All children ages 6 months through 4 years are now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Both approved vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech (for children under 5) and Moderna (for children under 6) were found to be safe and effective in preventing serious outcomes from COVID-19. Vaccine doses for these age groups have already begun to arrive in Chicago and providers can begin to administer them immediately.

Parents have a choice between Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. COVID-19 vaccines are free, no government-issued ID or insurance is required. For children in this youngest age group:

CDPH Director Dr. Arwady urged parents to talk to their child’s healthcare provider or visit trusted websites – including Chicago.gov/Under5Vax – to learn more about the vaccines, and make a plan to get their children vaccinated as soon as possible. If you need help finding a nearby site, Vaccines.gov is a free, online service that you can use to search for pharmacies and providers that offer vaccination. Residents can also call the City’s COVID-19 call center at 312-746-4835.

Parents must accompany children getting their vaccine. Learn more at Chicago.gov/COVIDvax.

Alderman Dowell was joined by the Chicago Park District, DePaul University and community members to cut the ribbon on the newly renovated Margaret Hie Ding Lin Park in the South Loop on Friday, June 24th. Located at 1735 S. State St., the park features a newly renovated basketball court in addition to a new half court facility, new bleachers, benches, lighting and a drinking fountain. Updated landscape and ADA accessibility improvements are also part of the overall renovation. This $576,000 project was made possible in part through the support of DePaul University, which donated $150,000 to the redevelopment of the park.

To urge an end to gun violence and to celebrate the Juneteenth holiday, Alderman Dowell attended a peace Rally sponsored by Cook County Commissioners Bill Lowry, Dennis Deer and Brandon Johnson, as well as Black Men United and the Black Fire Brigade. This day-long event brought communities together to commemorate Juneteenth and to continue to push to end the scourge of gun violence in our community. Thank you to the sponsors for hosting this important and enlightening event.

Together at the park they created to honor Hadiya Pendleton, Alderman Dowell and Cleo Pendleton hosted a Peace Party to celebrate Hadiya's life and raise awareness of the public health crisis that is gun violence. Hadiya would be 25 years old this year, instead her life was tragically and needlessly cut short at the age of 15 due to gun violence.

The Peace Party at Hadiya Pendleton Park (4345 S. Calumet Ave.) was part of the Wear Orange campaign against gun violence, a grassroots movement that focuses on common-sense legislative solutions to public safety, as well as community action geared towards keeping our neighborhoods and children safe. For more information about Wear Orange, visit their website at www.wearorange.org.

Alderman Dowell hosted the developers of proposed projects at 1225 S. Indiana Ave., 5044 S. Prairie Ave. and 330 E. Cermak Rd. at a virtual Town Hall meeting the evening of Friday, June 10th. Thank you to Gregory Grief, Karry Young, Digital Realty Trust and their teams for presenting their proposed developments to the community. A full video recap of the meeting can be found on Alderman Dowell's YouTube page here.

All of the developments presented during the meeting are still in the planning phase, with additional City Council and/or Chicago Departmental approval needed. This means that Alderman Dowell and the community will have additional opportunities to review and comment on the projects before they can move forward. If you have any questions or concerns you would like to share regarding the developments presented at the Town Hall meeting, please email them to [email protected].

Taste of Chicago returns to its well-known home in Grant Park alongside the Buckingham Fountain from Friday – Sunday, July 8 – 10 with over 30 vendors and three stages presenting free performances, dance classes, family activities and more. There will not be Taste tickets this year; cash or credit card are accepted by all food vendors. All performances are free admission this year. Full Lineup and additional Details at TasteofChicago.us.

To accommodate the taste, beginning at 10:00 am on Tuesday, July 5 Columbus Drive will be closed between Monroe St. and Balbo Ave., but please note that Jackson and Balbo will remain opened for vehicle traffic. In addition, Ida B Wells Drive will be closed from Michigan Ave. to Columbus Drive, but the semi- circle and west leg to Michigan Ave. will remain open to traffic. All streets will be back open to the public by Monday, July 11 at 4pm.

If you reside, operate a business, or own/lease a vehicle in the City of Chicago, you can get reimbursed for certain security system upgrades. To get reimbursed you must provide proof of address, proof of purchase and a photo of the installed device. Full details on the program and to apply for reimbursement visit Chicago.gov/HBPP.

As a reminder, scooters are not allowed on the Lakefront Trail, Chicago Riverwalk, the 606, Navy Pier or in the O’Hare area. For all scooter parking concerns, please call 311. The 311 website has more information about the scooter program here. The company name and a scooter ID number will be clearly visible on each scooter. The scooter companies have two hours to respond to parking complaints, tracked via the 311 system. 

For more information about the shared scooter program including safety and riding tips, please visit www.Chicago.gov/scooters.

The South East Chicago Commission (SECC) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2022 Neighborhood Enhancement Awards. The SECC awards micro-grants to neighborhood organizations to support beautification projects that enhance the quality of life, work together as community partners and enhance the physical attractiveness of the Hyde Park, Kenwood, Oakland, Washington Park and Woodlawn communities.

Alderman Dowell recently signed on as a co-sponsor of two City Council ordinances. The first would make the no-fee veteran city sticker pilot program permanent. This program offers free city vehicle stickers to individuals who provide documentation to prove they are a veteran of the United States Armed Forces when purchasing their city sticker.

The Mayor’s Office of Community Engagement in collaboration with the Community Safety Coordination Center (CSCC) hosted six Community Safety Town Halls in March and April 2022 to create an opportunity for an open dialogue between Mayor Lightfoot, City officials, and residents to share the City's current community safety strategy and hear ideas, suggestions, and concerns directly from community members. These efforts resulted in a report that includes a summary of the community concerns shared, answers to commonly asked questions, and available resources. 

Everyone has a role to play in violence prevention. We encourage you to get involved in your local block club, get free private security devices through the City's Home and Business Protection Program, participate in a mental health skills building training, learn about the long-term effects of trauma on entire communities, and explore other ways to reduce violence in your community. Visit Chicago.gov/CSCC for more information.

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. 

Summer meals are available for all children 18 years and under. The Summer Food Service Program is sponsored by the USDA and administered by the Illinois State Board of Education. Visit SummerMealsIllinois.org or text FoodIL to 877877 for more information and for participating locations.

Are you looking for a unique high school experience in the South Loop? Daystar Academy High School is now enrolling for the 22/23 school year in grades 9 - 12. Their small diverse classrooms and differentiated instruction focus on academics, soft skills and post-secondary planning. Visit www.daystaracademy.org to learn more about the school's programming, community, and culture!

Beginning July 1, 2022, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) will offer rebates to public and private entities for the installation and maintenance of Level 2 and direct current fast charging (DCFC) stations. Rebate awards may cover up to 80% of the eligible project costs. Additional rebates are available for EV charging stations deployed in underserved and environmental justice communities. For more information, see the IEPA Climate and Equitable Jobs Act website.

Up to 80% of the cost of the installation of charging stations may be funded. Additional awards may incentivize charging infrastructure in eligible communities. Additional information can be found at: https://www2.illinois.gov/epa/topics/ceja/Pages/default.aspx

IL ABLE accounts are savings and investment accounts that can give eligible people with disabilities and their families greater financial independence. Importantly, IL ABLE makes it possible for eligible people with disabilities and their families to save and invest their money for expenses related to living with a disability without jeopardizing public benefits such as SSI, SSDI and Medicaid. For more information about the IL ABLE program or to sign up, please click here.

Don't miss the 30th Annual 4th on 53rd Parade. Join residents and local businesses after the parade for a neighborhood picnic and festival. Info at 4thon53rdparade.com.

Where: Parade (53rd St. and S. Lake Park Ave.) and Picnic (Nichols Park 1355 E. 53rd St.)

When: Parade (Monday, July 4th at 11:00 am) and Picnic (Monday, July 4th from noon to 3:00 pm)

Join the Pendleton Park Advisory Council for a family friendly event and a great opportunity to meet and socialize with your fellow neighbors. Enjoy free food, music, games, bouncy houses and more! For more information email [email protected].

Where: Pendleton Park (4345 S. Calumet Ave.)

When: Monday, July 4th from 1:00 pm to 8:30 pm (sundown)

Bronzeville Summer Nights is back celebrating its 10th Anniversary! Join your friends and neighbors to support local businesses and enjoy Bronzeville's storied history and culture. For a list of local businesses participating visit shoplocalbronzeville.com. For more information on upcoming events associated with Bronzeville Summer Nights, go to bronzevillesummernights.com.

When: Friday, July 8th, Friday, August 12th, and Monday, September 9th

The Barclay Law Group presents Jazz, an annual outdoor summer series in Bronzeville led by the Dakari Barclay Quarter. Events are free and welcome to all.

Where: 3525 S. King Drive.

When: July 8th and 22nd, August 5th and 19th at 6:00 pm

“Time Travelin’” features vintage home movie footage from the South Side Home Movie Project, curated and soundtracked by Chicago’s own director, photographer, musician, DJ, and producer Cam Be. Through a collage of home movie footage, including from Cam’s own personal archives, “Time Travelin’” explores the interconnectedness of human beings generations apart.

Where: Max Palevsky Cinema in Ida Noyes Hall at The University of Chicago (212 East 59th Street)

When: Saturday, July 9th at 5:00 pm

The University of Chicago's Arts and Public Life initiative is proud to present All That Light, a 10 year retrospective of the artists-in-residence program. For program details, go to artsandpubliclife.org/all-that-light.

Where: Logan Center for the Arts (915 E. 60th St.)

When: Friday, July 9th through Sunday, September 11th

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, July 9th at 9:00 am (link to register) and Saturday, July 16th at 9:00 am (link to register)

Buy fresh fruits and vegetables at your neighborhood Farmers Market! The market accepts LINK/SNAP and Link Match up to $25. Vendors are still wanted, and its free to participate (contact 773-401-9874 or [email protected]). For more information, visit chicagocitymarkets.us.

Where: 47th and King Dr.

When: Sundays, July 10th through October 16th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Please join Pacific Construction and the Chicago Department of Assets, Information and Services for an in-person subcontractor outreach event to learn more about projects across Chicago.

Where: Chicago Fire Department Engine Company 104 (11659 S. Avenue O)

When: Tuesday, July 12th from 10:00 am to noon

Looking for new hires? Let the Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce help you find new talent. No cost, user friendly, responsive alerts, unlimited job postings using South Side Chicago Jobs. Register for the webinar here.

When: Wednesday, July 13th from 9:00 am to 10:00 am

State Representative Lamont J. Robinson welcomes you to a neighborhood Ice Cream Social. Free ice cream cones for the first 50 neighbors who join so come early!

Where: Shawn Michelle's Homemade Ice Cream (46 E. 47th St.)

When: Wednesday, July 13th from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm

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, July 12th at 6:00 pm (link to register), and Tuesday, July 26th at 6:00 pm (link to register)

Lakeside Bank presents a free concert in the park with VanderCook College of Music featuring marches, show tunes and classics performed by VanderCook's Graduate Concert and Jazz bands. Toddlers, Tunes and Turtles starts at 5:30 pm, Drum Circle at 6:30 pm.

Where: Chicago Women's Park and Gardens (1827 S. Indiana Ave.)

When: Wednesday, July 13th at 7:00 pm

Offered by Olive Harvey Community College, students will identify cannabis branding trends, tactics necessary to market cannabis responsibly, and ways to target different potential customers. Online classes are $55. Register here.

When: Saturdays, July 16th - 23rd from 10:00 am to noon