Thoughts of summer in the spring

By Joan Hadac

Your correspondent in Clearing and Garfield Ridge

(708) 496-0265 • joan.hadac@gmail.com

Spring has sprung, but I (probably like you) have gotten a bit wet. We seem to have had our share of rainy skies. I know the old saying is that “April showers bring May flowers,” but haven’t the flowers gotten enough moisture yet?

I’m looking forward to consistent, sunny days in the mid-70s where I don’t need sweaters, hats, windbreakers or rain gear. I can hear you snorting with laughter. Spring lasts about 12 hours in Chicago before we go into the melting heat of summer. I guess I’ll be buying sunscreen before too long.

Joan Hadac

The great thing about summer, though, is that we can be outside (if the rain isn’t pouring down). We can walk our dogs, go to the park, ride our bikes or simply sit outside in our backyards and breathe in the fresh air.

One thing I’m looking forward to this year is taking my grandkids to the pool at Hale Park when they come into town during the summer.

Before the pool opens though, area kids 3 to 10 can enjoy a visit with the Easter Bunny from 10:30 a.m. to noon Thursday, April 14 at Hale Park, 6258 W. 62^nd St. Kids and their parents can look forward to music and dancing, crafts, an egg hunt, face painting, a basket raffle and pictures with the Easter Bunny. For more information, call (773) 229-1032. There is a $5 fee for the event.

If the pool at Hale Park is a bit crowded, I can always take the grandkids to the water spray pool at Wentworth Park. (Yes, my grandchildren are definitely on my mind.)

In the meantime, adults 18 and older can usher in spring and summer by participating in the 16-inch softball league at Wentworth Park, 5625 S. Mobile. Teams will meet from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Fridays from April 15 to Aug. 5. Playoffs and championship games are included in the 17-week season. The standard charge is $286 per team. You will have to register in person at the park. For more information, call (312) 747-6993.

Meanwhile, if you must or want to be inside, what is a better place to be than in the Clearing Branch Library, 6423 W. 63^rd Place, listening to Easter stories? The tales of the famous bunny will be told from 6 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 13 (that’s tonight folks). Everyone from babies to tweens, 0 to 13 years old-with an adult, will not only hear stories, but are invited to sing songs, do the Bunny Hop and hunt for Easter eggs. Please register before you show up by calling (312) 747-5657, or you can register online on the library website. You and your kids can get into the Easter spirit.

Over at the Garfield Ridge Branch Library, 6348 S. Archer, adults can step back in time from 2 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 13 or from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 14, to 1893 and the 400^th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ arrival in the new world. The World’s Columbian Exposition, better knows as the World’s Fair, was staged in Chicago from May 1 to Oct. 30 in that year.

The Adult Book Discussion will focus on the Devil in the White City. White City is the term used to describe the glittering fairgrounds, developed by notable architect Daniel Burnham, the fair’s director of works. The devil is murderer Henry H. Holmes, a doctor I who built his World’s Fair Hotel just west of the fairgrounds. It became a torture palace complete with dissection table, gas chamber and 3,000-degree crematorium. Come join other adult readers if you are fascinated by the juxtaposition of good and evil and love history. For more information, call (312) 747-6094.

I wish each and everyone who celebrates Easter a wonderful holiday. If you get to enjoy a spring or Easter break right after the holiday I hope that the weather holds up and you can go outside and explore. Take care and I’ll see you next week.