CDC Updates COVID-19 Quarantine and Isolation Guidance

If you have had confirmed or suspected close contact with someone who has COVID-19, instead of quarantine, you should wear a mask for 10 days around others in indoor settings and take a COVID-19 five days after the exposure, or sooner if you develop symptoms.

Get tested immediately if you have symptoms of COVID-19, and isolate until you know your results, even if you are fully vaccinated.

If you test positive:

• You should stay home for 5 days and isolate, regardless of your vaccination status.
• After 5 days, if your symptoms are improving and you’ve been fever-free for 24 hours without medication, you can leave your home, but you should continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days and avoid contact with high-risk people.
• You may remove your mask after day 6 and sooner than day 10 if you test negative on two sequential rapid antigen tests 48 hours apart.
• If you have a fever or are still feeling sick, continue to stay home until 24 hours after your fever resolves and symptoms improve.

For additional information, please see the CDC's latest guidance on isolation.

Bud Billiken Parade Once Again Rides Through the 3rd Ward

As the host ward of the famed Bud Billiken Parade and Picnic, Alderman Dowell and the entire 3rd Ward community were proud to welcome thousands of residents and visitors to Bronzeville and Washington Park to experience an event like no other. Alderman Dowell was on hand to be a part of the parade, and to ensure the pre-planning and post-parade cleanup were completed successfully. 

Seeing all the smiling faces at the Bud is of the highlights of the year for Alderman Dowell. As is the sense of community and Black pride that the Bud offers annually. If you missed this year's event, come on out next year on the second Saturday in August to experience all the magic for yourself.

Alderman Dowell Hosts, Attends Local Back-to-School Events

Nothing like a good old fashioned back to school bash! Alderman Dowell partnered once again with the Chicago Urban League to get neighborhood children ready for the (even earlier!) first day of school. 3rd Ward and Urban League staff handed out thousands of backpacks, school supplies, clothes and prizes to residents in attendance. Thank you to everyone who donated and/or participated in the event for helping to make this school year the best one yet.

Alderman Dowell also stopped by Mollison Elementary School where family, faculty and community met to kick-off the school year. Special acknowledgement to Lunchroom Manager Angela Bradley, who single-handily painted the interior of the school giving it a new spirit. CPS must now step up and do its part and paint the exterior to match the beautiful new interior! Best wishes for a productive school year to Principal Dr. William Daniels and LSC member Cathy Dale.

3rd Ward Mobile City Hall Announced

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 Dowell Attends Annual Bronzeville Jazz Music Festival

Alderman Dowell had a joyful and relaxing time surrounded by neighborhood residents at the annual Bronzeville Jazz Music Festival. Maggie Brown set the place on fire and kudos to Sandra Bivens, Executive Director of the 51st Street Business Association, for holding the corridor down during the recession and the pandemic, and for pulling off this great event every year. While enjoying the festivities this year, residents can look forward to an even better 51st Street in the future with the upcoming Policy King LLC and Karry Young developments coming to the block.

XS Tennis Village Hosts SEIU Healthcare, ATP Challenger Tour

Located in the 3rd Ward's Washington Park neighborhood at 5336 S. State, XS Tennis Village is a new, state-of-the-art tennis facility that provides both world class courts, and beautiful venue for community events. In August, SEIU Healthcare held their first annual Carefest for their members at XS Tennis. Family fun and healthy activities all in one afternoon, including a karaoke stage. Alderman Dowell attended the event and was happy to engage with SEIU President Greg Kelly, SEIU Director of External Relations Jacqui Algee, State Representative Lamont Robinson, and MWRD Commissioner Kim DuBuclet.

Alderman Dowell also attended the Men’s Final of the ATP Challenger Tour at XS Tennis Village. The final matchup featured up and coming US player Ben Shelton and Russia’s Roman Safiullin, who won the match. In a very nice honor, Alderman Dowell was given the opportunity to present the trophies to the players. Congrats to Kamau Murray, XS Tennis Village founder and CEO, who continues to expand the reach of the facility, expose our young people to the sport, and provide spinoff benefits to local businesses and trades.

Free Flu Shots and COVID-19 Vaccine

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 Ward03@cityofchicago.org or call 773-373-9273.

Alderman Dowell Supports National Night Out

Alderman Dowell attended the 2nd Police District's National Night Out event at 35th St. and Prairie Ave. Special thanks to Acclivus, Grand Boulevard Prevention Services, United Neighbors of Prairie, the Gap Community Organization, the 2nd Police District CAPS Office, State Senator Mattie Hunter, Alderman Sophia King, State Reps. Kam Buckner and Lamont Robinson, and the 3rd Ward Public Service Office for making this event a true reflection of community/common unity! Good conversations, new alliances and genuine interactions.

The Party Continues for Bronzeville Summer Nights

The August 12th Bronzeville Summer Nights event featured businesses along 43rd Street from Michigan Ave. to Greenwood Ave. bringing community together to show pride in our history and culture. Sponsored by the Quad Communities Development Corporation, Bronzeville Summer Nights is a series of events that highlights local business corridors to support our neighborhood retailers and restaurants during the warm summer months. Congrats to QCDC for another fantastic event and for creating the new Visit Bronzeville pamphlet! Alderman Dowell and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle toured 43rd St. along with numerous neighborhood residents. 

Summer Events + Alderman Dowell

Summertime means tons of great neighborhood events both big and small. Alderman Dowell was happy to attend two more summer events in August, one hosted by the Black Fire Brigade, the other at South Commons. The Black Fire Brigade provided children and families an opportunity to interact with real live firemen, and enjoy free food, games and prizes. Recruiting the next generation of proud Black firefighters is more important now than ever!

At South Commons, Janet Connor, Diana Thompson, Stephanie Hart and the Homeowner’s Association pulled a fun party together for their first post pandemic event. The love was definitely felt by all!

3rd Ward Community Micro-Grant Winners

Utilizing funds allocated in the City's FY22 Budget by Alderman Dowell, who serves as the Chairman of the Committee on the Budget and Government Operations, the 3rd Ward Office issued an Request for Proposals (RFP) targeting community initiatives that address Food Insecurity, Senior Assistance and Violence Prevention. After review by a committee composed of ward residents and staff, the program will fund the following organizations to conduct violence prevention activities:

Acclivus $50,000:

Acclivus proposes to host events and provide social and positivity activities throughout the summer and fall months. The Acclivus violence prevention program currently serves three southside communities including, Grand Boulevard, Fuller Park and Douglas. The target population served will be children, youth and young adults. Acclivus plans to offer an array of anti-violence activities including youth educational workshops, recreational sports, cultural activities and health resource fairs.

Acclivus goals are three fold: to host programs and events that have value and purpose; to provide safety measures for the events; and to strengthen community engagement and relationships with people in the community that attend the events.

Centers for New Horizons, Inc. $16,000:

CNH will engage high-risk individuals in the Grand Boulevard Community who they will identify through street outreach as well as those who are referred to them through their community partners. Street outreach will identify potential clients and family members who are at risk of perpetrating or being a victim of violence and the Grand Boulevard community, prior to or immediately after a violent incident, including at hospitals; and in the aftermath of the incident. The Street Outreach team will establish a strong presence and credibility within the community in order to create a referral pipeline for individuals that fit the risk profile.

The Black Fire Brigade Organization $34,000:

The BFBO will serve as a community education resource center for young men and women living in the 3rd ward affected by gun violence. This funding will help Street Outreach Workers provide the following services: basic life skill training for youth, antisocial behavior and mentoring, National EMR, EMT and Paramedic Certification at no cost, job readiness training, and job placement activities.

New Business - CTS Health South

Please welcome CTS Health South to the 3rd Ward! CTS Health is a community mental health center and they just opened their second Chicago location in Bronzeville at 56 East 47th Street Suite 100C.

CTS Health South offers the following services to both insured and uninsured individuals:

• Therapy & Community Support
• Rehabilitation
• Case Management

Learn more and sign up for services at www.ctshealth.org.

Chicago Board of Elections Releases New Ward and Precinct Maps for the City of Chicago

The Chicago Board of Elections released new ward and precinct maps for the City of Chicago ahead of the upcoming November 8, 2022 General Election. The new ward boundaries were adopted by the Chicago City Council on May 19, 2022, as required every 10 years after the U.S. Census. The Chicago Board of Elections is now creating 1,290 precincts across all 50 Wards in Chicago, for a reduction total of 779 precincts. The average number of precincts per ward is 26, and the average number of voters per precinct is 1,165.

Many voters in Chicago will find themselves in new wards and precincts or assigned to new polling places. Polling places will be finalized by early October 2022 ahead of the November 8, 2022 General Election. Voters can check their new information by going here: www.chicagoelections.gov/en/your-voter-information.html

All Chicago voters will soon receive a new voter registration card in the mail notifying them of their new ward and precinct information ahead of the November 8, 2022 General Election.

Street Sweeping Remains in Effect Through November

With school starting and fall coming fast, Alderman Dowell wanted to remind residents that residential street sweeping will continue through mid-November. Please check your street for the temporary street sweeping signs hung on the block, and move your vehicles accordingly. For those who like to plan ahead, the full street sweeping schedule can be downloaded here. Please note, the schedule is subject to change due to weather, construction, etc. 

3rd Ward CityArts Grant Recipients 

The goal of the CityArts Program is to encourage the attainment of artistic excellence and financial stability, and to incentivize innovation related to citywide priorities. Nonprofit arts and culture organizations of all sizes applied for general operating grants and project grants. 2022 Project Grants focused on the Year of Chicago Dance. The City of Chicago is proud to announce the following organizations in the 3rd Ward were selected to receive a CityArts grant:

ReinventAbility (100 E. 14th St.), One City at VanderCook College of Music (3140 S. Federal St.), South Side Community Arts Center (3831 S. Michigan Ave.), Urban Juncture Foundation (300 E. 51st St.), Forward Momentum Chicago (4838 S. Prairie Ave.), NAJWA Dance Corps (1633 S. Michigan Ave.), Kalapriya Foundation (1925 S. Michigan Ave.), Contextos (2240 S . Michigan Ave.), FAME Center (1550 S. State St.), Reader Institute for Community Journalism (2930 S. Michigan Ave.), Sixty Inches from Center (436 E. 47th St.), and the South Asia Institute (1925 S. Michigan Ave.).

Washington Park Sunflower Field Featured in Time-Out Chicago

Love towering sunlight-yellow flowers? The Washington Park sunflower field named "Sunflower City" is located at 5345 S. Prairie Ave. and boasts an acre of pristine sunflowers in the heart of the City. Visit to experience a true City oasis right in the neighborhood. Want to learn more? Follow this link.

Street Resurfacing - Calumet Ave. from 18th St. to Cermak Rd.

The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) and Alderman Dowell are proud to announce the planned resurfacing of Calumet Ave. between 18th St. and Cermak Rd. starting September 20th. Due to the project, the Divvy station located at Calumet Ave. and 18th St. will have to be temporary relocated. Alderman Dowell authorized the resurfacing of Calumet Ave. as part of her Infrastructure Menu for 2022. This is just one of the many upgrades residents will see this year as part of Alderman Dowell's yearly Infrastructure Menu program.

CDOT is planning to temporarily move the Divvy station a half block west, to the south side of 18th St., just west of Calumet Ave. An estimated date for final paving is September 28th, and Divvy plans to move the station back to its permanent location as soon as possible after the work is completed.

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.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. 

Rammstein

Saturday, September 3rd at 7:00 pm

Chicago Bears vs. San Francisco 49ers

Sunday, September 11th at noon

Chicago Fire vs. Charlotte FC

Saturday, September 17th at 7:00 pm

Chicago Bears vs. Houston Texans

Sunday, September 25th at noon

Our City Our Safety Camera Registration Program

If you have a private security camera and are interested in aiding the Chicago Police Department in criminal investigations, register the location of your camera at chicagopolice.org/cameraregistration. The City’s camera registration program is:

• Free and voluntary
• Open to anyone who lives or operates a business in Chicago

By registering your camera, you are simply allowing the Chicago Police Department to contact you in the event of a crime in your area. 

• The Chicago Police Department will not have direct access to your camera system.
• The Chicago Police Department will not be able to access camera footage without your consent. 
• There is no requirement to provide footage and you can decline to do so at any time. 

ComEd Energy Efficiency Program

Take advantage of the ComEd Energy Efficiency Program to save on your energy bills! Schedule a FREE Home Energy Assessment and you’ll receive recommendations for energy-saving opportunities all around your home. PLUS, you’ll receive free and discounted energy-saving products, all to help you save energy, save money, and increase the comfort of your home. In-home and virtual assessments are available for your convenience.

Eligible customers may also qualify for additional improvements like an Energy Efficiency Retrofit that can enhance the comfort of your home with weatherization improvements that may reduce energy waste by up to 20%. Keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter! Qualifying customers must meet additional criteria, including but not limited to household income eligibility requirements.

Schedule your FREE Home Energy Savings assessment today and learn if you're also eligible for an Energy Efficiency Retrofit. ComEd offers support when you need it most.

It’s easy! Get started now at ComEd.com/Assessment or call 855-433-2700.

Grants for Black-Owned Small Businesses

The Coalition to Back Black Businesses is a multi-year grantmaking and training initiative to help support Black-owned small businesses as they recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and chart a path forward. The initiative launched in Fall 2020 and provides grants to qualifying Black-owned small businesses through 2023. 

THE 2022 GRANT PERIOD IS NOW OPEN! From now until September 6, we are taking our streamlined applications for our third cohort of $5,000 grants. For your opportunity, review the steps, and then fill out the form here.

Aunt Martha's is Hiring

Aunt Martha's is Illinois' Leading provider of integrated healthcare, child welfare and community wellness services. They are the only organization in Illinois that is both a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) and a state-licensed child welfare provider. They are currently providing services in over 600 communities, to 120,000 patients and clients across the state. 

Aunt Martha's is currently attempting to identify staff for the Integrated Care Center located at 5000 S. Michigan Ave. in Chicago and two other programs located in Park Forest and Midlothian. All 3 programs work with youth transitioning into longer term placements or independence. Candidates must be 21 years old, high school graduates and be able to work with teens. Full-time and Part-time schedules are available. 

• Youth Support Specialist $18-$22 an hour with a $750 signing bonus after 90 days
• A vimeo link https://vimeo.com/368170043 highlighting some of the services and client populations they serve. 

Please send resumes to murray4506@aol.com.

NHS Home Buyer Education Webinar

Learn about the home buying process such as the basics of budgeting, improving credit, understanding the closing process and down payment assistance programs. This is an eight-hour course delivered in two 4-hour sessions.

When: Saturday, September 10th at 9:00 am (link to register) and Saturday, September 17th at 9:00 am (link to register)

NHS Financial Fresh Start Webinar

Whether you are planning to purchase a home or simply need to improve your finances, this webinar will

prepare you for financial security. Learn How To: develop a spending plan, reduce your debt, and

increase your credit score.

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

Greater Bronzevile Family Fest

Bright Star Community Outreach presents the Greater Bronzeville Family Fest. This free event will offer a $20,000 giveaway, free food, other prizes, and live music for up to 5,000 attendees. RSVP is mandatory to attend the festival. Text "Familyfest" (no spaces) to 55469 to register. For more information visit brightstarcommunityoutreach.com. 

Where: Armstrong Park (4433 S. St. Lawrence Ave.)

When: Sunday, September 11th from noon to 6:00 pm

Chicago Urban League Homebuyer Seminars

Tired of renting and ready to purchase? The Chicago Urban League's Homebuyer Education series is designated to help homeowners prepare for the process of purchasing a home and to navigate the challenges of becoming a new homeowner. Participants must attend both sessions to earn a Home Buying Education Certificate.

When: Tuesday, September 13th at 6:00 pm (link to register), and Thursday, September 15th at 6:00 pm (link to register). 

Chicago Urban League Foreclosure Workshop

Mortgage late, don't wait! Attend this free workshop to learn about ways to save your home. Register here.

When: Thursday, September 22nd at 6:00 pm

Men's Mental Health Fair

As a prostate cancer survivor, Cook County Commissioner Bill Lowry is commemorating Prostate Cancer Awareness Month by hosting a Men's Mental Health Fair that will highlight health services available to men of all ages throughout cook county. Register here.

Where: Apostolic Church of God Family Center (6320 S. Dorchester Ave.)

When: Thursday, September 29th from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm

3rd Annual Bronzeville 5k Run/Walk

The Bronzevile 5k Run/Walk brings residents and neighboring communities together to benefit schools in Bronzeville. The 5k is an all ages event, so come out with family, friends, and neighbors to run through historic Bronzeville. Register at www.werunsportschi.com.

Where: Lillian Armstrong Park (4433 S. St. Lawrence Ave.)

When: Sunday, October 2nd at 9:00 am

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: Wednesday, September 21st at 6:00 pm

Location: For Zoom registration information, please email Caps.001District@chicagopolice.org or call 312-745-4381

2nd District CAPS Meetings

Beat: 213/215

Date: September 27th at 6:00 pm

Location Zoom Meeting ID: 841 2964 4400 Passcode: 5101

Beat: 221/223

Date: September 20th at 6:00 pm

Location: Zoom Meeting ID: 840 8967 0980 Passcode: 5101

Beat: 224

Date: September 22nd at 6:00 pm

Location: Zoom Meeting ID: 857 0051 2046 Passcode: 5101

Beat: 225

Date: September 1st at 6:00 pm

Location: Zoom Meeting ID: 874 2087 2524 Passcode: 5101

Beat: 231

Date: September 15th at 6:00 pm

Location: Zoom Meeting ID: 892 9848 9556 Passcode: 5101