Aleah Radojevich headed north on a gymnastics scholarship

By Joan Hadac

Your correspondent in Clearing and Garfield Ridge

(708) 496-0265 • joan.hadac@gmail.com

Hi everyone. I’d like to share a lovely email with you I received from Garfield Ridge resident Danielle Radojevich, a 23-year employee of the Chicago Park District, sharing the accomplishments of her daughter, Aleah.

Danielle told me that Aleah, whose dad is Dan Radojevich (a city worker) and older sister is Jenell, has committed to the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh for gymnastics. She’ll be majoring in elementary education and begining in fall 2022.

Top-level gymnast Aleah Radovich (center) smiles with her mother, Danielle, and father, Dan, moments after she signed her letter of intent to continue her academic and athletic career at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, where she will wear the black and gold and compete for the Titans. –Supplied photo

Children have been a big part of Aleah’s life and she always wanted to work with them. Danielle told me Aleah loved helping her with the classes she taught for the park district. Aleah is now teaching gymnastics classes at Flying High. She is also participating in a teaching program at St. Laurence High School, going to schools and working directly with elementary school-age children. Aleah decided in her junior year that she wanted to study elementary education in college.

Deciding on what college to attend is a major life decision, but Aleah knew in December that UWO was a perfect fit for her. She had attended many college campuses, Danielle said, but felt a great connection to UWO and the gymnastics coach During summer 2021, the college gymnastics coach offered Aleah a spot on the team. In December she gave a verbal commitment and signed her intent to compete for UWO gymnastics on March 15.

Aleah, who has been in gymnastics all her life, has competed on a team for Flying High Gymnastics Center for over 10 years. Her favorite event is the floor program. Flying High hosted a signing party for Aleah, her teammates and family.

Living her whole life in Garfield Ridge, Aleah attended Valley Forge Park for preschool. She attended St. Daniel the Prophet School for kindergarten through eighth grade. After graduating from St. Dan’s in 2018, Aleah went on to St. Laurence, where she will graduate on May 22. She was part of the first girls’ class to start the coed transition.

Congratulations, Aleah, on your accomplishments. Thanks again, Danielle, for sharing this wonderful news.

Mark your calendar

• Easter is right around the corner, and the Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch is making sure kids have a chance to visit with the Easter Bunny and receive prizes.
  

  The Easter Bunny has been a part of Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch events for several years. –Supplied photo

He will visit twice on Saturday, April 16. He is scheduled to arrive in a fire truck at approximately 2 p.m. at Bank of America, 6331 S. Archer. He will sit in the truck and talk to the kids until about 2:45 p.m. The Easter Bunny will then head over to the parking lot of St. Symphorosa Church, 62^nd and Austin, in his fire truck. He should be arriving at approximately 3 p.m. and staying until 3:45 p.m. Thanks to GRNW board member Kathy Shickle.

• The GRNW’s Sell-A-Bration will be held starting a 8 a.m. Saturday, May 14 in the Kennedy High School west parking lot, near 56^th and Narragansett. The time to reserve your spot is now. Spots are $20 each. You bring your own table and chairs and an awning if you need that. Arlene is once again heading the event and you can call her at (773) 229-1993 to reserve a space or two. She was excited to announce that for the first time in three years, the concession stand will be open and great food will be available.

As GRNW President Al Cacciotolo recently emphasized, this is a big fundraiser for the GRNW, and they use the proceeds to buy supplies for graffiti removal and produce their Christmas event.

Joan Hadac

• Mary Ellen Brown, president of the Garfield Ridge Chamber of Commerce, has announced that graduation banners are now available for purchase through garfieldridgecc.com. The cost is $125 per banner and a red, white or blue background can be chosen. She asks that whoever orders, please double check spelling, because that is what is put on the banner. Like in years past, the banners will be up all summer and when they are removed, the purchasers can have them for a souvenir.
• Memorial bricks are also available through the chamber’s website. You can purchase them through September. The bricks will be installed in the Veterans Triangle and a ceremony will be held on Veteran’s Day. For more information, visit the chamber’s Facebook page. It’s the easiest way to get in touch with them.
• Thirteenth Ward Ald. Marty Quinn’s office will be hosting an electronics recycling day Saturday, March 26 and a paper shredding event Saturday, April 9. More details can be found out by calling the ward office at (773) 581-1313.

So, there’s a lot going on in the community. It will be great to get out in the spring sunshine and breath in the fresh air. Enjoy your week.