Joan Hadac
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. 63rd 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.
Local News
He’s a baseball player at heart
Spread the loveBy Joan Hadac Your correspondent in Clearing and Garfield Ridge (708) 496-0265 • joan.hadac@gmail.com John Cruz-Barcenas is on his way to a career in mechanical engineering, but he’s a baseball player at heart. The photo his mom shared with me tells the tale. John recently graduated from the prestigious Milwaukee School of Engineering. But…
St. Dan’s carnival coming
Spread the love The simple childhood joys of a neighborhood carnival are just a week away at St. Daniel the Prophet Church, 54th and Natoma. The fun starts Thursday, June 16 and runs through Sunday, June 19. St. Dan’s Summerfest will feature carnival rides, games of skill and chance, food and beverages, raffles and live…
Knights of Columbus officers ready to serve
Spread the love Elected last month as officers of the Two Holy Martyrs Parish Knights of Columbus council are Darrin Bourette Deputy Grand Knight; Mike West, Treasurer; Jerry Hughes, Grand Knight; and Joe Donato, Financial Secretary. Founded on the principles of charity, unity and fraternity, the Knights of Columbus was established in 1882 by Father Michael…
Exhibit at Clearing Library honors war dead
Spread the love Former Gov. Pat Quinn talks with 23rd Ward Ald. Silvana Tabares at a recent public unveiling of Portrait of a Soldier, an exhibit that briefly visited the Clearing Branch Library, 6423 W. 63rd Place. The traveling exhibit features sketches of all Illinois soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines killed in the line of…
Pappas to host phone bank for black, Latino homeowners
Spread the loveCook County Treasurer Maria Pappas and ABC 7 Chicago will host another Black and Latino Houses Matter phone bank on June 15 to help homeowners find refunds, apply for property tax exemptions and avoid the Tax Sale. “Since I started Black and Latino Houses Matter we’ve returned nearly $200 million owed to these…
All Exterior Contractors to the rescue
Spread the loveInstalls 400th roof in Garfield Ridge for homeowner in need By Tim Hadac A company known for saving homeowners and business owners thousands of dollars has come through for a Garfield Ridge homeowner in her time of need. Late last month, All Exterior Contractors donated a new roof (both house and garage) to…
Postseason Softball: St. Ignatius one-ups St. Laurence in supersectional heartbreaker
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Staff Writer It took a near perfect game — and a close play at the plate — to eliminate St. Laurence from its historic season. St. Laurence pitcher Sarah Klonowski and St. Ignatius hurler Ellie Giles were throwing zeroes through five innings in the Class 3A Rosemont Supersectional at the…
Postseason Roundup: Lincoln-Way East tops Marist in battle of volleyball powers
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Staff Writer For the first time since 2014, no area boys volleyball advanced to the Elite Eight. In the past seven postseasons, either Marist, Sandburg, Brother Rice or St. Rita made it to the quarterfinals. This year, Marist was the last team standing, but dropped a wild 23-25, 25-22, 25-21…
Pro Soccer Report: Pugh continues hot run, helps Red Stars top OL Reign
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Staff Writer Despite missing the first two games of the season, Chicago Red Stars standout Mallory Pugh entered this week’s action in a three-way tie for second in goals scored in the NWSL. Pugh scored her fourth goal of the season to help the Red Stars (3-1-2) beat OL Reign,…
Neighbors
Election officials to weigh whether Darren Bailey and GOP operative Dan Proft illegally coordinated
By ANDREW ADAMS & HANNAH MEISEL Capitol News Illinois news@capitolnewsillinois.com CHICAGO – A year and a half after Republican Darren Bailey lost his campaign to challenge Gov. JB Pritzker, state election officials are weighing whether he illegally colluded with conservative radio show host and political operative Dan Proft in the 2022 campaign. The State Board…
Immigrant advocates tout new report showing benefits of state-funded health plans
By PETER HANCOCK and JERRY NOWICKI Capitol News Illinois news@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – Immigrant rights advocates on Friday continued to push for one of their top budget priorities: full funding for state-run health care programs that benefit noncitizens, regardless of their immigration status. Those programs offer health coverage for low-income individuals who would otherwise qualify for…
As state continues to inventory lead pipes, full replacement deadlines are decades away
By COLE LONGCOR Capitol News Illinois Clongcor@capitolnewsillinois.com Lead pipes in public water systems and drinking fixtures have been banned in new construction since 1986, when Congress amended the Safe Drinking Water Act, but they are still in use across the U.S. and in Illinois. The presence of lead pipes has persisted due in part to…
Capitol Briefs: State unveils report on racial disparities among homeless populations
By ANDREW ADAMS Capitol News Illinois aadams@capitolnewsillinois.com Tackling homelessness requires addressing racial injustice, according to a new report commissioned by the state’s Office to Prevent and End Homelessness. The report found that Black people are eight times more likely to experience homelessness than white people. Remedying this disparity, according to the report, would require “long-term…
Flooding is Illinois’ Most Threatening Natural Disaster. Are We Prepared?
by Meredith Newman, Illinois Answers Project April 16, 2024 This story was originally published by the Illinois Answers Project. The electricity in Mary Buchanan’s home in West Garfield Park was not working – again. The outage lasted four days, starting just after a crew dug up her front lawn to install a check valve in…
Bears pitch $3.2B stadium plan, but Pritzker still ‘skeptical’ despite team’s $2B pledge
By DILPREET RAJU & JERRY NOWICKI Capitol News Illinois news@capitolnewsillinois.com The Chicago Bears laid out a $3.2 billion plan for a new domed stadium on Chicago’s lakefront on Wednesday afternoon, painting pictures of future Super Bowls and other major public events while pinning their hopes on yet-to-be-had conversations with the governor and lawmakers. The Bears…
Regulators weigh future of gas industry in Illinois, while clamping down on Chicago utility
By ANDREW ADAMS Capitol News Illinois aadams@capitolnewsillinois.com CHICAGO – Natural gas is fueling a fight between consumer advocates, a powerful utility company and the state. Amid competing advertising campaigns, accusations of mismanagement and state decarbonization efforts, the Illinois Commerce Commission is starting a process that will shape how the state regulates the increasingly controversial industry. …
Komatsu mining truck named 2024 ‘coolest thing made in Illinois’
By COLE LONGCOR Capitol News Illinois Clongcor@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – A mining truck manufactured by Komatsu was crowned the winner of the 2024 “Makers Madness” contest, earning the title of “the coolest thing made in Illinois” at the Governor’s Mansion Wednesday. The truck was one of more than 200 entries in the 5th annual contest hosted…
Giannoulias calls for disclosure of lobbyist contracts
By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – For decades, lobbyists in the Illinois Statehouse have been required to report how much they spend wining, dining and entertaining lawmakers. Currently, though, there is no law requiring lobbyists to disclose how much they are paid by corporations, industry groups or other special interest organizations. That…
Illinois Senate advances changes to state’s biometric privacy law after business groups split
By HANNAH MEISEL Capitol News Illinois hmeisel@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – It’s been more than a year since the Illinois Supreme Court “respectfully suggest(ed)” state lawmakers clarify a law that’s led to several multi-million-dollar settlements with tech companies over the collection of Illinoisans’ biometric data. On Thursday, a bipartisan majority in the Illinois Senate did just that,…