Little visitors, big joy

By Joan Hadac

Your correspondent in Clearing and Garfield Ridge

(708) 496-0265 • joan.hadac@gmail.com

As I write this, I am very excited about the upcoming visit of my daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren. They are coming for what I call a fly-by visit, short and brief; but no matter how long the visit is, I still get to hug them all and catch up with their lives.

Of course, the grandkids are 7, 4, 3 and 8 months, so I think it will be more hugs and maybe a trip or two to McDonald’s for them. It’s hard when your child and her family live out of town, but I think it helps you cherish even more the time you can see each other in person, no matter how briefly.

I wish I could show my grandkids everything Garfield Ridge and Clearing have to offer kids, but maybe when they come in for a longer visit. Then I’ll take them to the library, parks, pools and everything else kid-related. I’m fortunate enough to live down the block from a small park, so I know we’ll be headed there.

In the meantime, let’s catch up on a few things going on around the neighborhood.

• If you’re looking for a good elementary education for your children, St. Symphorosa School is hosting an open house from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 3 at the school, 6125 S. Austin.
  

  St. Symphorosa School’s open house is set for Tuesday, May 3. –Supplied photo

Meet the teachers, tour the school, learn about financial aid and see how at St. Symphorosa School, your child will be known and loved.

Please call (773) 585-6888 for more information.

• Mark your calendar for 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 11 for the CAPS Beat 812 meeting set for the Clearing Branch Library, 6423 W. 63^rd Place. Learn the latest crime statistics from police and come with your own questions about how all of us can work together to make the neighborhood a safer and better place.

A tip of the cap to longtime CAPS Beat 812 facilitator John Kurtovich for his ongoing efforts as a volunteer, as well as all members of the Clearing Night Force neighborhood watch group, who are at each and every Beat 812 meeting and who always welcome new members.

Beat 812 includes central and west clearing (everything west of Central Avenue).

CAPS meetings can be a great way to catch up on neighborhood news and maybe learn some tips on how you can help the police keep crime down. Of course, as it has been said many times by the police and others, “If you see something, say something.” That means if something suspicious is happening, call 911.

• What I love about both the Garfield Ridge and Clearing branch libraries is the number of programs offered for little children from toddlers to early grade school.

I’ve heard many times over the years that it is never too early to start reading to your child, even when they’re in utero. It’s a soothing experience and bonds together parent and child. Whenever my grandkids celebrate a birthday or holiday, a book is always included in their presents. I believe it sparks their interest in the world around them.

Of course, the library isn’t just for kids. The Clearing Branch is offering adults who love history and genealogy a chance to explore Stickney. A special book launch of Stickney: A History of the Village of Stickney by Linda Malek will take place from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 4. The author will present excerpts from her book.

Joan Hadac

This comprehensive book about the Village of Stickney was three years in the making. It has 601 photos, five maps-including showing exactly where Mud Lake once was and historic photos from the archives of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago-including the opening of the Sanitary Ship Canal in 1899. There are also vintage photos from the 131-year-old Hawthorne Race Course and the details of the behind the scenes operations of the track.

The Village of Stickney is just a stone’s throw away from Garfield Ridge, and I love history. I also live at what was once the bottom of Mud Lake. That makes three reasons for my interest in this event. I hope it sparks your interest as well. For more information on this program, call (312) 747-5657.

Well, I’m off to make sure everything is ready for the grandkids’ visit. Take care of yourselves and enjoy your week.