8th Annual Sock Drive in Honor of Bunk

Alderman Dowell's 3rd Ward Public Service Office (5046 S. State St.) is serving as the drop off location for the 8th Annual Sock Drive in honor of Bunk, a Purple Heart Korean War Veteran. Donated male and female socks will be used as part of care packages for soldiers on Veterans Day. Donations will be accepted through November 2nd between the hours of 9:00 am and 3:00 pm. Questions? Email [email protected].

Alderman Dowell Honors Legendary Local Tailor Frank Harris

Upon learning of the retirement of 3rd Ward business owner and legendary tailor Frank Harris, Alderman Dowell submitted an honorary resolution to City Council commemorating his nearly five decades of service to the residents of Chicago.

Frank's Alterations and Tailoring on Roosevelt Rd. has been the destination for many of Chicago's notable figures when looking for expert tailoring service, including: Mayor Harold Washington, Mayor Brandon Johnson, Muhammad Ali, Minister Louis Farrakhan, Chicago Bears great Otis Wilson, musician Jerry Butler, political consultant David Axelrod, ABC7 Chicago New Anchor Cheryl Burton, Reverend Clay Evans, and many others. Beginning his journey on the West Side of Chicago in 1974, he opened his first shop at Madison and Karlov, followed by a second establishment on Roosevelt Rd. under another tailor, before opening at his current location on the north side of Roosevelt Rd. Frank even served as a Cook County Sheriff from 1980 through 2010 while running his tailor shop at night!

From his store on Roosevelt Rd., he put in immense effort to get to know his clients, easily recalling their specific services and sharing cherished anecdotes, affixing his store to the heart of the growing South Loop community. Now, nearly 50 years later, Frank serves as a shining example of the best of Chicago, both in business and as a valued neighbor. Please join Alderman Dowell and the City Council in congratulating Frank Harris on his retirement.

Alderman Dowell Delivers Services to Residents with Shred Day and Flu/COVID-19 Vaccine Events

in October Alderman Dowell hosted a pair of annual events at the 3rd Ward Public Service Office (5046 S. State St.), her 2nd Shred Day of the year and a Flu/COVID-19 Vaccine event. Thank you to Midway Moving and Storage for offering free shredding services to residents, and to the Chicago Department of Public Health for coming to the ward to help keep people happy and healthy this winter flu season.

Both events were free of charge, open to the public, and offered in partnership with Alderman Dowell's office. Thank you to 3rd Ward staff Allyson Allison, Lucy Macedo, and Yvonne Green for assisting residents during the events. If you missed these events and would like to find another opportunity to receive these services, a calendar of CDPH Flu Shot Clinics can be found here, and a calendar of Shredding Events can be found here.

Mobile DMV

5th District State Representative Kim Du Buclet, in partnership with Alderman Pat Dowell, 3rd District State Senator Mattie Hunter, and Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias are hosting a mobile DMV at the Chicago Urban League (4510 S. Michigan Ave.) on Thursday, November 2nd from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Get important DMV services right in your neighborhood!

3rd Ward Hosts Annual Pet Vaccine Clinic

Neighborhood pets received important vaccine and/or microchip services at Alderman Dowell's Pet Vaccine and Microchip Clinic on October 14th. Thank you to all the Chicago Animal Care and Control CACC) staff and volunteers, and 3rd Ward Staff Lucy Macedo, Renee Barrera and Allyson Allison for managing this special event. Getting your pets vaccinated is critical to their long and healthy life! If you missed this event, CACC provides these services to residents all across the City. Go to their website at www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cacc for a list of locations, dates and times.

Alderman Dowell Joins Arts Lawn Grand Opening

The University of Chicago-led Arts Lawn at 337 E. Garfield Blvd. welcomed its first guests with a special live performance on October 7th. The Arts Lawn extends the adjacent arts and entertainment corridor which includes: the Arts Incubator, the Green Line Performing Arts Center, the L1 Retail Store, the Retreat at Currency Exchange Café, and Miyagi Records.

The Arts Lawn will serve as a green performing arts space with outdoor seating and a great lawn, along with a pavilion and planter seating. The venue will host everything from film screenings, to live theater, music, wellness, educational opportunities, arts marketplaces and more. The Arts Lawn and neighboring developments are the results of a strong partnership between the community and the University of Chicago Arts + Public Life, with the strong support of Alderman Dowell.

Alderman Dowell, Mayor Johnson Honor National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Observed each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month celebrates the contributions of America's workers with disabilities. Alderman Dowell joined Mayor Brandon Johnson to tour the Ray Graham Training Center High School (2347 S. Wabash Ave.) in the 3rd Ward. Under the leadership of Principal Thomas, the school is turning out self actualizing students with a wide range of special abilities.

NTA Park Patriots Inner City Flag Football Champions and Runners-Up

Congratulations to the NTA Park Patriot Girls Flag Football Team for winning the Inner City Championship, and to the NTA Park Patriots Boys Flag Football Team for their runner-up finish!

The NTA Park Patriots are made up of youth ages 9-12 years old. All games took place at Armstrong Park (4433 S. St. Lawrence Ave.). The Inner City Flag Football season started September 16th and ended October 14th. There league is made up of 7 girls teams and 18 boys teams from across the city. All parks competed in 2 games each Saturday during the season. This is excellent program for youth engagement, health, fitness, and teambuilding, and is free for participants.

If you would like to sign up for the Inner City Flag Football League next year, please reach out to your local park in late-August/early September 2024.

Alderman Dowell Sponsors CityPoint Church for Fall Family Festival

In October, CityPoint Community Church under the leadership of Pastor Demetrius Davis held their Fall Family Festival warmly welcoming the community into their new home. This was a morning full of fun, information and family for the entire community.

The Fall Family Festival was a free event for the entire family featuring an indoor pumpkin patch, bouncy house, face painting, games, video game truck, candy bags, apple cider, hot chocolate, and more. This event was sponsored in partnership with Alderman Pat Dowell.

3rd Ward CityArts Program Grantees

This year the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events awarded grants through its CityArts Program, Individual Artists Program, Chicago Presents, Chicago Arts Recovery Program and Chicago Arts and Health Pilot.

The CityArts Program provides general operating support to Chicago-based, arts and culture-focused, non-profit organizations. We are excited to share that the following organizations located in your ward were selected for funding:

• Black Alphabet
• Contextos
• FAME Center
• Forward Momentum Chicago
• ILA Creative Studio Organization, nfp
• Kalapriya Foundation, Center for Indian Performing Arts Inc.
• NAJWA Dance Corps
• One City at VanderCook College of Music
• Reader Institute for Community Journalism Inc
• ReinventAbility
• Sixty Inches From Center
• SOUTH ASIA INSTITUTE
• South Side Community Art Center
• The Obsidian Collection Archives
• Urban Juncture Foundation

The Individual Artist Program (IAP) provides project grants to Chicago-based, individual artists. We are pleased to share that the following people residing in your ward were selected for funding:

• Candace Breedlove
• Nadia Frierson
• Shameer Goss
• Rhonda Gray
• Cecile Savage
• Asia Taylor
• Steven White

The Chicago Presents Program provides event presentation grants to Chicago-based for-profit and non-profit event producers. We are pleased to share that the following presenters located in your ward were selected for funding:

• Blues Heaven Foundation
• Kalapriya Foundation, Center for Indian Performing Arts
• Near South Planning Board
• Overflow Coffee
• South Asia Institute

The Chicago Arts Recovery Program provided grants to Chicago-based, arts and culture-focused non-profits to support the arts and culture sector’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. We are pleased to share that the following organizations located in your ward were selected for funding:

• Arts + Public Life, University of Chicago
• Black Alphabet
• Columbia College Chicago DBA The Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago
• Kalapriya Foundation, Center for Indian Performing Arts

The Chicago Arts and Health Pilot for Creative Workers provided grants to Chicago-based, individual artists to apprentice in community clinics and become certified community health workers. We are pleased to share that the following people residing in your ward were selected for funding:

• Shannon Harris
• Mecca Perry

VanderCook College of Music Receives Historic Preservation Grant

VanderCook College of Music (3140 S. Federal St.), located in the historic Bronzeville neighborhood, recently received a $750,000 grant from the Save America's Treasures program of the National Park Service to be used for the preservation of a space that will serve as a concert hall and community center for Bronzeville residents.

Mies van der Rohe is considered one of the greatest architects of the 20th century and one of the most important proponents of the International Style. The building being renovated as a concert hall was completed in 1957 as the American Association of Railroads Engineering Laboratory Building. This building is the last of 3 buildings designed by Mies for the American Association of Railroads on the IIT campus. After being renovated, the centerpiece of the building will be a concert hall with flexible seating arrangements where school children and community members can enjoy performances by students and faculty from VanderCook College of Music and guest artists from around the world.

Founded in 1909 and located in Bronzeville, VanderCook College of Music is one of the nation's leading training grounds for music educators.  For more information about VanderCook College of Music please visit www.vandercook.edu.

Hot Chocolate Race Sunday November 5th

The annual Hot Chocolate 15K/5K race runs through the 3rd Ward on Sunday, November 5th. Below please find a map of the course and a table listing all of the road closures associated with the race. As you may know, many of the streets in and around Grant Park will be closed in the days leading up to race day for site preparation. Additional event details can be found at hotchocolate15k.com/city/chicago/.

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. Carolina Panthers

Thursday, November 9th at 7:15 pm

Field Museum Free Admission Days

The Field Museum free admission days for Illinois residents in November are the 7th, 10th, 14th, and 28th. The Field Museum also offers discounts through the Museums for All program for families with valid EBT (Link) or WIC cards, as well as complimentary basic admission for active military personnel and Illinois teachers. More info about these programs can be found here.

Art Institute of Chicago Free Admission Days

This holiday season, The Art Institute of Chicago is happy to announce the return of Free Winter Weekdays from November 27 to December 22, 2023. Illinois residents can enjoy free admission on Mondays (11:00–5:00), Thursdays (11:00–8:00), and Fridays (11:00–5:00). For more information and to plan your visit, click here.

Diasporal Rhythms Presents Perspectives

An exhibition of fine artworks at Navy Pier celebrating the 20th year anniversary of seminal Black art collectors organized by Diasporal Rhythms. See artworks from noted masters like Joyce Owens, Paul Brandon, Candice Hunter, Preston Jackson, and many more. For details visit DiasporalRhythms.org. The show will run from October 6, 2023 through January 31, 2024.

Near South Planning Board Culinary Crawl

Experience the Near South's tasty cuisine! Hop aboard the culinary crawl to explore five great restaurants and indulge in tasty bites with a specialty drink at each stop. Enter for a chance to win a gift card at each location. Limited tickets are available for purchase at www.theNSPB.org/our-events/culinary-crawl.

Where: 2600 S. Michigan Ave., Lower Level

When: Thursday, November 2nd, registration at 5:30 pm, tour from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Pitching Beyond Competitions

Think business pitches are only for investors, competitions and TV shows? Wrong! Join this interactive workshop to hone your pitch for potential customers, employees, media and more. Register at www.bit.ly/pitchbeyond.

Where: Bronzeville Incubator (5055 S. Prairie Ave., 2nd Fl.)

When: Thursday, November 2nd at 6:00 pm

CPD Vehicle Safety Engagement

The Chicago Police Department in partnership with Hyundai will be providing free anti-theft software updates. More information can be found at www.hyundaiantitheft.com.

Where: Guaranteed Rate Field Parking Lot G (3423 S. Normal Ave.)

When: November 3rd, 4th, and 5th from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Committee of Six: Screening and Public Discussion

Join the University of Chicago Arts + Public Life to watch and discuss Committee of Six, an award-winning new film that uses innovative performative strategies and archival documents to delve into the complicated history of UChicago’s relationship to nearby neighborhoods, produced by UChicago alums Fred Schmidt-Arenales (BA ‘13) and Ellenor Riley-Condit (BA ‘11). Register here.

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

When: Friday, November 3rd from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm

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: Tuesdays November 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm (link to register); Saturdays from November 4th and 11th from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm (link to register)

Congressman Jonathan Jackson Town Hall

Congressman Jonathan Jackson is hosting a Town Hall meeting to discuss the migrant crisis, housing and health. Lunch will be served from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.

Where: South Shore Cultural Center - Robeson Theater (7059 S. South Shore Drive)

When: Sunday, November 5th from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

STEM Fest at Bright Horizons

What do magnets, blocks, and smiles have in common? They're all part of STEM learning at Bright Horizons! Take a tour with center leaders to learn how the curriculum prepares children for success in science, technology, engineering, and math - critical education they need for the future! Register here.

Where: Detour 2 Discovery (2001 S. Wabash Ave.)

When: Wednesday, November 8th from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

NHS Financial Literacy 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: Wednesday, November 8th at 6:00 pm (link to register)

CPS Job Fair

Chicago Public Schools Talent Office is hosting a CPS Job Fair in the community for positions with CPS. Positions include teacher assistant, special education classroom assistant, nurse, security officer, cook, porter, crossing guard, tutor, bus aide, substitute teacher and many more. To register for the event, please visit bit.ly/CPSJobFair11923.

Where: Garfield Park Gymnasium (2651 W. Washington Blvd.)

When: Thursday, November 9th from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm

LEGO® at the library

We supply bricks. Just bring a ton of imagination and get ready to build. The sky's the limit!

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

When: Thursday, November 9th from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm

The Flamenco Quartet Presents "Carcelera Project"

The Carcelera Project is a performance rooted in community, history and the idea that artists create change. “Carcelera” is a flamenco style of singing and dancing. The project connects stories of incarceration from the Roma Cultures and Chicago, and includes an artistic collaboration between formerly incarcerated Chicago Hip Hop & Spoken Word artist King Moosa (Brian Harrington) and Clinard Dance through collective explorations in flamenco and Chicago-based blues, jazz, and rap. Register for Friday here, and for Saturday here.

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

When: Friday, November 10th from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm; Saturday, November 11th from 8:00 pm to 9:30 pm

Chicago's Inaugural Gun Violence Prevention Expo

The goal of the expo is to serve as a vehicle that harnesses the collective impact of community organizations and service providers to bridge the gaps that exist in accessibility and implementation. Service providers include: sports, education for youth and young adults, mental health, health care, employment/jobs, creative spaces/arts, financial, quality of life, and organization resources. Free for community organizations.

Where: UIC Forum (725 W Roosevelt Rd.)

When: Saturday, November 11th from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Deepavali Celebration

You and your loved ones are invited to partake in Deepavali, the Indian Festival of Lights, with Kalapriya. Enjoy performances, Diya decoration, sparkler lighting and more.

Where: Chicago Women's Park and Garden (1801 S. Indiana Ave.)

When: Saturday, November 11th from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Small Business Tech Symposium

World Business Chicago along with Verizon, Amazon and Meta are hosting a Small Business Tech Symposium. Connect with industry experts, attend workshops, network, and hear success stories that will inspire your small business journey. To register for the event, please click here.

Where: Polsky Exchange North (1452 E. 53rd St.)

When: Tuesday, November 14th from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm

Holiday Jewelry Making Class

Welcome to a world of holiday magic and creativity! As the holiday season approaches, there's no better way to get into the festive spirit than by joining our Holiday Jewelry Making Class for adults. This enchanting program is your gateway to crafting exquisite, one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces that capture the joy, warmth, and elegance of the holidays. In this class, we invite you to explore the art of transforming simple materials into dazzling works of wearable art, perfect for adding a touch of glamour to your holiday celebrations or for giving as cherished gifts to your loved ones. 

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

When: Thursday, November 16th from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm

Pre-Kwanzaa Holiday Market Place

Africa International House USA presents a Pre-Kwanzaa Holiday Marketplace, Kujichagulia "self-determination." Africa International House and their partners honor young black men through art and entrepreneurship.

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

When: Friday, December 1st and Saturday, December 2nd from 11:00 am to 8:00 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: 131

Date: November 15th at 5:30 pm

Location: For Zoom information, please email [email protected] or call312-745-4381

2nd District CAPS Meetings

Beat: 213/215

Date: November 21st at 6:00 pm

Location: Our Lady of Africa - St. Elizabeth (44 E. 41st St.)

Beat: 221/223

Date: November 14h at 6:00 pm

Location: King Center (4314 S. Cottage Grove Ave.)

Beat: 224

Date: November 28th at 6:00 pm

Location: Taylor Park (39 W. 47th St.)

Beat: 231

Date: November 16th at 6:00 pm

Location: Good Shepherd Tower (55 E. Garfield Blvd.)