Third Ward Newsletter September 2015 Dear Third Ward Resident, September is here and that means Chicago Public Schools start class on In This Issue the 8th. In order to get ready for the first day of school, CPS has the following tips, suggestions and requirements to share. This is not the full list of requirements. Complete back to school information for all Third Ward Update 2-8 schools, including charters, can be found at www.cps.edu/pages/ backtoschool.aspx. Proof of immunizations and exams are due at school by October Events in and Around the Ward 9-11 15, 2015. In addition, all students must turn in the Student Medical Information Form to their schools at the beginning of the year. Important Announcements 12-13 As of the 2015-16 school year, a NEW meningitis vaccine is required for students entering the 6th and 12th grades. Employment and Training 14 Dental exams are required but not until May 15, 2016. The vast majority of CPS schools will have their same bell times as the 2014-15 school year, but bell times do vary by school. If September CAPS 15 you have a question about your school's bell times, please call the school directly or call the CPS office at 773-553-2517. For questions about the free and reduced lunch program please call 773-553-2830. If your child has an Individualized Education Plan or is a diverse learner and you have a question about those programs, call 773-553-1800. Most other questions or issues can be handled by CPS' Back to School Hotline at 773-553-3223. Immunizations for children 0-18 years of age are provided for free at the Greater Englewood Health Center at 641 W. 63rd St. (312-745-1000). To schedule additional health services, you can find a health center at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov. CPS' health hotline can be reached at 773-553-3560. Every year I am proud to help ring in the new school year by hosting a Back to School Extravaganza. In addition to food, music and entertainment, I provided students and families with 3,500 free backpacks filled with school supplies and books which were generously donated by Bernie's Book Bank. Finally, to encourage full attendance for the first day of school the CTA offers free rides for all students and the adults accompanying them between 5:30 am and 8:30 pm. Have a great first day of school and lets make this year the best one yet! Sincerely, Pat Dowell Alderman, 3rd Ward Third Ward Update Pilgrim Baptist Trustee Board Decides Not to Rebuild Historic Church The board members of Pilgrim Baptist Church, located at 3300 S. Indiana, have decided against rebuilding the historic structure gutted by fire in January of 2006. During an August 28th meeting with 3rd Ward Alderman Pat Dowell, Pilgrim Baptist board members Cynthia Jones, Robert Vaugh and others informed her of that decision based on the recommendation of their recently commissioned feasibility analysis. That study projected the cost of rebuilding and maintenance to be untenable and prohibitive for the Pilgrim Baptist congregation. The board is currently considering options for adaptive reuse of the property and particularly techniques in which to preserve the remarkable limestone walls as well as the church's rich tradition in civil rights and history as the birth place of gospel music. The board has assured Alderman Dowell that they are working towards a permanent solution and will report back within 90 days with an update. 3rd Ward Back to School Extravaganza Alderman Pat Dowell's 9th Annual Back to School Extravaganza was a smash hit! Hundreds of children and their families came out to Fuller Park on Saturday August 15th for free food, music, prizes and entertainment, which included the Big City Game Truck with dozens of video games on board. This was a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the beautiful weather and socialize with neighbors and other 3rd Ward residents. In addition to the fun activities, Alderman Dowell in collaboration with Leadership with Compassion for All, Inc. provided students with free backpacks filled with school supplies and Benie's Book Bank offered free books for grades K-6 . The educational opportunities did not stop there as the Brookfield Zoo was on site offering entertaining educational programs and CPS distributed book bags and information to parents to get ready for the first day of school. Alderman Dowell would like to thank the dozens of participants, sponsors and supporters of this year's Back to School Extravaganza: Chicago Department of Public Health Educare - Ounce of Prevention Fund Ace Tech Charter High School Chicago Public Schools Chicago Zoological Society White Castle Camp of Dreams Wells Prep Elementary Ice Box Chicago Chicago White Sox Jokes and Notes Firman Community Services Chef Luciano Kozy's Cyclery HP Ventures Group, LLC Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Walgreens People's Gas Bernie's Book Bank Christian Tabernacle Church Go Lo Pearl's Place Restaurant University of Illinois Chicago Chicago Park District Stateway Associates Aristo Food and Liquor Israel Idonije Foundation Family Health Network James McHugh Construction PBC Parking Lot LLC Lake Front Citgo Erie Vehicle 2 Third Ward Update (Continued) W.R. Weis Company People's Choice Grocer Miss Lee Good Food Oldies But Goodies Kroll's South Loop CM Stone Works Bronzeville Boutique Prairie Avenue Gallery Ultimate Gas & Mini Mart Saveway Foods Shell's Loan & Jewelry Co United Loan Co. K Mark Enterprises Earno E. Bryant Ace Restaurant Equipment and Supplies Savk, Inc. Broad Shoulders Brewing Motor Row Brewing Project Wabash, LLC TMD Corporation Juke Joynt Success Barber Salon SMH2 Consulting, LLC Artopolis Chyodo Medical Supply Christopher P. Wilson Cain's Barber College Antonio Aguilar D'Estee Inc. Phenomenal Fitness If you missed this year's event, don't worry, be on the lookout for next year's 10th Annual Back to School Extravaganza on the Saturday following the Bud Billiken Parade. 3rd Ward Town Hall Meeting Scheduled in the South Loop Alderman Dowell's next Town Hall meeting will be held on the evening of September 22nd at 6:00 pm at McCormick Place, West Building, Room W181-C. The event will feature presentations from area developers, an update on Roosevelt Road, an update on residential permit parking and information from the 1st District Police on their public safety initiatives. If you have any questions about the Town Hall meeting, please feel free to call the 3rd Ward Public Service Office at 773-373-9273. Free CTA Rides for Students on the First Day of School Now in its fifth year, CTA has agreed to allow students to ride CTA buses and trains for free on the first day of school. The purpose of this program is to encourage attendance on the first day of school, which is linked to higher attendance rates throughout the school year. On Tuesday, September 8th - the first day of school for Chicago Public Schools - students and adults accompanying them will ride for free from 5:30 am to 8:30 pm. Last year, CTA provided more than 120,000 free rides on the first day of school and provided about 28 million reduced students rides throughout the academic year. CTA will again continue to offer deeply discounted student fares of 75 cents to students who are enrolled in school while school is in session. Beyond school hours, elementary students aged 7-11 pay reduced fares of $1 on the bus and $1.10 on rail. Individuals 12 and above continue to pay full fares. Alderman Dowell Attends National Night Out Events On August 4th Alderman Dowell participated in National Night Out events in the police districts that cover the 3rd Ward - the 1st District, 2nd District and the 9th District. At these events, the Alderman was able to speak with residents one-on-one about what is going on in their community and help address any public safety concerns that were raised. Alderman Dowell would like to thank the Commanders - 1st District Commander Alfred Nagode, 2nd District Commander Terence Williams and 9th District Commander Daniel Godsel - and their staffs for hosting National Night Out events which offered residents a fun opportunity to engage with their local police officers. Alderman Dowell Meets With Residents at the 1st District National Night Out National Night Out is a coordinated effort by the police to promote community partnerships and open dialogue between residents and the local law enforcement officials. The events featured food, music, games and giveaways for residents. The police also offered the opportunity to register your dog and/or bike and were present to answer questions from residents. 3 Third Ward Update (Continued) Beautification Project Scheduled for Metra Properties on 1600 block of South Prairie Metra has agreed to beautify their properties at 1609 and 1618 S. Prairie Avenue, per the request of Alderman Dowell and area neighbors. The project should begin shortly and conclude by October 1st. The area directly in front of the building at 1618 S. Prairie will receive new concrete, as will area along the fence line at 1609 S. Prairie. In addition, Metra will fix the fence at 1609 S. Prairie and install an opaque privacy screen so that pedestrians will not have to see into the lot from the street. These changes will help Metra's property match the aesthetic of the surrounding area and prevent additional sanitation code violations. Alderman Dowell appreciates Metra's willingness to make these changes and looks forward to maintaining the positive atmosphere of this beautiful neighborhood. Captain Dyett Statue Reinstalled at DuSable High School Campus The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events has reinstalled the Captain Walter Dyett sculpture onto its new pedestal on the north side of DuSable High School campus along State St. The statue has a new pedestal and a revised plaque which honors the legacy and contributions of Captain Dyett. Captain Walter Dyett was a famed violinist and educator who taught some of Chicago's preeminent musicians including Bo Diddley, Nat King Cole, Dinah Washington, Gene Ammons and many more. He was well known for his annual review, Hi Jinks,which attracted top talent from across Chicago and served as a fundraiser to further the schools musical programs. Provident Hospital Obstetric and Critical Care Inpatient Beds Announcement Dyett Statue at DuSable As you already may know, Provident Hospital temporarily suspended its obstetrics services in October 2010. After careful review, Provident has determined it is in the best interest of the hospital and its patients to discontinue its 23 bed obstetric unit. In addition, Provident Hospital will restart its ICU service but will reduce the number of beds in its ICU from 11 beds to 6. The ICU is expected to reopen in the first quarter of 2016. These actions are in response to the dramatic reforms in the healthcare industry which has forced Cook County to transform its healthcare delivery model, which includes establishing CountyCare - the largest Medicaid health plan serving residents of Cook County. These changes offer the County the flexibility needed to deliver essential services and quality care to the medically vulnerable residents of Cook County. For more information about changes to the County healthcare system, please contact your Cook County Commissioner. Unity Hall Being Remodeled for Student Housing The historic Unity Hall at 3140 S. Indiana Avenue has undergone a dramatic transformation to restore its former glory. In addition to the facade work which you can see below, the building has been completely restored on the inside. The remodeled building will be used for student housing. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated as a Chicago Landmark, Unity Hall occupies an honored place in the Chicago's African-American history. First used as a Jewish Social Club, Unity Hall served as the headquarters of the Peoples Movement Club, an influential political group led by Oscar Stanton De Priest - the first African-American to serve on Chicago's City Council and who later was the first African-American from a northern state to serve in U.S. House of Representatives. 4 Third Ward Update (Continued) CTA Discontinuing Sunday Service on #39 Bus Despite Alderman Dowell's hard work to establish and promote weekend service on the #39 bus, the CTA has determined that it is going to discontinue Sunday service due to low ridership. The last day of Sunday service was August 30, 2015. Saturday service for the #39 bus will continue. Please ride the Saturday bus as much as possible so that when it comes up for review in December 2015 the CTA will have clear ridership data showing the service is needed. 47th and Dr. Martin Luther King Drive Streetscape Project 47th Street is seeing major infrastructure improvements that will make the commercial corridor more beautiful as well as increase safety on the street. The Chicago Department of Transportation has completed light pole painting and has ordered new light fixtures. Lights are expected to be delivered and installed in early September. Still to come for the street are: sidewalk repairs, pedestrian safety improvement improvements like painted crosswalks and refuge islands, a shared bike lane from State to Prairie, decorative pavers at the CTA station, above ground planters, new trees, trash receptacles, benches for bus stops and bike racks. These improvements will make 47th Street a more desirable place to open and maintain a business, plus they will improve the pedestrian experience for residents who walk and drive along the busy commercial corridor. 51st Street Viaduct to Reopen Soon The complete restoration of the 51st Street viaduct between Shields Avenue and Lowe Avenue will be completed soon. While the exact date the viaduct will reopen has not been established, Norfolk Southern, the company working on the viaduct, is finishing up underground work and will begin paving the street shortly. The remodeled 51st Street viaduct will not only be much safer, but it will be better equipped to handle the influx of residential and commercial traffic that typically travels along 51st Street. 43rd St. Arterial Street Resurfacing Commencing September 1st Alderman Pat Dowell and the Chicago Department of Transportation are pleased to inform you that CDOT will resurface 43rd Street from Lowe Avenue to Wentworth Avenue starting September 1st. The work will include ADA sidewalk improvements, curb and gutter removal and replacement, milling ace first followed by the milling and paving of the roadway. During construction, temporary "No Parking" signs will be periodically installed as required for each activity listed above. These temporary signs will restrict parking during working hours, while adhering to rush hour restrictions, for the completion of the work. All work on this corridor is scheduled to be completed by October 15, 2015. Every effort will be made to expedite project completion and minimize the inconvenience to residents. Should you have questions regarding this project, please call the 3rd Ward office at 773-373-9273 or the Chicago Department of Transportation at 312-744-3600. Arterial Street Resurfacing Projects Unlike residential streets, arterial streets are paved on a rotating schedule determined by the Chicago Department of Transportation. Arterial streets are the large roads that carry commercial traffic and residential vehicles across the city. Examples in the 3rd Ward include State St., King Drive, 47th Street or Roosevelt Rd. CDOT has announced the next round of arterial street resurfacing. Roads in and around the 3rd Ward that will be repaved include: 31st St. from LaSalle St. to Giles Ave. 35th St. from Racine Ave. to Wentworth Ave. King Drive from Cermak Rd. to 37th St. Wentworth Ave. from Pershing Rd. to the Stevenson Expressway 5 Third Ward Update (Continued) 2015 Catch Basin, Manhole and Alley Sewer Main Repair Projects The Department of Water Management works to provide well-maintained infrastructure and continues to improve their maintenance process. As part of maintaining and enhancing their systems, they perform catch basin, manhole and alley sewer main repairs on a regular basis. Catch basins receive storm water from nearby streets and properties and help keep areas from flooding. Below please find a map of repairs done in the 3rd Ward in 2015. Should you have any questions, please contact Alderman Dowell's office at 773-373-9273. 6 Third Ward Update (Continued) July Top 10 311 Requests Request Type Number of Requests Family and Support Services - Human Services 89 Streets and Sanitation—Sanitation Violations 82 Animal Care and Control 67 Streets and Sanitation - Street Operations 51 Department of Transportation—Electrical Op- 51 erations Streets and Sanitation—Rodent Control 46 Streets and Sanitation - Garbage Carts 34 Streets and Sanitation—Forestry 31 Department of Buildings—Vacant Buildings 29 Business Affairs and Consumer Protection 21 July Top 10 Streets and Sanitation Requests 7 Third Ward Update (Continued) Maker's Lab Opens at Elliott Donnelley Youth Center Alderman Dowell and Chicago Youth Centers are proud to announce that the Elliott Donnelley Youth Center at 3947 S. Michigan Ave. has received funding to open a Maker's Lab at the center! In short, a Maker's Lab is kind of like a school science lab that allows children to explore and develop STEM skills in a supervised environment with access to high tech programming and direction. What's unique about a Maker's Lab is that in addition to guided instruction, children are allowed to both advance their own projects and explore on their own in an open environment. This would be the second Maker's Lab run by Chicago Youth Centers, with the first located at the Rebecca Crown Center in South Shore. Access to STEM instruction outside of the classroom has a positive effect on youth growth and educational achievement. For more information about Elliott Donnelley Youth Center and its programs go towww.chicagoyouthcenters.org or call 773-268-3815. Request a Bike Rack Chicago has become one of the most bike friendly cities in the country. Over the past few years, countless miles of bike lanes have been installed across the city, the Chicago Department of Transportation has launched the DIVVY bike share system and bike racks have been placed in convenient locations in every neighborhood throughout Chicago. In order to keep this positive momentum going, CDOT is asking residents where to install additional bike racks. The Department of Transportation knows that no one is better equipped to say where bike racks are needed more than bike riders. If you have a suggestion on where to install a bike rack, please go to chicagocompletestreets.org/your-streets/ bike-parking to submit your request. 8 Events in and Around the Ward Mayor Emanuel Hosts 2016 Budget Town Hall Mayor Rahm Emanuel has announced a series of 2016 Budget Town Hall meetings where the Mayor will discuss the current budget outlook and solicit savings, reform and revenue ideas from residents to assist in the preparation of the 2016 budget. Mayor Emanuel will be joined by the finance team and all members of his cabinet at the town hall meetings. The closest town hall meeting for 3rd Ward residents is as follows: Where: South Shore Cultural Center (7059 S. South Shore Drive) When: Wednesday, September 2nd at 6:30 pm Back to School Back to Business The Bronzeville Neighborhood Collaborative presents a Back to School Back to Business event to kick off the fall season. The event will feature a discussion on what it means to open a small business in Bronzeville, what it takes to have a successful business and what the future looks like for Bronzeville. Come to hear the panel of experts and have your questions answered. Panelists will include: Andre and Frances Guichard of Gallery Guichard, Cliff Rome of Parkway Ballroom/Rome's Joy Catering/H-Dog/Peach's, Robin Jackson of State Farm, Bruce Gage of Miglio Di Mario Uomo, Tiffany Sledge of Joyous Occasions and Clifford Fort Smith of Fort Smith Boutique. Where: Chicago Bee Library (3647 S. State St.) When: Wednesday, September 2nd from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm 37th Annual Chicago Jazz Festival Culminating on Labor Day Weekend, the festival's programming celebrates both the mainstream of the national jazz scene as well as Chicago's unique contributions to the art form. The FREE admission festival is produced by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and programmed by the Jazz Institute of Chicago. For the complete schedule, visit chicagojazzfestival.us. Where: Millennium Park (201 E. Randolph) When: September 3rd-6th Kidd Jordan Quartet Legendary saxophonist Sir Edward "Kidd" Jordan is acclaimed internationally as one of the true master improvisers still performing today. Indie Jazz aptly describes Jordan as a "genteel man" who is "probably the single most under-documented jazz musician of his generation, a fact that is even more remarkable when you consider that he is also one of the busiest musicians in the world." Come see him perform at Fred Anderson Park! For more information go to www.facebook.com/fredandersonpark Where: Fred Anderson Park (1611 S. Wabash Ave.) When: Sunday, September 6th at noon Marvel Universe Live! Catch all of your favorite Marvel superheroes at Marvel Universe Live!. Adults can save $5 with code MULCHI. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com, by phone at 1-800-745-3000 or at the venue box office. For more information go to www.marveluniverselive.com. Use the savings pass below to get $15 tickets. Where: United Center (1901 W. Madison) When: September 10th through 13th 9 Events in and Around the Ward (continued) Supplier Diversity Fair McCormick Place is hosting a supplier diversity fair. Prospective vendors are invited to learn more about the master buying plan for the McCormick Place Campus and to network with certifying entities for information on how to update or secure certification as a Minority or Women-Owned Business Enterprise. McCormick Place is looking for diverse contractors, vendors, suppliers and service providers for a broad array of goods and services. For more information, please contact Alex Buckles at abuckles@mccormickplace.com. To RSVP visit http://goo.gl/forms/HckbpPCUOT. Parking is available for $23 in Parking Lot A. Where: McCormick Place (2301 S. Martin Luther King Drive, West Building, Room 190) When: Monday, September 14th from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm Public Safety Vendor Outreach Event The Department of Procurement Services is partnering with the Office of Emergency Management and Communications, the Chicago Police Department and the Chicago Fire Department to host a networking event for potential vendors. The purpose of the event is to educate vendors not only about he services offered by these departments, but also the potential contracting opportunities available. To RSVP for the event, please contact Rosemary McDonnell at 312746-9369 or at Rosemary.McDonnell@cityofchicago.org. Where: Public Safety Headquarters (3510 S. Michigan Ave.) When: Tuesday, September 15th from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm TRC Senior Village Best Day of My Life (So Far) If you are over the age of 55 and interested in sharing your stories and experiences, please join TRC Senior Village's storytelling group! For more information please call Sean Dolan at 773-891-4143. Where: TRC Senior Village (346 E. 53rd St.) When: Tuesday, September 15th from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm Oak Street Health Soul Train Remember the good ole' days where food wasn't the only thing with soul in it? Join Oak Street Health for a night of soul train where guests will dance, sing and have a good ole' time! Where: Oak Street Health (4318 S. State St.) When: Wednesday, September 16th from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm TRC Senior Village Grandparents Support Group TRC Senior Village hosts a monthly support group for grandparents who are raising their grandchildren. Participants are invited to come and share their experiences, seek advice or just listen! Guest speakers are also invited to attend and share resources on a bi-monthly basis. Free lunch is served during the meeting. For more information call Sean Dolan at 773-891-4143. Where: TRC Senior Village (346 E. 53rd St.) When: Thursday, September 17th from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm 7th Annual Housing & Financial Expo The Housing Counseling Center of the South Side Community Federal Credit Union is happy to host the 7th Annual Housing & Financial expo. Join them for a day of housing workshops where you can speak one-on-one with housing and financial professionals, lean how to build a home, avoid foreclosure, and build credit, accumulate wealth and manage your money! Refreshments and a raffle will be available. Where: 5401 S. Wentworth Ave., Ste. 25 When: Saturday, September 19th from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm 10 Events in and Around the Ward (continued) Third Ward South Loop Town Hall Meeting Alderman Pat Dowell is happy to announce her next Town Hall meeting which will be located in the South Loop neighborhood. At the meeting, residents will learn about new residential and commercial developments in the area, hear from the Chicago Department of Transportation on the Roosevelt Road project, get an update about residential permit parking in the South Loop and receive a public safety update from the 1st District Police. If you have any questions or would like more information about the meeting, please call the 3rd Ward Public Service Office at 773-373-9273. Where: McCormick Place West (2301 S. Indiana, Room W181-C - Enter at Gate 40) When: Tuesday, September 22nd at 6:00 PM End of Summer Ice Cream Social The best way to end a hot summer is with a nice cold bowl of ice cream. Join Oak Street Health for ice cream and an opportunity to reflect on your favorite summer memories. Where: Oak Street Health (4318 S. State St.) When: Wednesday, September 23rd from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm Medicare Extra Help: What is it and how to get it Medicare Extra Help is a subsidy that helps pay for your Part D prescription drug costs. Oak Street Health's patient relations manager will walk you through the details and guide you through the application process. Where: Oak Street Health (4318 S. State St.) When: Thursday, September 24th from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm Washington Park Chamber of Commerce Office Hours Interested in starting a business? Already in business but need additional resources to grow your company? The Illinois Small Business Development Center at the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce is hosting office hours at the Washington Park Chamber of Commerce once a month. To schedule a free 30 minute session, please contact Florence Hardy at 312-4946792/fhardy@chicagolandchamber.org or Donna Hampton Smith at 773-312-8973/washingtonparkcc@comcast.net. Where: Arts Incubator (301 E. Garfield Blvd., Studio 1) When: Thursday, September 24th from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm Career/Employment & Resource Fair Lighthouse Church of All Nations' Employment and Resource Ministry is happy to host a Career/Employment & Resource Fair. Meet recruiters, educational institutions and entrepreneurs and receive free health screenings, chiro screenings and massages. Bring your resume and the dress code is business or business casual. Contact Theresa Hubbard at 708-527-0937 or Junichia Hubbard at 708-654-5243 for more information. Where: Lighthouse Church of All Nations (4501 W. 127th St., Alsip, IL 60803) When: Wednesday, September 30th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm Strides for Peace 8/5K and Two Mile Walk Strides for Peace, a registered 501(c)3 dedicated to supporting anti-gun violence initiatives in the City of Chicago is hosting the Second Annual Stridse for Peace 8/5k and Two Mile Walk at Soldier Field. The purpose of the event is twofold: to stand as one against gun violence and to fund local non-profits battling gun violence which include the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation, Cure Violence, Youth Guidance and many more. Register at www.stridesforpeace.org. Where: Soldier Field When: October 8th at 7:00 am Women's Park and Gardens Pre-Christmas Theater Camps Looking for a fun pre-Christmas activity for the kids? The team at Chicago Women's Park and Gardens has added a multiday 'Theater Camp' for kids ages 4 to 6 and ages 6 to 12. Theater Camp teaches all aspects of the performing arts. Have fun working with fellow campers to create a show and an ensemble. To register please click here. Where: Chicago Women's Park and Gardens (1801 S. Indiana Ave.) When: December 14th to 18th from 9:00 am to noon (ages 4 to 6) December 21st to 22nd from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm (ages 6 to 12) 11 Important Announcements Soldier Field Events Parking restrictions are in place for the South Loop during all Chicago Bears football games as well as other events hosted at Soldier Field. Vehicles parked in the South Loop without a valid Soldier Field Parking Pass or Soldier Field Guest Pass are subject to ticketing or towing. For a complete list of Soldier Field events, please visit www.SoldierField.net/events. 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 Soldier Field 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. September 3rd at 7:00 pm—Chicago Bears September 5th at 6:30 pm—USA Eagles vs. Cleveland Browns Preseason vs. Australia Wallabies Rugby Test Match September 10th at 6:30 pm—2015 Super Bears Shuffle 5k September 13th at 12:00 pm—Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers September 20th at 12:00 pm—Chicago Bears vs. Arizona Cardinals September 26th at 3:30 pm—Chicago Football Classic Roof/Porch Assistance Program Opens September 4th at 9:00 am The Roof and Porch Repair Program provides grants from $5,000 to $30,000 to low-moderate income owner occupants of 1-4 unit residential buildings. The program is limited to the repair and/or replacement of roofs or porches. Households earning 80% or less of the Area Median Income (AMI) are eligible to participate and can only receive service assistance once. Applicants can not be at risk of foreclosure. Condos, mixed-use and commercial units do not qualify. All utilities must be current and the homeowner must be on the title for a minimum of one year. The program opens for registration on September 4th at 9:00 am. Grant money goes fast and applicants will be selected via lottery. Starting September 4th, register online at www.cityofchicago.org/roofandporch or call 311 to be placed on the list. Chicago Conservation Corps (C3) Training The Chicago Conservation Corps is now recruiting for its Fall 2015 Environmental Leadership Training Series. During the training, you'll learn from community and environmental leaders about urban sustainability challenges and opportunities for change; then you'll lead a sustainability service project in your community with C3 support and resources. To participate in the training course, you must be an adult Chicago resident and attend one of the orientations listed below. The course will be held at the Garfield Park Conservatory on Tuesdays, September 15 through October 13, 6:00 - 9:30 p.m. A $125 fee covers course participation and project support. Financial assistance is available upon request. Attend an orientation to learn more; visit www.naturemuseum.org/c3 or call 773-755-5100 x5039 to reserve a space. Sunday, August 30, 3 to 4 p.m., Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Dr. Tuesday, September 1, 6 to 7 p.m., Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park Wednesday, September 2, noon to 1 p.m., Alliance for the Great Lakes, 150 N. Michigan Ave., #700 Thursday, September 3, 6 to 7 p.m., Villa Guadalupe Senior Apartments, 3201 E. 91st St. 12 Important Announcements (Continued) Home and Community Ombudsman Program Though a federal grant, the Illinois Department on Aging's Long-term Care Ombudsman Program service has expanded into the community. Ombudsmen are "citizen representatives" and "personal care advocates" who provide information and assistance to help individuals resolve their concerns. In Chicago, services are provided by Access Living, which can provide advocacy services when rights of individuals are being violated. Call 312-640-2152 Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm for help today. Chicago Southside Sarcoidosis Support Group Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease (which is non-contagious) that can affect all or any organ in the human body. It causes heightened immunity, which means a person's immune system, which normally protects the body from infection and disease, overacts, resulting in damage to one's own tissues. The Chicago Southside Sarcoidosis Support Group provides a support system for individuals with sarcoidosis, their families, caregivers, friends and survivors. The group also offers educational materials to the general public. The support group meets every second Saturday at Pioneer Village located at 340 E. 38th St. in the first floor activity room. For more information about the group, please call 773-285-2608. Girl...Know More Warns Teenage Girls about STDs Nationwide, 1 in 4 teenage girls are infected with at least one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases, such as HPV - an infection that can cause cancer. If you are a young female and living in Chicago, your risk for infection is high. Don't contract it, don't spread it, be proactive, get tested and get treated. For more information visit www.girlknowmore.org. Metropolitan Planning Council Highlights Transit Oriented Development According to the Metropolitan Planning Council, the 3rd Ward is ripe for Transit Oriented Development (TOD). Transit Oriented Development is any residential or commercial development that is near public transportation. Living near reliable transit and using it saves people up to $10,000 each year on transportation costs compared to driving. Low-income residents near quality transit have access to 24 to 50 percent more jobs. Residential property values near rapid transit outperform those of others by 40 percent. To see how Transit Oriented Development can work in the 3rd Ward, please visit www.metroplanning.org/growchicago. 13 Employment and Training 1000 Jobs Campaign Thinking about a career in manufacturing? Are you interested in electronics and computers, interested in math or like working with your hands? 1000 Jobs is a demand-driven workforce development program that will place workers in open advanced manufacturing positions. Job placement assistance and training is available through the 1000 Jobs Campaign. For more information please visit www.1000jobscampaign.com. Community Trades Pre-Apprentice Project (CTAP) A 7-week comprehensive curriculum to assist you in identifying your next steps for successful career opportunities. Earn the skills to help you qualify for union apprenticeships and career in the construction industry and post-secondary education. You will also get OSHA, Lead RRP and HAZWOPER training with certifications. Applicants must be 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED to participate. Drug and background checks will be performed. Bring your State ID, Social Security Card and proof of address to sign up. For more information call 773-324-0494 or email iris@bufi.org. CTA Second Chance Program The Federal Transit Administration has awarded $750,000 to continue the CTA's Diesel Mechanics Training Program part of the CTA's successful Second Chance Program. The Second Chance Program provides valuable job skills and career opportunities to Chicago residents who often face challenges re-entering the workforce. For more information about the program please visit www.transitchicago.com/business/apprenticeshipprog.aspx. The Renaissance Collaborative Job Club This workshop enlightens career seekers on the components of a pre-employment background check: employment varification, education verification, reference check, credit check, criminal records check, drug screen and social media check. In addition, career seekers are provided with strategies on how to successfully overcome barriers to employment like a failed pre-employment background check. For more information please contact Christopher Watts at cwatts@trcwabash.org. Where: The Renaissance Collaborative (3757 S. Wabash Ave.) When: Wednesday, September 2nd from 10:00 am to 11:30 am 14 September CAPS Meetings 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 131/132 September 15th @ 7 pm 1st District Station (1718 S. State) 2nd District 133 September 16th @ 7 pm Trinity Church (125 E 26th St ) 211 September 14th @ 6:30 pm Il. College of Optometry (3240 S. Indiana) 212/214 September 1st @ 6:30 pm Mandrake Fieldhouse (3858 S. Cottage Grove) 213/215/224 September 9th @ 6:30 St. Elizabeth's (4058 S. Michigan) 7th District 221/223 September 15th @ 6:30 pm King Center (4313 S. Cottage Grove) 225/231 September 10th @ 6:30pm Coppin AME Church (5627 S. Michigan) 711/712 September 25th @ 6:30 7th District Station (1438 W. 63rd) 924/931/933 September 11th @ 6:00 pm Park Federal Bank (1823 W. 47th) 925 September 16th @ 6:00 pm St. Gabriel's Church (4500 S. Wallace) 9th District 915 September 8th @ 6:30 pm 9th Dist. Station (3120 S. Halsted) 934/935 September 15th @ 6:00 pm Westhaven Homes (850 W. Garfield) Third Ward Alderman Pat Dowell | 5046 S. State St. | Chicago, IL. | (773) 373-9273 | ward03@cityofchicago.org www.dowellforthirdward.com | Facebook.com/aldermanpat.dowell | Twitter: @aldpatdowell3rd Hours: Mon.—Wed.: 9am-5pm Thurs.: 12-8pm (Ward Night from 6-8), Fri.: 9am-1pm, Every Third Sat.: 10am-1pm 15