Federal health officials have approved COVID-19 vaccines for children as young as 6 months old. Vaccines are the reason Chicago has continued to see record-low hospitalizations and deaths due to COVID-19 this spring and summer, despite a recent increase in cases.

Clinical trials found these vaccines to be safe and to protect children against severe illness from COVID-19. Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines at Chicago.gov/COVIDvax.

While CDPH recommends families first reach out to their pediatrician or family medical provider to see if appointments are available, there are also a number of clinics being hosted by the City and its community partners:

Need help finding a vaccine near you? Visit Vaccines.gov, a free, online service that you can use to search for pharmacies and providers or call the City’s COVID-19 call center at 312-746-4835. COVID-19 vaccines are free, no government-issued ID or insurance is required.

Communities across the nation are seeing an increase in Monkeypox (MPV) infections. Monkeypox spreads from person to person in different ways, primarily through direct contact with a rash or sore on someone infected with MPV. It can also spread through clothing, bedding/linens, or other materials used by a person infected with MPV, or through prolonged, face-to-face contact.

Symptoms usually start several days to 2 weeks after exposure, but may not appear for up to 21 days.

The most common symptom is a rash or sores that look like pimples or blisters. The rash may appear on one part of the body or across the body.

Two vaccines are currently licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prevent monkeypox infection. While supply is limited, Chicago's current focus is to administer vaccine to those at the highest risk of being exposed. Vaccines have been distributed to healthcare providers who directly reach out to eligible populations.

On Tuesday, August 2nd at 5:30 p.m., a LGBTQIA+ Virtual Town Hall MPV webinar will be hosted in partnership with Howard Brown Health, CDPH, BACP, and the Northalsted Business Alliance to hear the latest updates from Chicago’s health experts and to answer questions about the symptoms, spread and preventative methods for MPV. Here is the registration link.

For residents who may have questions about MPV, please call the Chicago Department of Public Health Call Center at 312-746-4835 or visit Chicago.gov/mpv.

It’s going down Saturday, August 27th at 11:00 am! Lunch with First Responders is a community block party with an obstacle course, water games, and old school games. Residents will be able to take pictures with fire fighters, police officers and their helpers. Presented by Alderman Pat Dowell, Alderman Derrick G. Curtis, Commissioner Bill Lowry, and State Representative Cyril Nichols. Hosted by the Black Fire Brigade Firehouse (5349 S. Wabash Ave.). RSVP here.

On Saturday, August 6th from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, enjoy a day of fun for you entire family! Get free school supplies, free food, music, games, raffles, vendors, giveaways, vaccinations, haircuts and more. Presented by Alderman Pat Dowell, the Chicago Urban League, the 2nd District CAPS office and the Department of Family and Support Services.

Alderman Dowell is partnering with Chicago City Clerk Anna Valencia to offer City Clerk's Office programs to residents' right in their community. At the Mobile City Hall, residents can get updated City of Chicago Vehicle Stickers, apply for a City Key, get their dogs registered and much more, without having to travel to City Hall or one of the Clerk's satellite offices.

The Mobile City Hall event will be at Taylor Park (39W. 47th St.) on Thursday, September 8th from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Please be sure to check www.chicityclerk.com to check what services will be offered, and to ensure you bring the proper documentation with you to the event.

Alderman Pat Dowell (3rd) has partnered with the Chicago Department of Public Health to host a FREE FLU SHOT clinic. Along with the flu shot, COVID-19 vaccines will be available for everyone 6 months and older. Boosters will be provided to those that are eligible (2nd MRNA booster  eligibility includes: adults 50+, immunocompromised individuals 12+ , people 18-49 who received both the Janssen primary and booster vaccine)

Wednesday, October 5th from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm

3rd Ward Public Service Office (5046 S. State St.)

COVID-19 safety protocols, including masking and social distancing will be in place for the event. For more information, please email [email protected] or call 773-373-9273.

As part of Chicago Public Schools' (CPS) annual capital plan and programmatic expansion efforts, many 3rd Ward schools are receiving substantial upgrades. These upgrades will not only improve the academic offerings at 3rd Ward schools, but aid in the physical transformation of the buildings to better serve students, teachers and neighborhood families. Upgrades include:

The Oakwood Boulevard Neighborhood Association (OBNA) invited Alderman Dowell and the D.O.M. development team to present their development located at 451 E. Pershing Rd. Thank you to the OBNA Board and all those in attendance for participating in this event.

The new development at 451 E. Pershing Rd. is a 5-story mixed used apartment building with 32 rental units and 4,300 sq. ft. of ground level retail space. The two building design will have masonry on all sides, and consist of 28 2-bedroom/2-bath units (1,100 sq. ft.), and 4 3-bedroom/3-bath units (1,400 sq. ft.). All units will have outdoor/balcony spaces and come with 1 internal parking spot (32 total parking spots on site). Construction is expected to take 12 months from the date the permit is issued.

D.O.M. is building this development as an as-of-right project, meaning no zoning change is needed and can be approved by the appropriate City departments without City Council approval. The developer will need approval from the Alderman for alley access, which will allow residents to access parking in their building from the alley. D.O.M. has extensive construction experience in the neighborhood, including developments at: 4300 S. Drexel Ave., 501-525 E. 43rd St., and 3792-3796 S. Langley Ave. Questions about the project can be directed to Alderman Dowell's office at [email protected] or at 773-373-9273.

The Chicago Bulls, in partnership with Bright Star Community Outreach, held a community give back event at Metcalfe Park (4143 S. State St.). The event helped to promote the TURN Center Trauma Assistance program and celebrate the memory of Darius Brown who at 13 year of age was gunned down at the park in 2011. Chicago Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu, childhood friend of Darius, came by to speak to the youth who were in attendance and present Pastor Chris Harris Sr. of Bright Star with a generous contribution to support their counseling helpline. Alderman Dowell has remained close to Stephanie Brown, Darius’ mother, who also attended the event. Ayo thank you for coming back and giving back!!

Park Boulevard Phase 3B consists of two (2) new five story residential buildings with a total of 40 units per building. Both buildings have two elevators, and dedicated interior and exterior parking spaces. The buildings will be located on 36th St. between Federal St. and Dearborn St. and 37th St. also between Federal St. and Dearborn St. The Park Boulevard Development is located at the former site of Stateway Gardens in the Bronzeville neighborhood. For construction and property rental updates, please visit www.parkboulevardiib.com/.

Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make the Dearborn Homes Fun Day a truly special and successful event for local families. Dearborn Homes residents were able to enjoy a day of food, games, a petting zoo, face painting, a book bag giveaway, golf and more. Every year this events gets bigger and better!

The Clear Path Relief Pilot Program (CPR) is designed to help low-income motorists eliminate old debt by requiring payment of only the original fine amount on tickets issued within the last 3 years. Additionally, any new tickets will have 50% ​of the amount due waived if paid ​in a timely​ manner and will not incur any fees or penalties until after December 31, 2023. Motorists are eligible if they have a household income less than or equal to 300% of the 2022 Federal Poverty Guidelines or are currently enrolled in Utility Billing Relief. Additional details on the benefits, eligibility, and application for CPR can be found here.

Fix-It Defense program: All motorists can now use a Fix-It Defense if they receive an expired city sticker or expired license plate violation and come into compliance.

If you have any questions or need further information, please visit here or call (312) 744-7275, Monday – Friday 7:00 am - 7:00 pm, except holidays.

The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) has inspected the Roosevelt Rd. bridge around 5 W. Roosevelt Rd. and determined that while everything is structurally safe, repairs to the bridge structure will be needed in the near future. The proposed project, which includes repairs to several of the pillars, is outside of the scope of CDOT's in-house unit, and will need to be contracted out to one of CDOT's private contract partners. CODT has prepared a final scope and cost proposal in preparation for the project to be assigned, but an estimated start date can not be provided at this time. As updates on this project become available, Alderman Dowell will share them with residents.

VanderCook College of Music, one of the leading collegiate music education programs in the nation, is pleased to announce the appointment of award-winning jazz educator Dr. Roosevelt Griffin to the faculty. Together with distinguished faculty including Director of Jazz Studies, Professor Anthony Kidonakis, and Professor of Vocal Jazz, Professor Michelle Thomas, Dr. Griffin's appointment expands VanderCook's unrivaled jazz education program. To read more about VanderCook and Dr. Roosevelt Griffin, click here.

At the midway point of 2022, the Illinois State Police (ISP) has reported that the total number of Chicago area expressway shootings are down 36% compared to this time last year. The number of non-fatal injury expressway shootings in the Chicago area are down 46% and the number of expressway homicides are down 90% compared to this time last year.

ISP continues to take a multifaceted approach to reduce violent crime, including: an increased ISP presence as part of the Chicago Anti-Violence Detail; instituting focused, strategic violent crime reduction missions and Proactive enforcement, engaging in multiple jurisdiction collaboration, operating a Unified Command, and rolling-out improved technology like advanced license plate readers and air operations.

Alderman Dowell has authorized the following road resurfacing projects in the 3rd Ward. These improvements are courtesy of the Aldermanic Menu Fund, which is an approximately $1.3 million annual appropriation that aldermen can spend to make needed infrastructure repairs in their wards. This is just a small portion of the projects that will be funded this year. As additional projects are approved, Alderman Dowell will announce them publicly.

Alderman Dowell and the Chicago Department of transportation are proud to announce the construction of a green alley in the alley bounded by: 48th St. to 48th Pl., from King Dr. to Vincennes Ave. Construction is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, August 10th, 2022 and is expected to take 4 weeks, weather permitting. Green alleys are concrete alleys that include improved drainage systems to help prevent garage and basement flooding.

During construction, residential garbage will be curbside. Please relocate garbage cans to the front of the property. There will be no access to the alley for the duration of the project. Access to garages from the alley will also be unavailable and homeowners are advised to seek alternative parking. Garage aprons will be replaced only as needed.

This project will be managed by the Chicago Department of Transportation. If additional

information regarding this project is needed, please contact 312-722-6590 

Through the Building a New Chicago infrastructure improvement program, the Department of Water Management (DWM) is installing a new sewer on 44th Pl. from Princeton Ave. to Shields Ave. (Project Number 7445)

Construction crews have begun preparing the site for the sewer installation, including the location and marking of other utility services. Construction equipment and materials have been placed in the area. The project will consist of several phases over the coming weeks.

Once the pipe has been installed, the street will be temporarily restored with concrete until complete restoration of the street with asphalt can be done. ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps will be repaired or installed where needed, along with repair of damaged parkway and sidewalk. The final restoration of the street will include milling the surface, placing new asphalt, and painting the street markings.

Before any project, the Department of Water Management (DWM) takes photographs of the street and surrounding properties. These photographs help them to restore the area to its preconstruction state. However, DWM does not assume responsibility for damage to privately installed parkway improvements, including sprinkling systems, fences, flower beds and shrubbery. New sewer construction is not complete until damaged sidewalks, parkways and streets have been repaired.

The restoration schedule is subject to change and may be impacted by adverse weather conditions. Asphalt is not available during winter months, which may delay the final restoration of the street. Any questions about this project can be directed to the 3rd Ward Public Service Office at [email protected] or at 773-373-9273.

The work has is ready to proceed and residents in the area will be contacted by the Resident Engineer regarding specific work location schedules. Work is estimated to last three months. Please note, work is performed in staggered stages, therefore DWM will not be on-site every day for the extended period described. As they begin lining the main sewers, residents will be provided with a letter/flyers with notification of the work for each project location. No parking signs will be posted in the immediate area a workday prior to the start of any scheduled work. It will be necessary to close some lanes, but the streets will remain open to traffic.

MCI is providing notification for a proposed construction project in the 3rd Ward. MCI has planned fiber optic conduit installation at Pershing Rd. and Federal St. This project comes as an effort by MCI to build up their infrastructure to bring advanced cellular technology to the area. This build is scheduled for Q3-2022. MCI will follow up with a construction schedule once the permits are authorized.

Neighborhoods that have a high number of privately-owned vacant lots routinely see cars parked/abandoned on those lots. These vehicles are a blight on neighborhoods. To combat this issue, Alderman Dowell co-sponsored an ordinance that allows the City to ticket and tow these vehicles, after the owner of the vehicle is given a sufficient amount of time to move the car themselves. The City of Chicago already has the ability to ticket and tow cars parked illegally on vacant City-owned lots.

Continuing her quest to stop dangerous and illegal motorcycle riding and drag racing, Alderman Dowell has co-sponsored an ordinance to allow the Chicago Police Department to impound cars engaged in this unlawful behavior even when an officer is not present at the time the violation is issued. Many times, Chicago Police Officers witness drag racing, but due to CPD chase and other department policies, can not ticket the owner at the time of the incident. This ordinance allows the police department to mail the vehicle owner a "notice to impound" which includes a police report of the incident and other pertinent factors. Impoundment can be contested before the Department of Administrative Hearings.

Participants in illegal street racing can be fined between $5,000 and $10,000. When a vehicle is impounded, the owner is required to be notified.

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. 

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced that expiration dates for driver’s licenses, ID cards and learner’s permits are being extended until December 1, 2022. The previous extension was set to end on July 31, 2022. As a result, expired driver’s licenses, ID cards and learner’s permits will remain valid until December 1, 2022, so customers do not need to rush into Driver Services facilities. This extension does not apply to commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) and CDL learner’s permits.

White’s office expanded online renewals for expired driver’s licenses and ID cards and continues to mail letters to eligible customers. The letter provides driver’s license and ID card holders with a unique PIN needed to renew online instead of visiting a facility and waiting in line. Customers may call 217-785-1424 to confirm their eligibility for online renewal or to obtain their PIN. They may also visit https://apps.ilsos.gov/renewaldlid/eligible.jsp to look up their eligibility status.

Customers who must visit a facility include first-time driver’s license or ID card applicants, first-time REAL ID applicants and drivers ages 75 and older who are required by state law to visit a facility when renewing their license.

Bright Star Community Outreach and the Turn Center offer a Trauma Helpline at 833-TURN 123 for anyone experiencing violence, COVID-19 stress, depression, grief/anger, abuse, self harm, or anything else that can be contributing to trauma. The helpline is open 9:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday through Friday. If you need help, please call.

A new University of Chicago fund designed to support and scale community and academic violence reduction efforts is now accepting applications through Sept. 1, 2022. The $15 million fund, which will support work over a period of three years, is part of the University’s broader efforts to improve community safety in a collaborative way, including both enhanced security measures and community-driven interventions to address the root causes of violence.

Proposals meeting the selection criteria will be accepted from University academics and nonprofit community organizations, and faculty/community partnerships will receive priority consideration. The fund’s first request for applications is now open. Applications are due Sept. 1, 2022, with Round 1 notification for pilot and scale applications planned for early October 2022. An information session will be held on Aug. 2 for community organizations interested in learning more about the fund and the selection criteria. Learn more at the Violence Intervention Fund website.

The Illinois State Police Merit Board is processing applications for the January 2023 class. The January class has the potential to include lateral candidates and non-lateral candidates. The deadline to apply for the January 2023 Class is August 15, 2022. Visit the Cadet Applicant Process page for more information.. Visit www.illinoistrooper.com to apply.

As part of the Westside Health Equity Collaborative (WSHEC), they’re offering a patient training opportunity where community members who are interested in exploring work as a Community Health Worker. Participants would attend the 40-hour CHW training from Sinai Urban Health Institute, receive a $500 stipend, and then get interviewed by at least one of the WSHEC organizations who is currently hiring. Deadline to apply is August 2, 2022. Apply here.

The Criminal Justice degree program is offered at Olive-Harvey College this Fall (2022). It is a 60-credit hour program that places a high emphasis on: Ethics, Diversity, Inclusion, Critical Thinking and the historical significance of all people groups. Classes will be a mix of in-person and on-line. All classes will be three (3) credit hours and each term will be eight weeks. Students can earn 48 credit hours over four (4), eight-week periods and 12 credit hours in the summer. Student must test into English 101 for admission into pathway.

Your career launch into tech is 4 months away! I.C. Stars is a Chicago paid, 16-week, immersive, technology-based leadership training program for promising adults. The internship includes: project-based learning, core technical coding skills, career prep and placement assistance, 20 months of professional and social service support, access to laptops and software, and much more. Questions and applications are available at icstars.org or by emailing [email protected].

The annual National Night Out celebration is a great way to connect with your local police officers alongside other community members in a fun, relaxing atmosphere. Enjoy a night of family fun, food and games sponsored by the 1st District Police.

Where: Margaret Hie Ding Lin Park (1735 S. State St.)

When: Tuesday, August 2nd from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Come play in the August 2022 B.I.G. T-Ball League. Boys and girls ages 5-7 can sign up to learn t-ball right in their community. Registration fee is $75, which includes uniform and gloves. Register at bigbaseballacademy.net.

Where: Metcalfe Park (4134 S. State St.)

When: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm August 2nd through 30th

Illinois State Senator Mattie Hunter is proud to present the 18th Annual Family Health and Fitness Fair. The event will feature a bounce house, school physicals, health screenings, shred truck, back to school giveaways, face painting and more. For more information call 312-949-1908.

Where: IIT Campus at 33rd St. and State St.

When: Saturday, August 6th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Produced by Frank Goss II of Close Up 2 & Chicago Jazz Fests, the Bronzeville Neighborhood Jazz Festival will feature Julia Huff, Smooth Willie Fultz, Audley Reid, Reginald Foster and local vendors from Mariano's, Food Trucks and more. Admission is free. Information can be found at BNJFest.com.

Where: Martin Luther King Jr. Drive from 37th St. to Pershing Rd.

When: Saturday, August 6th from noon to 8:00 pm

Come one, come all, come early for Park Boulevard's Back to School Event. There will be music, food, games, a bouncy house, face painting and much more! For more information contact Michael Miles at 312-221-5111.

Where: 3720 S. State St. (in the back of the building)

When: Saturday, August 6th from 10:00 am to 1:00 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 two 4-hour sessions.

When: Saturday, August 6th at 9:00 am (link to register) and Saturday, August 13th at 9:00 am (link to register)

I Am A Gentleman Incorporated are offering free haircuts every Monday and Wednesday, by appointment only. It's that time of year again, time to look and feel your very best. Schedule your appointment at www.iamagentleman.org. Appointments are on a first-come, first-serve basis.

When: August 8th - September 7th

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, August 9th at 6:00 pm (link to register), and Tuesday, August 23rd at 6:00 pm (link to register)

Lakeside Alliance, the builder of the Obama Presidential Center is hosting a back to school event at their new resource center location. At the open house attendees can pick up school supplies and construction trades career info. More fun surprises are in store as well! For more information visit www.lakesidealliance.com/events.

Where: 1514 E. 63rd St.

When: Friday, August 12th from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Bronzeville Summer Nights with live music, and great shopping and eating! Full event details can be found at bronzevillesummernights.com.

Where: 43rd St. from Wabash Ave. to Lake Park Ave.

When: Friday, August 12th from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Acts of Kindness is hosting a Back to School Boys Basketball Clinic powered by Succezz. Join former and current NBA players Ben Gordon, Bobby Simmons, and mentors Arnie Duncan, Daryl Morgan, Imran John and others to collect school supplies, backpacks and t-shirts and get the school year started right! Open to boys in 5th-8th grades.

Where: True Rock Ministries (57 E. 16th St.)

When: Saturday, August 13th from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm

Melanin Voices, in partnership with the South Side Home Movie Project, presents “Reel Chi Home Movies,” a free community film screening, performance and storytelling program in Robert Taylor Park in Bronzeville, featuring locally archived home movies from the 1930s-1980s, paired with original creative work by Black artists from the South Side of Chicago, in celebration of Black joy. Melanin Voices is a performance collective series purposed to showcase local, unsung BIPOC voices to highlight the narratives illuminated from their writings. Celebrating 10 years, the 2022 Night Out in the Parks program presents cultural events year-round in neighborhood parks throughout the city.

Where: Robert Taylor Park (38 W. 47th St.)

When: Saturday, August 20th from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm

The annual Bike the Drive sponsored by Fifth Third Bank and the Active Transportation Alliance benefits the Alliance's work to improve biking, walking and transit in Chicagoland. The event closes DuSable Lake Shore Drive to all car traffic between Bryn Mawr Ave. to E. 57th St. This event is produced in cooperation with the City of Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. For more information visit www.bikethedrive.org.

Where: DuSable Lake Shore Drive from Bryn Mawr Ave. to E. 57th St.

When: Sunday, September 4th from 6:00 am to 11:00 am