Here’s a sure sign of spring

By Joan Hadac

Your correspondent in Clearing and Garfield Ridge

(708) 496-0265 • joan.hadac@gmail.com

Hi everyone. How have you been surviving January? This is one month I always hope flies by. If the sun is out, the temperatures are, or feel like they are in the subzero range. If it’s cloudy, which is most of the time, the temperatures are tolerable. However, lack of sunshine is not a good thing. Spring always feels so far away.

There is a sign of spring and summer to come courtesy of Clear Ridge Little League. Registration is open now at their website, clearridgell.com.

The Clear-Ridge Little League is scheduled to start its games in April, but signup is occurring now. –File photo

There will be no-in person registration and credit cards will be the only form of payment accepted. Regular registration closes at midnight, Tuesday, March 15. Beginning Wednesday, March 16 a $50 late fee will apply with no exceptions and your child may be put on a waiting list.

The costs are as follows. Instructional coed coach pitch, think T-ball, is $80. Those playing in the Junior and Senior leagues pay $155 per player and the fee does not include the uniform.

Those in Pee-Wee, Minor and Little League divisions pay $230 per player. The registration fee includes the required concession and field duty fees. If both duties are performed, you will be reimbursed $50 at the end of the season. Both concession and field duty are required for each player. Those who don’t fulfill their requirements will not receive a refund. If restrictions are put in place by the city or state and the league is unable to open the concession stand, refunds will not be given.

Little League, like most organizations out there, require volunteers.

If you have the time or inclination, please offer to volunteer. You may find that you have more fun than your child this summer. Volunteering is a great way to meet other neighborhood families and make new friends. Take a chance.

There are easy to read instructions provided by the league, so familiarize yourself with all the rules and regulations and start your journey so your child can enjoy the experience of Little League.

Meanwhile, as we shiver through January, the Clearing Branch Library, 6423 W. 63^rd Place, is offering a movie based on a Marvel Comics character, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 31.

Joan Hadac

This film follows the superhero’s transition from childhood to adulthood. Trained in hand-to-hand combat by his infamous father, he begins to realize his final battle may be against the man that raised him.

This action-adventure movie is rated PG-13 and is two hours and 12 minutes long. For more information, call (312) 747-5657.

If you want to clear your mind and strengthen your body, head over to Valley Forge Park, 7001 W. 59^th St., from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday until Thursday, March 17. The class has five remaining openings and costs $25 for the season. This is a beginner’s class for men and women 18 and older. If you’re interested, please bring a mat and wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. This class focuses on reducing stress, something we all have, while improving strength and flexibility, which we all need, through visualization, focused breathing and yoga postures with modifications for all levels.

You can register online at chicagoparkdistrict.com. For more information, call Valley Forge Park at (773) 229-0812.

If you love the theater, the Play Production class at Hale Park, 6258 W. 62^nd St., may be for you. The class is being held from 7:15 to 9 p.m. weekdays through Friday, March 11. This class for adults 18 and older has already started, but registration is still being accepted for its 10 remaining openings. The cost is $17 for the whole season.

You can play a role in the production of a theater performance. Everyone in class will also learn all the necessary techniques to build the backdrop for an upcoming production.

You can register online at the Chicago Park District website. For more information, call (773) 229-1032.

While I’m thrilled that the neighborhood parks offer indoor activities for the winter, I can’t wait until the play and pool areas are filled with kids and adults enjoying themselves. I think, as soon as I can, I will hop on a swing and feel like a child again. Until next week, take care.