make Central Vote Centers permanent. Central Vote Centers are locations where voters are allowed to vote regardless of their precinct. So, for example, a resident living in Bronzeville can vote at a Central Vote Center located near their work in the Loop during early voting and on election day.

The Illinois General Assembly passed legislation in 2021 requiring all election authorities to establish Central Vote Centers, and extended this legislation through the 2022 General Election. However, without further action by the state, the law allowing Central Vote Centers would expire on January 1, 2023, meaning these important voter access points would be lost for the upcoming February 2023 Municipal Election.

Every Chicago resident should be able to easily vote in every election, whether it's at their home precinct or at a convenient Central Vote Center. That is why Alderman Dowell authored this resolution asking for the law to be made permanent. The resolution passed City Council on November 4, 2022 with unanimous aldermanic support, and the support of the Chicago Board of Elections Commissioners.

CTA Refresh and Renew in the 3rd Ward

The Chicago Transit Authority, per Alderman Dowell's request, has undertaken beatification and safety upgrades to stations that service the 3rd Ward. The CTA's Refresh and Renew program worked to improve the 51st St. Green Line Station, the Cermak/Chinatown Red Line Station, and the 47th St. Red Line Station. Specific upgrades include:

• 51st St. Green Line Station - new under-track lighting, new in-station lighting, new decorative garbage cans, station floor resurfacing, new bike racks, better placement of the large garbage bins away from commuters.
• Cermak/Chinatown Red Line Station - new track-level lighting and viaduct lights, new under-track grates to prevent falling debris, refreshed outdoor planters, new lights for the bus shelters.
• 47th St. Red Line Station - new lights for the bus shelters, upgraded station entrances with new lights.

47th St. Red Line Station

Ordinance to Rename Clark House Museum the Clark/Ford House Gets City Council Approval

Alderman Pat Dowell and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events were honored to work with members of the South Loop and historic preservation communities to rename the Clark House Museum (1827 S. Indiana Ave.), the Henry B. and Caroline Clark/Bishop Louis Henry and Margaret Ford House (Clark/Ford House). The Clark/Ford house is Chicago's oldest house, and now its name appropriately honors the two families that were integral to the building's legacy. The renaming was passed with Alderman Dowell's strong support during the November 16, 2022 City Council Meeting.

Originally constructed by Henry B. and Caroline Clark in 1836, the house has moved several times within the City, and was purchased by Bishop Louis Henry and Margaret Ford in 1941. The Ford's are credited with saving the house from ruin, and used the building as a home for their family and church offices. In 1977 the building was purchased by the City and moved to its current location inside Women's Park and Gardens (1801 S. Indiana Ave.) where is was turned into a museum.

Currently undergoing a $1 million renovation, the updated Clark/Ford House will expand its offerings to include additional community programming, event space, and job-training initiatives - more in line with Bishop Ford's vision for the property. To learn more about the Clark/Ford house, click here.

POD Camera Installation - Cermak Rd. and Wabash Ave.

Alderman Dowell and the Office of Public Safety and Administration would like to inform residents of the installation of a new POD camera on the northeast corner of Cermak Rd. and Wabash Ave. POD cameras are critical tools in the City's public safety arsenal that assist the police and other public safety officials prevent, analyze and respond to crime in our community. Because of Alderman Dowell's work as Chairman of the Committee on the Budget and Government Operations, there is now dedicated, independent funding for the installation of POD cameras in all of Chicago's 50 wards. As new cameras are installed, Alderman Dowell will be sure to alert the community immediately.

Provident Hospital Accepting Ambulance Runs

On October 19th, after an 11-year pause, Provident Hospital (500 E. 51st St.) has once again began accepting ambulance runs. Cook County has invested more than $8 million to renovate Provident Hospital over the last few years, including upgrades to the Emergency Department, expanding med/surg capacity, reopening the intensive care unit, installing a new MRI, and opening an outpatient dialysis center. These investments allow the hospital to once again serve the community's emergency ambulance needs.

Currently, Provident sees approximately 19,000 emergency visits each year. With the new ambulance service, this number is expected to rise by a few thousand annually, with an equal increase in inpatient admissions. More information on Provident and services offered at the hospital can be found here.

Residential Lighting Projects - Prairie from 45th to 47th, Plymouth and Federal from Roosevelt to 14th

The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) has provided the following updates to residential lighting projects in the 3rd Ward. For the project on Prairie Ave. from 45th St. to 47th St., CDOT are pulling cables in and should be installing light poles shortly. Estimated completion for this project is the end of December.

On both Federal St. and Plymouth Ct. from Roosevelt Rd. to 14th St., CDOT has advised Alderman Dowell's office that the project will be constructed in 2023 due to ongoing supply chain issues and weather related delays.

47th St. and Vincennes Ave. - ComEd Conduit Installation

Commonwealth Edison has requested the installation of 8111 feet of conduit on 47th St. going east starting at Vincennes Ave. The purpose of this infrastructure work is to increase ComEd service in the area. Construction is planned to begin in Q4 2022. When a schedule for the work is established, it will be posted publicly by ComEd and sent out by the 3rd Ward Public Service Office.

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.com/events/all. 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. 

Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers

Sunday, December 4th at noon

Chicago Bears vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Sunday, December 18th at noon

Chicago Bears vs. Buffalo Bills

Saturday, December 24th at noon

ComEd Payment and Energy Efficiency Programs

The ComEd Energy Efficiency Program offers a FREE home energy assessment where customers receive personalized savings recommendations, plus FREE and discounted energy-saving products. If your home and household income meet qualifying guidelines, you may be eligible for free weatherization services as well. To schedule your free home energy assessment go to ComEd.com/WaysToSave.

ComEd also offers the following payment and assistance options:

• Deferred Payment Arrangements (DPA) - A Deferred Payment Arrangement is available if you have a past-due balance, have not defaulted off a previous DPA in the past 12 months, and the service has not been disconnected for down payment. Make a down payment on the amount owed, and the balance is paid through installments to your regular monthly bill.
• LIHEAP/PPP - LIHEAP is a federal program that provides a one-time grant to help income-eligible residents with energy bills. PIPP places customers on a Budget Billing plan that is subsidized by a monthly PIPP benefit amount, determined by a percentage of household income.
• Budget Billing - Budget Billing provides a predictable monthly payment based on your electricity usage during the last 12 months. You'll know exactly what you'll pay each month to help you manage your budget. To enroll in this program go to ComEd.com/BillingOptions.

Learn more about these programs and check eligibility requirements at ComEd.com/PaymentAssistance.

Your Cook County Property Tax Bill is Now Available

Cook County’s Second Installment property tax bills have been posted at cookcountytreasurer.com, where bills can be viewed, downloaded and paid with no added surcharge.

Property tax payments are due Dec. 30. You can download your tax bill and make a payment by visiting cookcountytreasurer.com and following these steps:

• Select the blue box labeled “Pay Online for Free”
• Enter your address or Property Index Number (PIN)

There is no fee if you pay online from your bank account. However, you can also print your bill and bring it to any Chase Bank location, including those outside Cook County. You can also pay at more than 100 community banks where you have an account or at the Treasurer’s Office. You may also use the website to:

• Download a copy of your Tax Bill
• Search $84 million in available refunds
• Check property tax exemptions, which can lower your taxes

Don't Bury Critical ComEd Equipment in the Snow

Residents and businesses may have ComEd transformers and/or switchgear on their property that may need to be accessed in the winter. Occasionally after a snowstorm, snow removal efforts will result in buried or blocked access to critical ComEd equipment. 

In order to be able to safely access the equipment if necessary, ComEd is asking anyone with equipment on their property to ensure that there is at least ten feet of open space in front of the equipment’s cabinet doors. Additionally, ComEd needs a foot of clearance on the remaining three sides of the equipment. Questions can be directed to ComEd at 1-800-EDISON-1

Environmental Improvements for Individuals with Asthma and COPD

The American Lung Association is able to offer FREE home assessments for individuals suffering from Asthma and COPD. During an assessment, staff will walk through a person's home, virtually or in-person, and offer suggestions of how to reduce the allergens and irritants that may be making lung disease worse. Staff can then provide supplies to reduce these allergens in the home. Schedule a visit by calling 312-445-2503 or 312-273-5891.

Christmas Card for Hospitalized Kids

Come into King Branch Library to help brighten up the day of a child who is hospitalized by creating an original Christmas Day card. Cards will be sent to the organization Card for Hospitalized Kids. The event is designed for kids 6 to 12 and their caregivers.

Where: King Branch Library (3436 S. King Dr.)

When: Thursday, December 1st from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm

Pre-Kwanzaa Marketplace

Africa International House's annual Pre-Kwanzaa Marketplace is a celebration that strives to unify families and communities guided by seven principles. This year, the fourth principle, “Ujamaa- Cooperative Economics” recognizes the interconnectedness and importance of working together as a people to achieve economic growth and self-reliance. Vendors, entertainers, workshop presenters at the event sponsored by Africa International House and other entities will illustrate the interconnectedness and determination necessary for economic viability.

Friday is “Senior Day,” (December 2nd 11am-8pm) at the event. Help our seniors stay connected and maintain their independence through programming that addresses their physical, economic, and social well-being.

Where: Harriet Harris Park (6200 S. Drexel Blvd.)

When: Friday, December 2nd and Saturday, December 3rd from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm

A Taste of the Nutcracker

Hyde Park School of Dance will perform scenes from Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet The Nutcracker based on the Hans Christian Anderson fairy tale. Meet the Nutcracker-Prince, Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy and other characters in this delightful production. This free program is recommended for all ages.

Where: King Branch Library (3436 S. King Dr.)

When: Saturday, December 3rd from 10:45 am to 11:15 pm

Physics with a BANG!

Physics with a BANG! is a free science event for all ages sponsored by the University of Chicago Materials Research Center. Shows are at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm with the demo alley open from noon to 4:00 pm. Additional program details can be found here.

Where: Kersten Physics Teaching Center (5720 S. Ellis Ave.)

When: Saturday, December 3rd from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm

SSCFCU Preparing for Homeownership

This class will teach first time home buyers how to prepare for homeownership and learn the important steps involved in the entire homebuying process. The South Side Community Federal Credit Union will help you learn how lenders assess your readiness to purchase a home to closing on a mortgage. Register for this virtual class here.

When: Saturday, December 3rd from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm

Free INFO SESSION - An Introduction to CTC Services

CTC staff will introduce our holistic and personalized approach to career transition services, including all the resources and ways we support professionals to navigate to new careers and jobs: including weekly coaching, training, peer support and access to new networks. We serve diverse professionals whatever your current job status may be: unemployed, or under-employed. Click here to register for this virtual event.

When: Monday, December 5th from 11:00 am to noon

NHS Home Buyer Education Webinar

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 two 4-hour sessions.

When: Saturday, December 3rd at 9:00 am (link to register) and Saturday, December 10th at 9:00 am (link to register)

NHS Financial Fresh Start Webinar

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, December 6th at 6:00 pm (link to register), and Tuesday, December 20th at 6:00 pm (link to register)

Teen Arts Showcase

University of Chicago's Arts and Public Life (APL) is hosting a free teen arts showcase featuring APL youth artists.

Where: Green Line Performing Arts Performing Arts Center (329 E Garfield Blvd.)

When: Friday, December 9th at 6:00 pm

2nd Illinois CS Opportunity Fair

Interested in studying Computer Science and working in Chicago's dynamic tech community? Join the Discovery Partners Institute for the 2nd IL CS Opportunity Fair! This event is designed for high school students and their families to hear from city colleges, universities and non-profit organizations about how CS and tech programs in Illinois can lead to exciting and high-paying job opportunities in Chicago. Register here.

Where: Illinois Tech - McCormick Tribune Campus Center (3201 S. State St.)

When: Saturday, December 10th from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm

Social Media Awareness Pt. II

Join the South Side Community Federal Credit Union for this virtual workshop for tips on the advantages and disadvantages of social media, how to set up social media accounts and tailor them for your use and security, best practices for online banking transactions, cell phones and its many uses, securing your computer and more. Register for this virtual event here.

When: Saturday, December 10th from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm

Renters Rights in the Winter

If you are a renter, please join NHS for this informative webinar to learn more about the Chicago Heat Ordinance, requesting maintenance, and evictions during the winter. Register here.

When: Tuesday, December 13th from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm

Time Management Strategies for Job Search

Having trouble managing all the tasks and action items involved in your job search? Don't know where to start? You're not alone. Job search can be daunting, with so many action items, along with everything else we have in our lives. This workshop will introduce a variety of time management models and hands-on exercises so you can customize a time management plan that works for your specific needs. Click here to register for this virtual event.

When: Thursday, December 22nd from noon to 1:00 pm

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.

1st District CAPS Meetings

Beat: 132

Date: December 21st at 6:00 pm

Location: For Zoom registration information, please email [email protected] or call

312-745-4381

2nd District CAPS Meetings

Beat: 213/215

Date: December 20th at 6:00 pm

Location Zoom Meeting ID: 890 0660 2371 Passcode: 5101

Beat: 221/223

Date: December 13th at 6:00 pm

Location: Zoom Meeting ID: 870 7383 9739 Passcode: 5101