Dear Third Ward Resident,

March is Women's History Month and in honor of this occasion I'd like to highlight a few initiatives that promote gender equality and women's rights. Did you know that as of 2016 women make between $0.78 and $0.82 for every dollar a man makes for the same job? That is called the gender pay gap and it's a problem nationally. On April 4th, the City of Chicago is hosting the 7th Annual Equal Pay Day. Join me to raise awareness of pay equality in Chicago and around the nation. This event will take place in Daley Plaza at Clark and Washington from noon to 1:00 pm. More information about the event can be found at www.equalpaydaychi.xyz. I was also proud to be a featured speaker at the Women's March on Chicago. This event brought together tens of thousands of people in support of women's rights. And this initiative is not over. Visit www.womens121marchonchicago.org to see how you can continue to participate in this important movement. As the Chairman of the Committee on Human Relations I will continue to be a leading advocate for women in our city. If you have any questions, suggestions or issues I can help you with regard-ing gender equality or that effect our city in general, please contact me at 773-373-9273. Sincerely,

Pat Dowell Alderman, 3rd Ward

Third Ward Newsletter March 2017

In This Issue

Third Ward Update 2-5

Events in and Around the Ward 6-9

Important Announcements 10

Employment & Training/March 11 CAPS

2

Third Ward Update

Citywide Clean and Green Day Spring is right around the corner and that means that spring cleaning season is upon us. This tradition is not just useful for your home, but can be used to help beautify your neighborhood. We all love to live in a clean community free of trash, and if we all work together we can bring back the beauty of the area. Citywide Clean and Green Day on Saturday, April 22nd is a great opportunity to do your part to keep the neighborhood clean. But you don't have to wait! The 3rd Ward Office will partner with you anytime to host a Clean and Green in your area. The City will provide tools, bags and trash pickup for groups who organize a Clean and Green event (by calling 311 or contacting Alderman Dowell's Office at 773-373-9273). In addition, the City of Chicago cleans and mows vacant lots, sweeps the streets, cleans the public way and empties public garbage cans along major roadways. If any of these things need to be done, please call 311 or report the issue to the 3rd Ward Public Service Office. Lastly, if you have E-waste or chemicals that need do be disposed of, you can take them to the City of Chicago sanitation facility at 1150 N. North Branch St. for disposal.

Dowell Hosts Town Hall Meeting at 2nd Presbyterian On February 6th Alderman Dowell hosted a Town Hall meeting at 2nd Presbyterian Church. Thank you to Pastor David Neff for opening up your beautiful space to the community. And thank you to all the residents who came out that evening as well as the presenters who spoke at the event. The Town Hall featured a public safety discussion with 1st District Police Commander Robert Klich, a presentation from new Civilian Office of Police Accountability head Sharon Fairley, an update from CPS on the new South Loop Elementary School and a presentation from the developers of a condominium building at 1802 S. State St. If you were unable to attend the event, the PowerPoint presentation is available on Alderman Dowell's website at www.dowellforthirdward.com.

3rd Ward Town Hall Meeting at the KLEO Center Alderman Dowell hosted another Town Hall meeting on February 16th at the KLEO Center. Thank you to Pastor Torrey Barrett of the KLEO Center for hosting the event, as well as to all of the residents and presenters who made the Town Hall such a success. Presenting at the Town Hall meeting were: Sharon Fairley of the Civilian Office of Police Accountability, a representative of the 2nd Police District, Michael McGehee from CPS central office, Dr. Carol Adams on behalf of the Obama Library Initiative, members of the Office of Emergency Management

and Communications to discuss 911/311 best practices, and members of The Urban Resilience Network to speak about their initiative and community survey. The presentation from the meeting is available at www.dowellforthirdward.com.

Williams Park to Get New Field House A major milestone has been accomplished in the effort to construct a new and larger field house at Williams Park in the Dearborn Homes community. The Dearborn Homes LAC, Williams Park Advisory Council, and many of the young people who attended the last planning meeting approved the new design and layout for the facility. A suggestion by LAC President Carol Wallace to name it "The Dr. Daniel Hale Williams Recreational Center" was eagerly accepted by the Chicago Park District. This is a joint effort of the Chicago Housing Authority, the Chicago Park District and the 3rd Ward Office. Thanks to all involved for moving us closer to the finish line. This $6 million investment in the children of Dearborn Homes is important. If all goes well, construction should begin this year.

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Alderman Dowell Hands Out Free Bags In advance of the new city ordinance aimed at ridding the streets of plastic bags, Alderman Dowell handed out free reusable grocery bags to 3rd Ward residents. City officials handed out thousands of free reusable bags across Chicago to help offset the cost of the new ordinance which imposes a flat $0.07 fee on paper and plastic bags given to customers at grocery, retail and other stores (restaurants, prescription drugs and others are exempt - see www.cityofchicago.org/finance for complete details). Loose trash including plastic bags are a major issue for the City, and this initiative's intent is to help keep the city's streets clean.

Keeping it Real Burglary Prevention Workshops Alderman Dowell is partnering with the Chicago Police Department to host two "Keeping it Real" burglary prevention workshops. At these events, meet real life ex-burglars who will provide you with the tips and tricks necessary to keep you and your property safe from the pros. For more information call the 3rd Ward Public Service Office at 773-373-9273.

Alderman Dowell Speaks at Women's Empowerment Event Alderman Dowell was invited to speak at the AMC Center Chicago's Absolute Justice: The African American Experience conference at the invitation of Naimah Latif and Iman Azam Akram. Her topic: Women Breaking Barriers in Government. The highlight of the event was the story of Johnnie Savory and his call for African Americans to heal our communities through forgiving our trespasses. This was a powerful message for all in attendance. The breakout sessions were timely in-cluding: Eliminating Violence in Chicago, Taking Control Of Our Education, Creating Jobs Through Neighborhood Businesses, Building Harmonious Families.

2nd Pres. Celebrates 175th Anniversary & Black History Month Second Presbyterian Church is celebrating their 175th Anniversary and for Black History Month the church is having various programs. In February they celebrated one of their past members, Etta Moten Barnett, one of Bronzeville's cultural icons. Scenes from the 1933 film The Gold Diggers were shown where Etta Moten sang The Forgotten Man. According to her granddaughter, Eleanor Roosevelt took notice of her talent and invited her to the White House to sing, making her the first African American to do so. Guests also watched in its entirety Flying Down to Rio, also produced in 1933, where a very beautiful Etta Moten (billed in the film as "The Colored Singer") sang Carioca in a club scene.

Motor Row Streetscapes Alderman Dowell is proud to have brought two streetscape projects to the Motor Row area, one on Michigan Avenue between Cermak Road and 24th Place, the other on 23rd Street between State Street and Indiana Avenue. As you may already know, the 23rd Street streetscape construction is ongoing with an anticipated completion of spring 2017. The Michigan Avenue streetscape construction is planned to begin in spring 2018 with an estimated completion date of spring 2019. Streetscapes are public way beautification projects that make busy commercial corridors more appealing for residents, businesses, pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Typically, streetscape projects consist of new sidewalks with decorative pavers, new curbs and gutters, decorative lighting, site furniture, trees and tree grates, and road resurfacing. The Michigan Avenue project will also include a "Road Diet," turning what is now a 4 lane roadway to a 2 lane roadway with a center turn lane and widened sidewalk. This will not only beautify the area but improve pedestrian/traffic safety on the busy block. For complete information on the Motor Row Streetscape projects, visit Alderman Dowell's website at www.dowellforthirdward.com.

Third Ward Update (Continued)

March 16th at 6:00 pm National Teachers Academy

55 W. Cermak Rd.

March 23rd at 6:00 pm Liberty Baptist Church

4849 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive

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New Water Main - Drexel Blvd. and 47th Streets The Department of Water Management (DWM) has recently completed the installation of a new water main on Drexel Blvd from 46th St. to 47th St. and on 47th St. from Prairie Ave. to Lake Park Ave. This is project number 1601126. Over the next few weeks the new pipe will be pressurized, disinfected with chlorine and tested. DWM will then begin the process of switching services from the old main to the new main. During that transfer period you will be without water for a few hours. Your building will receive a handout notifying you when your water service will be temporarily interrupted prior to the service transfer. Once the services have been transferred, the street will be temporarily restored with concrete until complete restoration of the street with asphalt can be done. ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps will be repaired or installed where needed, along with repair of damaged parkway and sidewalk. The final restoration of the street will include milling the surface, placing new asphalt, and painting the street markings. The restoration schedule is subject to change and may be impacted by adverse weather conditions. Asphalt is not available during winter months, which may delay the final restoration of the street. Final restoration will occur late spring. You will receive additional notifications as the project proceeds. If you have questions about this project please call 312-744-4420.

January 2017 311 Requests January 2017 Streets and Sanitation Requests

Third Ward Update (Continued)

Type Requests

Family and Support Services - Human Services 117

DWM - Water Issues 61

CDOT - Electrical Issues 57

Streets and Sanitation - Sanitation Code Violations 38

Department of Buildings - Vacant Buildings 38

Streets and Sanitation - Rodent Baiting 33

Streets and Sanitation - Street Operations 33

Animal Care and Control 25

DWM - Sewer Issues 25

Recycling 17

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3rd Ward SBIF Success Stories In both 2015 and 2016, multiple businesses in the 3rd Ward have received funding for infrastructure improvements through Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) grants. If your business is in a TIF area and could use funds for hard infrastructure costs like facade improvements, roofing repairs, window replacements, upgraded lighting fixtures, plumbing, masonry repairs, HVAC and more, a SBIF grant may be right for you. Other restrictions will apply. To see which TIF areas are accepting SBIF applications and rules on how to apply, please see the SBIF article in the Important Announcements section of this newsletter. In 2016 Baderbrau (2515 S. Wabash), SC Cleaners (501-7 E. 47th St.), L. Robinson & Associates (5048-50 S. Indiana), and 2255 S. Wabash LLC received SBIF funding. These businesses used their grant awards to expand operations and make critical infrastructure repairs to their properties. In 2015, Inner City Youth and Adult Foundation (4500 S. Michigan) and Just Fit Shoes (235 E. 35th) received funding as well. In total, 3rd Ward businesses received over $500,000 in SBIF grant funding in 2015-16.

Alderman Dowell Participates in the Out in the Open Sleep In The Out in the Open Sleep In for homeless youth was held at 2nd Presbyterian Church. Thanks to Tracy Baim inviting Alderman Dowell to speak and for the great remarks by delivered by Ja'Mal Green, State's Attorney Kim Foxx, Caprice, Fawzia Mirza, State Representative Juliana Stratton and Pastor David Neff. The Sleep In is a major fundraiser to support shelter and support services for homeless youth, especially LGBQT young people. Teen Living Programs located in the 3rd Ward was in the house with their Executive Director Jeri Linas. Mona Noriega Commissioner of Chicago's Human Relations Commission was also there in support. Let's get rid of our harmful "pest control" attitude against those we don't like.

Alderman Dowell Co-Sponsors Legislation to Reform Police Accountability

During the February City Council meeting Alderman Pat Dowell co-sponsored a resolution calling for Mayor Emanuel to publicly endorse reforms to the police union bargaining agreements and for the State of Illinois to hold hearings regarding the implementation of personal liability insurance of police officers as well as the licensure of police officers statewide. Specifically, the resolution asks the Mayor to remove certain obstacles in the union contract that make it more difficult to investigate police misconduct and improve transparency in the police disciplinary process. Furthermore, it asks the State of Illinois to hold hearings that include the testimony from victims of police misconduct and police accountability organizations with the goal of implementing personal liability insurance of police officers as well as the licensure of police officers statewide.

Alderman Dowell Co-Sponsors Resolution Asking Governor Rauner to Renew Negotiations with AFSCME Council 31 Alderman Dowell signed on as a co-sponsor of a resolution calling on Governor Bruce Rauner to renew negotiations with the thousands of state employees represented by AFSCME Council 31 and other unions with whom he has not yet reached settlements and work in good faith to reach agreements that are fair to all. Currently, AFSCME members are working without a contract. This resolution calls all parties back to the table to negotiate a contract in good faith, one that is fair to the workers, state and citizens of Illinois.

Third Ward Update (Continued)

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Events in and Around the Ward The Wall of Respect: Vestiges, Shards and the Legacy of Black Power Guest curated by Romi Crawford, Abdul Alkalimat and Rebecca Zorach, this exhibition chronicles how the Organization of Black Arts and Culture - a collection of 14 designers, photographers, painters and others - designed and produced one of the most significant projects in Chicago's storied public art history - now covered over, at 43rd St. and Langley Ave.

Where: Chicago Cultural Center (78 E. Washington St., 2nd Floor North) When: February 25th through July 30th

National Nutrition Month "Eat Right" The K.L.E.O. Community Family Life Center hosts a food pantry the 1st Wednesday of each month. In addition to free food, the pantry features different health topics, guest speakers, food demos, health screenings, raffles and more each month. For more info visit www.kleo.org.

Where: K.L.E.O. Center (119 E. Garfield Blvd.) When: Wednesday, March 1st from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm

City Inspections - Ask Questions, Get Answers Presented by the City of Chicago To operate a successful business in Chicago you need to know what it takes to maintain compliance. Officials from several City departments will provide insight to operate safely, stay compliant, help prepare for inspections and highlight the do's and don'ts of operating a business.

Where: City Hall (121 N. LaSalle St., Room 805) When: Wednesday, March 1st from 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm

Women in Trades Open House Lean how a career in construction or welding can work for you. Chicago Women in Trades FREE training programs empower you with the tools for success. Connect with Women in Trades at 312-942-1444 or at ChicagoWomenIn-Trades2.org.

Where: 2444 W. 16th St., Ste. 3E When: Wednesday, March 1st at 6:00 pm

Diversification/Gentrification Friend Raiser Breakfast Hosted in the historic former Wabash Y building to honor the tradition of awareness, debate and discussion, this year The Renaissance Collaborative’s program will focus on the social constructs of diversification and gentrification. Tickets are $25 a piece. Visit www.trcwabash.org to purchase your ticket today!

Where: TRC Ballroom (3757 S. Wabash Ave.) When: Friday, March 3rd from 7:30 am to 10:00 am

Gallery D'Estee 2017 The Chicago Alumnae Chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., is proud to present the 15th Annual art exhibition, Gallery D'Estee. For more information about the event, please email arts.chideltas@gmail.com.

Where: D'Estee Inc. (4525 S. King Dr.) When: Friday, March 3rd from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm and Saturday, March 4th from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Camp of Dreams Community Day Camp of Dreams' Community Day is Saturday, March 4th, at AMC Center at 4421 S State (enter through rear parking lot entrance) @ 10:00 am. If you are between the ages of 8 and 16, join the AMC community! Have 3 hours of fun, informative and enriching activities planned with you in mind. Call 312-649-5551 today for more information and registration. All at no cost to you only parent approval is needed

Where: AMC Center (4421 S. State St.) When: Saturday, March 4th from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm

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Events in and Around the Ward Free Mobile Food Pantry St. Elizabeth Church hosts a free mobile food pantry where residents can get fresh fruits, vegetables and non-perishable groceries.

Where: St. Elizabeth Church/SVD P Food Pantry (Corner of 41st St. and Wabash Ave.) When: Thursday, March 9th from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Financial Literacy: Managing and Protecting Your Assets The Circuit Court of Cook County's Elder Justice Center, as part of their Free Senior Enrichment Seminar Series, is proud to present "Financial Literacy: Managing and Protecting Your Assets." This event will cover how to budget your income, managing your credit and debt, and how to protect your assets. To register please call 312-603-9233.

Where: Richard J. Daley Center (50 W. Washington, Room CL-115 Concourse Level) When: Thursday, March 9th from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm

Youth Symposium Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority presents the 20th Annual Youth Symposium. All are welcome, ages 12-18 come to meet new friends, attend workshops and have lots of fun! For info contact Nico Thigpen at 773-988-2600 or at lanaturall@yahoo.com.

Where: Chicago Military Academy (3519 S. Giles St.) When: Saturday, March 11th from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm

Bronzeville Dog Park Planning Meeting Bronzeville Association for Recreation with Canines (BARC) along with Alderman Pat Dowell are hosting a planning meeting for a potential dog park. For more information about the event or the dog park, please visit BARC's Facebook page at facebook.com/BARC.

Where: Mandrake Park (3858 S. Cottage Grove Ave.) When: Saturday, March 11th at 1:15 pm

Gospel Music A&R Auditions Performance The Gospel Music A&R Auditions on March 11 will feature live performances by artists and groups selected to perform for an audience including a panel of major music and marketing executives. Additionally, participants will be considered for a set at this year's Chicago Gospel Music Festival. The public is invited to watch the FREE performances and cheer on their favorite artists.

Where: Westpoint Missionary Baptist Church (3566 S. Cottage Grove Ave.) When: Saturday, March 11th from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Making a Chicago Farmers Market: How to Bring Fresh Foods to Your Community Learn how to start a local Chicago Farmers Market in your neighborhood! Whether you're an entrepreneur or just a curious resident, this workshop explores the history and growth of local markets in Chicago - and offers simple tools, training and tips to start your own! The Chicago Farmers Markets program brings nearly 70 city-run and independent markets throughout Chicago's neighborhoods. In addition to bringing fresh foods and produce, local markets are becoming a unique way to connect residents and families to their communities -- showcasing neighborhood artisans, chefs, bakeries and more who contribute to local food culture and making Chicago's communities vibrant. This workshop is presented in collaboration with One Book, One Chicago.

Where: Sherman Park Branch Library (5440 S. Racine Ave.) When: Monday, March 13th at 4:30 pm

8

Events in and Around the Ward Low Cost Pet Vaccine / Microchip Clinic Chicago Animal Care and Control is hosting a Low Cost Pet Vaccine / Microchip Clinic for City of Chicago Residents. You must be at least 18 years old to attend. Please bring a valid Photo ID, 2 pets per household, all dogs must be leashed and all cats must be in a carrier. Other rules apply. Payment can be made by credit or debit card, check or cash. No change will be given. For more information visit www.cityofchicago.org/cacc.

Where: 2741 S. Western Ave. When: Wednesday, March 15th - numbers distributed at 8:30 am, doors at 9:00 am

Landlord and Tenant's Rights Seminar The free event will teach about the rights and responsibilities of landlords and renters in Cook County. Victoria Ogunsanya, a staff attorney with Lawyers' Committee for Better Housing, will speak about evictions, illegal lockouts, retaliation and more. Register online at www.lcbh.org,

Where: Richard J. Daley Center (50 W. Washington, 29th Floor) When: Wednesday, March 15th from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm

How to Obtain a Mobile Food Dispenser/Preparer License Presented by the City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection (BACP) and Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) and Fire This workshop will give you all the information you need to become either a Mobile Food Dispenser (MFD) or Mobile Food Preparer (MFP) licensed food truck operator. We will walk you through the MFD/MFP licensing process including inspections, the application, mobile food vehicle, and operational requirements, as well as the optional pre-application Mobile Food Vehicle Assessment.

Where: City Hall (121 N. LaSalle St., Room 805) When: Wednesday, March 15th from 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm

Timothy Community Corporation Health and Wellness Program Launch Did you know 86% of South Side community residents have at least one risk factor for heart disease, such as being overweight, smoking, physical inactivity, high cholesterol or high blood pressure? Join Timothy Community Corporation for a free program featuring a variety of short physical activity sessions, health education sessions and more! Contact connect2glorious-light.org or call 773-624-4642 for more information.

Where: Timothy Community Corporation (4351 S. Drexel Blvd.) When: Saturday, March 18th from 9:00 am to 10:15 am and Tuesday, March 21st from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm

Small Business Expo The City of Chicago's Small Business Center is hosting a FREE Small Business Center Solution Expo. The Expo will feature free expert advice from former executives, free legal advice, counseling and loan info, tax assistance, financial advice and support services. Call 312-744-2086 or email BACPoutreach@cityofchicago.org for more information.

Where: Arturo Velazquez Institute (2800 S. Western Ave.) When: Saturday, March 18th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Quilt Show and Workshop The Soul Stitchers is honoring Women's History Month with a Quilt Show and Workshop. Admission is $1 and the English Paper Piecing workshop from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm is $1. The Appalachian Slave Quilt workshop from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm is $10. Call Millicent Gordon at 312-747-6144 for more information.

Where: Fuller Park (331 W. 45th St.) When: Saturday, March 18th from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

9

Events in and Around the Ward How to Write a Business Plan - What you Need to Know! Presented by Donna R. Rockin, Executive Director, Jules F. Knapp Entrepreneurship Center at IIT Learn how to create a comprehensive business plan. It's easier than you think when you understand all the components that get included. You'll receive a complete list of what to include to demystify the process. Writing a solid business plan is your roadmap to business success.

Where: City Hall (121 N. LaSalle St., Room 805) When: Wednesday, March 22nd from 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm

Safeguarding Your Savings, Best Practice of Banking Institutions The Circuit Court of Cook County's Elder Justice Center, as part of their Free Senior Enrichment Seminar Series, is proud to present "Safeguarding Your Savings: Best Practice of Banking Institutions." This event will include: how to protect your finances and identity, laws and regulations that protect depositors, and financial preparation for emergencies. To register please call 312-603-9233.

Where: Richard J. Daley Center (50 W. Washington, Room 2005) When: Thursday, March 23rd from noon to 1:30 pm

Free Screening of Ava DuVernay's Documentary 13th Generating Hope presents a free screening of Ava DuVernay's 2017 Oscar nominated documentary 13th, followed by a panel discussion. RSVP for the event at bit.ly/13GenHope.

Where: Sherman Recital Hall at Governor's State University (1 University Parkway, University Park) When: Tuesday, March 28th 4:30 pm concessions, 4:45 pm screening

Tax Issues for Self-Employed Individuals & Businesses Presented by Eric Sternberg of the Center for Economic Progress & Yolanda Ruiz of the Internal Revenue Service This workshop will give an introductory understanding of common tax issues that self-employed individuals often encounter. Participants will learn when they must file a tax return, how to identify worker classifications, how to prepare for an IRS audit, how to make quarterly estimated payments, and how to navigate the IRS website. Partici-pants will benefit from the perspectives of both the individual taxpayer and the Internal Revenue Service.

Where: City Hall (121 N. LaSalle St., Room 805) When: Friday, March 31st from 9:30 am to 11:00 am

LGBTQ Business Expo and Executive Realness Ball The LGBTQ Business Expo and Executive Realness Ball features local business vendors, spoken word, HIV testing and live DJ and drag performances. Business attire is a requirement. Find out more at www.bit.ly/businessball.

Where: King Center (4314 S. Cottage Grove Ave.) When: Friday, March 31st - Expo: 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, Ball 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm

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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/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 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.

Neighborhood Opportunity Fund The Neighborhood Opportunity Fund generates revenue from downtown developments to finance commercial and cultural projects in our neighborhoods. The fund sponsors projects in commercial corridors including: storefront buildout, facade repair, window replacement, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, new construction, roofing repair and much more. Please click here for more information and how to apply.

Voluntary Emergency Registry The Voluntary Emergency Registry provides the opportunity for individuals with disabilities to alert emergency personnel that there is someone in the home or office that has a disability and may need assistance. This is an important, confidential, and accessible tool to help prepare people with disabilities in all types of emergency situations. To sign up for the registry please visit https://webapps1.cityofchicago.org/volunteerregistry/.

3rd Ward Small Business Improvement Funds Available The City of Chicago, along with its partner Somercor, operates a program to assist business with various capital expenses called the Small Business Improvement Fund, or SBIF for short. To find out if you are eligible for SBIF financing and what SBIF funds can be used for please go to www.somercor.com. Between March 1st and March 31st the 47th/State TIF district in the 3rd Ward will be accepting SBIF applications. If you have any questions about the SBIF application process please call Somercor directly at 312-360-3300.

American Diabetes Alert Day We are two months into 2017; are you still maintaining all of those new healthy habits that you started in January? Those changes will result in a healthier lifestyle for you and may result in a better quality of life especially during the golden years. Did you know we are living in an epidemic of Type 2 diabetes? This epidemic disproportionately affects the African-American community. 18.7% of all African-American adults over the age of 20 have diagnosed or undiagnosed diabetes compared to 7.1% of white Americans. 35% of African-American adults have prediabetes, a condition that can result in diabetes and all of its complications. March 22 is American Diabetes Alert Day. If you don't have diabetes, I encourage you to take the Type 2 Diabetes Risk Test. It can be found on the American Diabetes Association website at www.diabetes.org. If the test reveals that you are at risk for diabetes, develop a plan with your physician to help you lower your risk. Those of you who started an exercise program continue it to lower your risk of diabetes. March is also Save Your Vison Month. One of the major complications of diabetes is diabetic retinopathy, a condition that damages blood vessels in the eyes and can result in vision loss. In the early stages, changes in the retina caused by diabetes progress without causing vision changes. Therefore, it is important that diabetics have a yearly dilated eye exam to detect early changes that may be treated and prevent vision loss. If you have not had a diabetic eye exam, you may consider asking your physician for a referral to our state-of-the-art Eye Center at Provident. Also, if you have diabetes you may want to enroll in the free diabetes management class at Provident by calling 312-572-1814.

Important Announcements

Get Lucky Run - Saturday, March 11th from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm

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IBEW-NECA Apprenticeship Opportunities I.B.E.W. Local 134 and the Electrical Contractors' Association sponsor apprenticeship programs in Cook County, IL through the Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Trust (EJATT). EJATT is opening for new applicants for its Communications Program. For more information go to www.ejatt.com. At the recruitment seminar you must bring a valid Driver's License, original Social Security Card, High School transcript, $25 non-refundable registration fee, employment eligibility and one year of high school algebra.

Where: IBEW-NECA Technical Institute (6201 W. 115th St., Alsip, IL) When: Monday, March 20th through Friday, March 31st from 9:00 am to 11:00 am

Opportunity Works Youth Jobs Initiative The Chicago Urban League's Workforce Development Center (CUL) is recruiting for its Opportunity Works Youth Jobs Initiative. Opportunity Works assists economically disadvantaged young people between the ages of 18-24, who are out of school and out of work, and face significant barriers to education and workforce success, with year-round employment and training services. The goal is to help program participants overcome their obstacles and successfully transition to self-sufficient adulthood. CUL accomplishes this by assessing the participant's skills, interests, needs and personal goals; creating customized service plans in collaboration with the youth; and expanding the youth's connection to the local economy, educational and occupational training opportunities, and community resources. Applications are being accepted now for the spring training session that starts on March 6th. Youth can apply in person, Monday through Friday from 9 am to 4:30 pm at the Chicago Urban League, 4510 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60653.

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

Employment and Training

March CAPS Meetings

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

1st District

131/132 Tuesday, March 21st@ 6:300 pm Hilliard Apts. (30 W. Cermak)

133 Wednesday, March 22nd at @ 6:30 pm Dearborn Homes (2930 S. Dearborn)

2nd District

211 Monday, March 13th @ 6:30 pm College of Optometry (3240 S. Indiana)

212/214 Tuesday, March 7th @ 6:30 pm Mandrake Park (3858 S. Cottage Grove)

213/215/224 Wednesday, March 8th @ 6:30 pm St. Elizabeth's (4058 S. Michigan)

221/223 Tuesday, March 21st @ 6:30 pm King Center (4313 S. Cottage Grove)

225/231 Thursday, March 9th @ 6:30 pm Coppin AME Church (5627 S. Michigan)

7th District 9th District

711/712 Thursday, March 23rd at 6:30 pm Sherwood Park (5701 S. Shields)

915 Tuesday, March 14th @ 6:30 pm 9th District Station (3120 S. Halsted)

924/931/933 Tuesday, March 28st @ 6:00 pm New City Living (4707 S. Marshfield)

925 Wednesday, March 15th @ 6:00 pm St. Gabriel's Church (4500 S. Wallace)

934/935 Tuesday, March 21st @ 6:00 pm Westhaven Apts. (850 W. Garfield)