Dear Third Ward Resident, March Madness is upon us! Of course, that only pertains to college basketball. However, there are a lot of things happening in March in the Third Ward. I especially want to point out the fact that the Local School Council (LSC) Election application deadline has been extended to March 14th (see important announcements). Serving on an LSC is a great way for parents and other community stakeholders to get involved with a school that involves a democratic process to ensure members represent the best interests of the school for which they are run-ning. In addition to LSC Elections and the events happening in and around the ward, this edition of the Third Ward Newsletter also has important updates regarding upcoming development projects. March will be a very busy month and you will likely see more construction crews working in the streets and elsewhere. Please be mindful and extra careful as construction season gets underway. As the snow melts, you will also be likely to see lots of unsightly brown mush and litter that was previously buried. In other words, we all need to step it up a notch to make sure the Third Ward is as beautiful as it should be. As such, it is never too early to start organizing your neighbors for the Spring Clean and Green. Although this event does not technically happen until April, you may want to begin developing a strategy for the vacant lots and public areas in your community. Of course, can always contact my office at (773) 373-9273, call 311, or use the city's website, www.cityofchicago.org, to request cleaning supplies any time of the year. Streets and Sanitation will appre-ciate the help and will be glad to lend you rakes, brooms, bags, and other tools to get the job done. I hope everyone has a Happy St. Patrick's Day! Sincerely,

Pat Dowell Alderman, 3rd Ward

Third Ward NewsletterThird Ward Newsletter

March 2014

Inside this issue:

Third Ward Update 1-4

Events in and around the 5-7

Important Announcements 8-9

Third Ward Star 10

March CAPS 10

Third Ward UpdateThird Ward Update

New Construction of Park Boulevard Expansion Construction of 108 units of mixed income, multi-family residential rental development and ground floor retail on four parcels along 37th and Dearborn and 37th and State is now underway. The developer, Stateway Associates and Interfaith Housing Development Corporation broke ground on the $42.7 million development in early February and construction is scheduled to be complete by April 2015. The building mix includes 1 five story mid rise, with rear parking, totaling 72 units and 3 three story 12 flats totaling 36 units with rear parking. One of the three story buildings, to be located on State Street will also contain over 4,000 sq. ft. of ground floor retail space. Of the 108 units, 37 will be leased to public housing residents, 34 units will be tax credit units and 37 are unrestricted market rate units. The buildings are being constructed by Walsh Construction and will be managed by The Habitat Company. The devel-oper will exceed the City's MBE and WBE commitments of 24% and 4% respectively and the Chicago Housing Authority's Section 3 Business commitment of 10%.

Third Ward Update Third Ward Update (continued)(continued)

Indiana Green Line Stop Between Michigan and Indiana Improvements are underway for the Indiana Green line stop as the Chicago Tran-sit Authority (CTA) is in the process of a platform decking replacement project. The work is being done by the CTA system maintenance carpenters who are re-placing all platform boards and stringers. The wood has deterio-rated substantially, so for the safety of CTA passengers, they are replacing all wood. Workers are about 50% done on one side. Once finished, they will replace the other side. The project is expected to continue for the next 8 weeks, Monday through Friday, 9am-3pm.

Third Ward Forestry Blitz The Department of Forestry competed a forestry blitz in the Third Ward on Febru-ary 19, 2014 that resulted in the removal of 13 trees. Consequently, 12 calls for service were addressed. Whenever possible, the Bureau of Forestry preserves trees. Dead or infested trees (i.e. Emerald Ash Borer) are often ground into mulch for re-use.

Lowe Park Update The upgrades being to the Lowe Park Field House located at 5203 S. Lowe are cur-rently on schedule and are expected to be completed by early summer, 2014. The roof work has been completed and crews are focusing on interior work including the replacement of the HVAC system. More exterior work will resume as weather permits.

McCormick Place Headquarters Hotel Update At the February 5, 2014, City Council Meeting, Mayor Rahm Emanuel introduced a financial proposal that would utilize $55

million in Tax Increment Financing (TIF) for the development of the planned 1200 room ho-tel adjacent to McCormick Place. The total cost of the project for the hotel which will include banquet/meeting rooms, restaurants, retail space, and offices is $421.5 million. The construc-tion of the hotel is expected to create 3,700 temporary jobs and 600 permanent jobs. The Convention Center Headquarters Hotel will be owned by the Metropolitan Pier and Ex-position Authority (MPEA), which also owns and operates McCormick Place and Navy Pier. This project is part of MPEA's "Elevate Chicago" initiative, which will include a 10,000 seat event center at the northwest corner of Cermak and Prairie and a smaller hotel at the south-east corner of Cermak and Michigan. 2500 permanent jobs are expected to be created through this initiative. If the TIF assistance is approved by the City Council, it will partially reimburse MPEA for the acquisition of land and TIF-eligible construction expenses involving the hotel only. Addi-

tional financing will come from MPEA revenue bonds. Construction could begin in late 2014. Visit http://tinyurl.com/q4q8q9p to view a design map of the project.

Early Voting has Begun Early Voting for the March 18, 2014 Primary Election will be offered through Sat., March 15th. Voters registered in the City of Chicago may use any Early Voting site in the city, regardless of where the voters live. Voters don't need a reason or excuse to use Early Voting -- but voters do need to present government-issued photo identification. Ballots cast in Early Voting are final. After casting ballots in Early Voting, voters may not return to amend, change or undo a ballot for any reason. It is a felony to vote more than once -- or to attempt to vote more than once -- in the same election. All 51 locations will be open Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Three locations (the Board's offices at 69 W. Washington, Welles Park and Mount Greenwood Park) will be open Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and also will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays. The early voting location for the Third Ward is the Chicago Bee Library (3647 S. State). Visit www.chicagoelections.com for more information and to view a complete list of early voting sites.

Lakeside Bank Headquarters Coming to the Third Ward Lakeside Bank will be building a new headquarters at 14th and Michigan that will fea-ture full service banking and a three-lane drive-thru. The location of the bank compli-ments Lakeside's six other locations and fills a need for conveniently located banking options in that area. Designs for the two-story brick structure were made with respect to resident's concerns regarding the height of the building. At the request of Alderman Dowell, architect George Pappageorge presented plans to the Greater South Loop Asso-ciation, the Prairie District Neighborhood Association, and the Near South Planning Board at a community meeting. You can read the DNA article that includes a slideshow with designs and renderings at www.dnainfo.com.

Jones College Prep to Get Athletic Field via Land Transfer

Also at the February 5, 2014 City Council Meeting, Mayor Rahm Emanuel introduced a proposal to transfer land from the Chi-cago Housing Authority (CHA) to Chicago Public Schools (CPS) for the development of a $5.6 million athletic field to be used by Jones College Prep students, the National Teacher's Academy, and area residents. Under the proposal, the CHA would provide approximately 3.5 acres of land near 24th and Federal to CPS for the development of the field and running track. The remainder of the 7.5 acre lot where the Harold Ickes Housing Development was formerly located is being planned for a mix-use development that includes 200 units of CHA housing for former Ickes residents. CHA would receive 9.8 acres of City-and CPS-owned land surrounding the former Near North High School at 1450 N. Larabee St., which the CHA would use for the ongoing, mixed-income redevelopment of the Cabrini Green public housing complex. Construction of the field would be supported by $4.3 million in Tax Increment Financing (TIF) approved by City Council in March 2013. The $1.3 million balance would be paid for by CPS. Design and construction of the field would be managed by the Public Building Commission.

YouMedia Coming to the Third Ward at the Hall Branch Library After working with the Chicago Public Library, Alderman Dowell is excited to announce the arrival of YOUmedia in the Third Ward. As part of YOUmedia's expansion throughout the city, the Hall Branch Library located at 4801 S. Michigan Ave. was se-lected as a new site for their innovative programming. YOUmedia was created to connect young adults, books, media, mentors, and institutions throughout Chicago. Chicago Public Library librarians and Digital Youth Network mentors lead workshops to help teens build their skills and create digital projects - from songs to videos to photography to podcasts. Teens learn how to use a variety of technology and digital equipment, in-cluding still and video cameras, drawing tablets, and video and photo editing software. Students learn about coding, animation, graphic design, gaming, and other skills that will help them succeed in school and beyond. By working both in teams and indi-vidually, students have an opportunity to engage in projects that promote critical thinking, creativity, and skill-building. Along with the first YOUmedia location at the Harold Washington Library at 400 S. State, this is a tremendous opportunity for the youth in our community as it can stimulate their creativity and curiosity while preparing them for competition in a technol-ogy-based job market. Visit http://youmediachicago.org to learn more about this great resource.

Third Ward Update Third Ward Update (continued)(continued)

Alderman Dowell Gives Senator Dick Durbin a Tour of the Third Ward

On February 22nd, Alderman Dowell took Senator Dick Durbin on a tour of the recently completed Bronzeville Artist Lofts at 436-442 East 47th Street (www.bronzeville-artist-lofts.com) and Bronzeville Cookin' under construction at 300-314 East 51st Street (www.urban-juncture.com) to illustrate the need for more federal assistance to get innova-tive projects like these off the ground. Thanks to Lee Reid, Rob Ferrino, Andre and Frances Guichard, Jonah Hess at the Artists Lofts and Bernard Loyd, Tony Smith, Calvin Holmes, Todd Pressley, Elvin Charity, and An-gela Ford at Bronzeville Cookin'. Their suggestions and ideas for increasing federal dollars and decreasing the transaction costs for small business and community development initia-tives in struggling neighborhoods were well received by the Senator.

The day ended with lunch at Pearl's Place at 3901 South Michigan (www.pearlsplacerestaurant.com) with a discussion over fried green tomatoes.

Third Ward Update Third Ward Update (continued)(continued)

Troubled Business Indiana Food Mart (4509 S. Indiana) Upon completing an inspection, the first floor of the Indiana Food Mart located at 4509 S. Indiana was issued an emer-gency vacate order by the Department of Buildings (DOB) that was effective as of January 31, 2014. The DOB con-cluded the building is "dangerous and unsafe" for the following reasons:

aisles below required width

absence of fire protections/separations

dangerous plumbing installed resulting in raw sewage in the basement

structural integrity of building is compromised

dangerous electrical system regarding grounding issues and exposed wires

The building is to remain vacant with the exception of contractors who are addressing the violations until further order from the DOB.

South Loop Sidewalk Stewards The Greater South Loop Association (GSLA) is celebrating neighbors that go out of their way to make the public right of way "safe, clean, welcoming and attractive" with a designation as a South Loop Sidewalk Steward. Winter awards will be given for consistent and thorough snow and ice management of public areas including sidewalks, parking areas, ADA ramps, bike lanes and Divvy stations. Later in the year, awards will be given for quality landscaping, litter and debris removal, public art and supporting an active, walkable community. Nominations for the winter season are due by April 1, 2014. For more information on the nomination process, please visit www.greatersouthloop.org. Winners will be announced on May 17, 2014. The Third Ward appreciates the GSLA for their proactive initiative that celebrates residents who understand they are part of a larger community and want to keep it clean and safe for everyone. This is a great idea that hopefully can be duplicated in other parts of the ward.

Smart Meter Installations Scheduled for April 2014 ComEd crews plan to be in the Third Ward starting in April 2014 to install smart meters at local homes and busi-nesses. Smart meters are digital electric meters that provide customers with access to more information on their elec-tricity use. Customers will be able to see how much energy they use and make changes that can save them money on monthly electric bills. ComEd plans to install approximately 4 million smart meters in all homes and businesses across its service territory by 2021. For more information, visit ComEd.com/SmartMeter

Auto Theft in the 2nd District The Second District Police have recently seen an increase in the number of motor vehicle thefts in the area. This is largely due to people warming up their cars with the keys in the ignition, which makes it an easy target for a thief. Some tips that may help avoid you car being stolen are:

Don't leave the keys in the car unattended

If possible, park in well-lit areas

Do not leave valuables in plain view

Lock your vehicles You can always get the latest crime data from any police district by visiting www.chicagopolice.org.

Events in and around the WardEvents in and around the Ward

St. Elizabeth's Recycling for a Cause St. Elizabeth Catholic School located at 4052 South Wabash Avenue, is hosting Recycle for a Cause to assist area residents in need. Their goal is to collect 20,000 pounds of items including: Clothes, Shoes, Towels, Sheets, Blankets, Curtains, socks, purses, and stuffed animals. Please place all unsoiled items into a garbage bag. Donations can be dropped off between March 3rd and March 21st, Monday through Friday, from 8am to 5pm. For more information, please contact Ms. Murray-Smith at (773) 548-4100 or developstelizabeth@gmail.com. You can also register for the event by visiting http://www.eventbrite.com/e/recycle-for-a-cause-fundraiser-tickets-8714464197?aff=eivtefrnd

A Discussion of the Legacy of the Great Migration in Chicago by Timuel Black and Carol Adams, Moderated by WBEZ's Richard Steele Timuel Black and Carol Adams will discuss the legacy of the Great Migration in Chicago in a presentation entitled "Chicago and the Great Migration: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow." The round-table conversation is presented by Shimer College and the Illinois Institute of Technology. Richard Steele, host and correspondent for WBEZ Chicago Public Media will moderate the discussion. Mr. Black is a historian and long-time activist who was asked by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to organize the Chicago contingent of the March on Wash-ington in 1963. He is Professor Emeritus at the City Colleges of Chicago and serves on the Advisory Board of the Committees of Correspondence for Democracy and Socialism. Dr. Adams is President and CEO of Chicago's DuSable Museum of African American History. A sociologist who taught at Loyola University and at Northeastern Illinois University, she has been a leader in community building both in Chicago and in Africa, where she has traveled and consulted extensively. In 2003, she was part of a delegation invited by Kofi Annan to discuss fostering relationships between African Americans and the United Nations. Richard Steele has been an award-winning host and correspondent for WBEZ since 1987. He contributes interviews and report-ing to Eight Forty-Eight, The Afternoon Shift, World View, Morning Edition, All Things Considered, wbez.org, vocalo.org and other programming. The conversation between Professor Black and Dr. Adams provides an occasion to further explore the theme of the 2013-14 One Book, One Chicago selection, Isabel Wilkerson's The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration. The presentation is free and open to the public.

Where: Herman Hall Ballroom on the IIT campus (3241 S. Federal) When: March 5th, 6pm

Law School Program for High School Students IIT Chicago-Kent, in partnership with the Law School Admission Council Discover Law Outreach program, is hosting a "So You Think You Want to Be a Lawyer" Project in spring 2014 for interested high school students. This exciting 3-part series will be held on Saturdays, March 8, March 29 and April 12, and all events are free. Participants will be introduced to the law school admissions process, what it means to be a law student and the work of a practicing attorney. This 3-part series will be ex-tremely interactive, allowing participants to engage in mock classes, a trial demonstration and practice, and discussions with current law students and practicing attorneys. For more information, please contact Marsha Ross-Jackson, Esq., Assistant Dean, Diversity and Inclusion at (312) 9060-5346 or Karla Davis, Director, Admissions at (312) 906-5029

Where: IIT Chicago Kent College of Law (565 West Adams Street) When: Saturday, March 8th, 9:30am-12:30pm Saturday, March 29th, 9:30am-3:30pm Saturday, April 12th, 9:30am-12:30pm

Senator Hunter's Re-Employment Services Workshop State Senator Mattie Hunter (3rd) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security are hosting this employment work-shop. To register, please e-mail Larry Luster at lluster@senatedem.ilga.gov. You may also reserve a spot by calling Senator Hunter's office at 312-949-1908. Also, be sure to post your resume on illinoisjoblink.com.

Where: Kennedy King College (6301 S. Halsted) When: March 14th, 10am - 1pm

Events in and around the Ward Events in and around the Ward (continued)(continued)

The Power of Art Come and enjoy a weekend of colorful, eclectic, and passionate power, featuring some of the most illustrious artists of the Dias-pora with their pastels, oils, sculptures, and photographs. Presented by the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., this event will honor renowned Chicago Public School educator and founder of the Dixon Art Fair, Joan Dameron Crisler and will feature the fine art of nationally-recognized artist Stacey Brown. For more information, please visit chicagodeltas.com.

Where; Gallery D Estee (4525 S. King Dr.) When: March 14th, 6-9pm and March 15th, 2-8pm

Pre-Purchase Homebuyer Workshop Partners in Community Building in conjunction with U.S. Bank is hosting this workshop where you can learn about PICB and their programs, city programs, the IL. Housing Development Authority, Homeowner's Club of America, and more. Personalized counseling sessions will be offered. The event is free and open to the public. First time homebuyers and veterans are encour-aged to attend. Please RSVP by calling (312) 756-7597 or e-mailing rsvp@picbchicago.org.

Where: U.S. Bank (815 W. 63rd St.) When: March 15th, 9am-1pm

Business Tax Workshop Take the anxiety out of tax season! Come learn about simple tax solutions for your small business! You don't need to be a tax expert to run a business, but knowing the basics about taxes can help you run it better. You'll find the basics and much more at the Bronzeville Retail Initiative's (BRI) Business Tax Workshop. Whether you're business newbie or an old pro, this workshop will provide you with the tools and resources you need to make filing your business taxes a breeze!

Tax professionals will be onsite to assist you with:

Determining Federal and State Tax Obligations

Choice of Business Entity

Employer v. Independent Contractor

IRS red flags

Deductions

Depreciation

Record Keeping

For more information or to RSVP: contact Kimberly Morris at (773) 924-3978 or kmorris@trcwabash.org. Also visit their web-site www.bronzevilleretail.com for information on upcoming events! Light refreshments will be provided.

Where: TRC Senior Village (346 E. 53rd St.) When: March 18th, 6-8pm

She Works Hard for the Money with Kat Victoria It's an art to be a fine waitress and an award-winning actress in Chicago. She Works Hard For The Money takes you on a jour-ney of this waitress' ups and downs from the world of fast food to The Apollo and back again. It is a story of determination and the preservation of a dream to be a successful artist. A smart, classy, funny show filled with marvelous music from some of the hardest-working women in show business. Through 2 acts, Kat shares her stories and inspires artists to both work hard and stay humble in their efforts to share themselves with their audience. General admission is $20 including complimentary appetizers and BYOB. Tickets at sheworksharddaystar.brownpapertickets.com.

Where: The Venue at Daystar Center (1550 S. State Street) When: Thursday, March 20th at 7pm and Saturday, March 22nd at 7pm

Events in and around the Ward Events in and around the Ward (continued)(continued)

American Diabetes Association- Alert Day The Chicago Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Physical & Mental Health Committee is hosting American Diabetes Association- Alert Day. This event is a one day "wake- up call" asking the American public to take the Diabetes Risk test to find out if they are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Activities planned for that day include:

Health screenings

A demonstration reinventing a recipe more healthy but still keeping the great taste

An exciting get fit (exercise) session

Much more

Where: D'Estee Headquarters (4525 S. King Drive) When: Tuesday, March 25, 2014, 2pm - 6pm

Office of Business Diversity & Civil Rights Workshop Series The Office of Business Diversity and Civil Rights invites you to a free workshop to learn how DBE certification can grow your minority and/or woman owned small business. Last year, Metra had more than $100 million in contracts go out for bid, you can't afford to miss this opportunity in 2014! You must meet these requirements to be eligible for DBE Certification:

For-profit independent business that is at least 51% owned by one or more socially and/or economically disadvan-taged individuals: Women, Black Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Asian-Pacific Americans, Subcontinent Asian Americans.

Personal Net Worth of owner(s) must not exceed 1.32M.

At least one of the disadvantaged owners must control the management and daily operations of the business.

Firms must not exceed the SBA's size standard of $22.41 million in gross receipts averaged over three years. Please arrive 5-10 minutes early to provide identification at the security desk. For questions email acolquitt@metrarr.com or call 312-322-6587. To register for the event, please visit http://www.planetreg.com/www.metradbe.com

Where: Metra (547 W. Jackson Blvd. 2nd fl.) When: Thursday, March 27, 2014 9am - 11:30pm

Meatless Mondays in March and Chili Cook Off! Did you know that eating less meat is a great and healthy way to be nice to the environment? Sponsored by the Alliance for a Greener South Loop, the upcoming South Loop MMM! campaign is all about ways for people to have more fun while eating less meat - together. Here are some things in store for MMM! 2014. You can...

Join community outings organized for different Mondays in March (for example, GSLA's Neighbors Night Out event on March 10, at Artists Cafe, with $1 off the Hummus Veggie Wrap...mmm!)

Go mmm! at local restaurants, institutions, or at home on any Monday in March. Share shots of your favorite meatless dishes and tag them #mmmsouthloop to enter raffle for MMM! prizes.

NEW THIS YEAR: Enter your killer veggie chili in the Alliance for a Greener South Loop's Veggie Chili Cook-off, March 31.

Register online by March 24, 2014! Go to GreenerSouthLoop.com for participating restaurants/institutions, community event details, and to register for the Chili Cook-off. $5 discount is available for Chili Cook-Off registrations by March 10. Chili Cook-Off:

Where: Daystar Center (1550 S. State) When: March 31, 6-8pm

The Orchid Show at the Chicago Botanical Gardens Warm air, vibrant colors, and spectacular displays await you at the Chicago Botanic Garden's Orchid Show, which runs through March 16th. The Garden's Regenstein Center Greenhouses and Galleries have been transformed by trees draped in orange and yellow Dendrobium, an hanging hedge of purple Oncidium, and vibrant Landa in pink, orange, yellow, red, and even blue. You will see more than 10,000 beautiful and unusual orchids. For more information, please visit www.chicagobotanic.org/orchid.

Where: Chicago Botanic Garden (1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL) When: Through March 16, 2014

LSC Election Candidate Filing Deadline Extension Chicago Public Schools (CPS) announced that it has extended its Local School Council (LSC) election candidate filing deadline from February 26 to March 14, giving parents and community members an extra two weeks to submit their nominating forms. Elections will take place on April 7 for elementary schools and April 8 for high schools during report card pick-up from 6:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. LSC representatives serve as an important link between a school's administration, the community, CPS and students, and play a significant role in decision-making to boost student academic achievement. Elected LSC representatives will serve a two-year term, beginning at the start of School Year 2014-2015 (SY14-15). Each LSC is made up of six par-ents, two community members, two teachers, one non-teacher staff member and the school's principal. High School LSCs also have a student representative. Parents and community members who are interested in running for their LSC must submit nominat-ing forms at their respective school by March 14, 2014 at 3:00 p.m. Those eligible to run for their LSC in-clude parents whose children attend the school, community members, and the teachers and non-teaching staff from the school.

Important AnnouncementsImportant Announcements

Home Weatherization The Illinois Home Weatherization Program, administered by CEDA, has helped thousands of Cook County income-eligible residents save energy and money. Although most houses waste energy, different types of houses and apartments have different energy issues. They all lose heat. Home Weatherization is always performed free of charge for ap-proved homeowners. Approved rental properties require a 50% contribution for any work related to the heating system. Depend-ing on the circumstance and condition of the dwelling, weatheri-zation services may include:

Health and Safety items such as limited moisture control, smoke detectors and Carbon Monoxide de-tectors;

Air-sealing structural cracks, holes, and bypasses with weatherstripping, foam and caulking;

Insulating attics, walls, and floors;

Cleaning, tuning, repairing or replacing heating systems;

Electric baseload measures such as installation of compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) Complete an application at any of the CEDA Weatherization Intake Sites.

ComEd's Residential Special Hardship Grant

ComEd has dedicated $10 million in assistance funds in 2014 to help customers facing financial hardship pay their electric bill. Through April 1, 2014 ComEd has adjusted the eligibility requirements for financial assistance programs for eligible residents including seniors, veterans and activated members of the armed services. In addition, the com-pany is now offering flexible budget billing and flexible deferred payment agreement options to assist customers receiv-ing higher than normal bills in light of the severe cold weather blanketing northern Illinois. To apply for ComEd's Residential Special Hardship grant, or the State sponsored assistance programs, such as LI-HEAP, customers should visit a local LIHEAP agency. For more information on any of ComEd's assistance programs or to enroll in ComEd's bill-payment assistance programs, call 1-888-806-CARE (2273) or visit ComEd.Com/CARE for more information.

Computer Training Institute of Chicago Job Opportunities The Computer Training Institute of Chicago (CTIC) located at 1424 E. 53rd St. has a program that offers global indus-try recognized certifications, live online trainings, job placement, and financial aid. For more information about CTIC and to view job openings, visit http://www.ctichicago.com/.

Important Announcements Important Announcements (continued)(continued)

Chicago Conservation Corps Spring Environmental Leadership Training The Chicago Conservation Corps is now recruiting for its Spring 2014 Environmental Leadership Training Series. During the training, you can learn from community and environmental leaders about urban environmental challenges and opportunities for change; then they'll lead an environmental service project in the community with C3 support and resources. You are encouraged to attend one of the orientations listed below to learn more:

Saturday, April 5, 10 to 11 a.m., Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Dr.

Tuesday, April 8, 6 to 8 p.m., Chicago Center for Green Technology, 445 N. Sacramento Blvd. This orientation counts as a Green Tech U Class. Learn more at www.chicagogreentech.org.

Wednesday, April 9, noon to 1 p.m., Chicago Department of Transportation, 30 N. LaSalle St, 11th Floor

Thursday, April 10, 6 to 7 p.m., Hyde Park Arts Center, 5020 S. Cornell Dr. To participate in the training course, individuals must be a Chicago resident and attend one of the orientations above. The course will be held at the Chicago Center for Green Technology, 445 N. Sacramento Blvd, Wednesdays, April 23 through May 28, 5:30-9:30 p.m. A $75 fee covers class participation and project support. Financial assistance is available upon request. To reserve a seat or for more information, please contact 773-755-5177 or use the online form at www.naturemuseum.org/c3. For further information, you may also contact Kristen Pratt at kpratt@naturemuseum.org or (773) 755-5177.

The Game Changer Chicago Design Lab Youth Digital Design Program The Game Changer Chicago Design Lab (GCC) is an initiative in which youth collaborate with faculty and university students to create digital stories and games in order to explore health and social issues. GCC uses gameplay and game design to create youth-directed, problem-based and collaborative learning opportunities and outcomes. GCC programs and workshops help youth hone skills in media literacy, critical inquiry, storytelling techniques and game design. We use rapid prototyping, play testing, evaluation and redesign to create games and projects informed by theories of change. The Center for Interdisciplinary Inquiry and Innovation in Sexual and Reproductive Health (Ci3) Game Changer Chicago (GCC) Design Lab is seeking Chicago youth for its second summer STEAM program, S.E.E.D. S.E.E.D. takes the form of an extended game with a unifying narrative, played over three weeks using a variety of media, puzzles, and role-playing activities to solve Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics-related challenges. Game play will be followed by a two-week game design workshop, in which youth will use the STEAM skills honed over the previous three weeks to create their own games. Participants must take part in all five weeks of the program. The game will take place July 7-August 8, Mondays through Fridays from 9 am-4 pm on The University of Chicago campus in Hyde Park. S.E.E.D. is for youth ages 13-18 (rising freshmen through rising seniors). Note: players from last year's program, The Source, are welcome and encouraged to enroll in S.E.E.D. provided they still fall within the age requirement. The program is free. Lunch and bus passes will be provided. Preregistration for S.E.E.D. is now open. Questions? Email gamechangerchicago@gmail.com.

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. Scholarship Opportunity High school seniors who have been accepted into a college or university and undergraduate college students with a minimum GPA of 2.5 are eligible for this scholarship opportunity. As part of the application, students will need and ID form, official tran-script(s), a letter of good standing from their school, an essay, and an interview if they are selected as finalists. The applica-tion deadline is April 5th, 2014 and selected applicants will be notified by May 17, 2014. Visit http://tinyurl.com/pwjlyag for more information and to download the application materials. If you have any questions or need assistance, you may contact Michelle Neal at mbneal@mindspring.com.

New Small Business Center Website The City of Chicago's Small Business Center (SBC) is a valuable resource for anyone who is interested in starting a small busi-ness or who currently owns one. Resources available through the SBC include:

For new businesses:

City Licensing Requirements

Find a Location

Financial Assistance

Tax Registration

For existing businesses:

License Renewals

Building Permits

Contract Opportunities

Employee Training

Other services offered by the SBC such as work-shops and information about neighborhood re-sources can also be accessed through the new web-site. Visit www.cityofchicago.org/sbc to learn more and to view a calendar of workshops and other SBC hosted events.

Third Ward StarThird Ward Star

Eugene Lloyd The U.S. Congress recently awarded the Congressional Gold Medal to members of the Montford Point Marine Association in Washington, D.C., at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center. The Montford Point Marines were the first African Americans in the U.S. Marine Corps. They were being recog-nized for their contributions to the the Marine Corps and our country. A small contingent of local Montford Point Marines, including Eugene Lloyd, who is from the Third Ward, attended. In celebration of Black History Month, Mr. Lloyd led the Pledge of Alle-giance at the February City Council Meeting. Pastor E.R. Williams of South Park Baptist Church will be leading the Pledge of Allegiance for the March meeting. Congratulations Mr. Lloyd! Your bravery was a service to our country and towards the advancement of African-Americans.

Mrs. Eugene Lloyd, Alderman Dowell, Eugene Lloyd, Mayor Emanuel, and Lloyd family friend, Dutchess Gloria Gunn

March CAPSMarch CAPS

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 2nd District

131/132 Mar. 18th @ 7pm 1st District Station (1718 S. State)

133 Mar. 19th @ 7pm Trinity Episcopal Church (125 E. 26th St.)

211 Mar. 10th@ 6:30pm Il. College of Optometry 3240 S. Indiana)

212/214 Mar. 4th @ 6:30pm Oakwood Shores (3711 S. Vincennes)

213/215 Mar. 12th @6:30 St. Elizabeth's (4058 S. Michigan)

7th District

221/223 Mar. 18th @ 6:30 King Center (4313 S. Cottage Grove)

224 Mar. 20th @ 6:30 Hall Branch Library (4801 S. Michigan)

225/231 Mar. 13th @ 6:30 Coppin AME Church (5627 S. Michigan)

233 Mar. 19th @ 6:30 Hyde Park Neighborhood Club (5480 S. Kenwood)

711/712 Mar. 25th @ 6:30pm 7th District Station (1438 W. 63rd St.)

9th District

915 Mar. 11th @ 6:30 9th Dist. Station (3120 S. Halsted)

924/931/933 Mar. 4th @ 6pm Park Federal Bank (1823 W. 47th)

925 Mar. 19th @ 6pm St. Gabriel's Church (4500 S. Wallace)

934/935 Mar. 18th @ 6pm Westhaven Homes (850 W. Garfield)

Aldermanic Office of the Third Ward 5046 South State Street

Chicago, IL. 60609 p. (773) 373-9273 f. (773) 373-6852

ward03@cityofchicago.org www.facebook.com/aldermanpat.dowell

Twitter: @aldpatdowell3rd

Third Ward Office Hours Monday through Wednesday: 9am to 5pm

Thursdays: 12pm to 8pm (Ward Night from 6-8pm)

Fridays: 9am to 1pm Every Third Saturday: 10am to 1pm