Scooters are back in the neighborhood

By Mary Stanek

Your correspondent in Archer Heights and West Elsdon

3808 W. 57th Place •  (773) 284-7394

Have you been seeing people zip on by throughout the neighborhood? That’s because Chicago scooters are back.

Three companies: Lime, Spin and Superpedestrian are offering scooters for rent. They can help with carbon emission; high gas prices and high ride share prices.

My husband went on a ride last time they made their presence in Chicago, and it was fun. Me, on the other hand, would probably fall and require another four months of physical therapy.

Mary Stanek

I should have mentioned this sooner, since school has been out for a few weeks. Free lunches are available for those 18 and under, without any ID required. The lunches are given out from 10 a.m. to noon. The closest places to receive the lunches are at Peck School, 3826 W. 58th St., and Edwards School, 4815 S. Karlov.

The folks along 57^th Street and Place had some serious sewer work done a few weeks past as part of an infrastructure improvement program. As the crews worked on the hottest days of the year, it also gave my inquisitive husband something to do and learn. The friendly crews gave him a detailed description of what actually was going on.

From what I understand, the first crew came and lined the manholes. The next crew came a few days later and lined the horizontal pipes or the main sewer. Thereafter the coolest device, a robot on wheels along with a video camera, ensured that the project was done correctly and that the liner was cut to allow our house drains to operate.

During this procedure the neighbors were asked to limit their water usage. I took my shower at 6 a.m. that day, didn’t wash dishes or clothes and had limited toilet use. Thanks to the crews for putting in all that hard labor on those sweltering days.

Living in a predominantly Hispanic neighborhood, I have gotten familiar with the language and culture. Two of my favorite words, which also describe treats, are chicharron and paletas. The chichaarrones, that are a major contributor to my weight, are the flour wheel chips that are great for snacking with lime and hot sauce. I absolutely love them.

Paletas are frozen treats on a stick, a refreshing snack. The St. Bruno School playground, 49^th and Harding, will be hosting Paletas in the Park on Fridays starting July 15 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Families with children are invited for storytelling, arts and crafts, fun and a paleta. Please R.S.V.P to the Sts. Bruno & Richard School at (773) 847-0697.

Happy Birthday to Sister Barbara Bosch on July 13.