![CRRNH_CultureinClearing_080322 The Clearing Branch Library recently saw an overflow crowd of women, men and children eager to see performances by students of the Boitsov Classical Ballet School, as well as professional dancers invited by Madame Elizabeth Boitsov. The Boitsov School is located at 6102 S. Archer. – Photo courtesy of Kim Hernandez](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/CRRNH_CultureinClearing_080322-1024x594.jpg)
The Clearing Branch Library recently saw an overflow crowd of women, men and children eager to see performances by students of the Boitsov Classical Ballet School, as well as professional dancers invited by Madame Elizabeth Boitsov. The Boitsov School is located at 6102 S. Archer. – Photo courtesy of Kim Hernandez
Yet another artistic triumph for the Boitsov School
By Joan Hadac
Your correspondent in Clearing and Garfield Ridge
(708) 496-0265 • joan.hadac@gmail.com
Have you ever been excited about seeing a great film, concert, stage performance or sporting event—so much so that you marked it in red ink on your calendar, months in advance—only to miss it?
That’s what happened to me recently, when I missed a public performance led by the Boitsov Classical Ballet School.
I had a scheduled medical appointment on July 23, but it ran much longer than expected and left me incapacitated longer than I had anticipated. So I missed Madame Elizabeth Boitsov, her young ballet students and her invited professional dancers at a performance at the Clearing Branch Library. I had planned to be there, camera in hand.
![Yet another artistic triumph for the Boitsov School 1 CRRNH GaggleOfGirls 080322](https://www.southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/CRRNH_GaggleOfGirls_080322-135x300.jpg)
A gaggle of girls of eager to see a guest professional dancer clusters near a doorway at the Clearing Branch Library. The girls are students of the Boitsov Classical Ballet School. –Photo courtesy of Kim Hernandez
Anyway, the library’s main meeting room was filled to capacity. Every seat was taken, as was every space for appreciative spectators to stand. In fact, I hear the crowd overflowed out into the hallway. It was, by all accounts, yet another artistic triumph for Madame Boitsov, her students and guest dancers.
Thankfully, others took photos, including Kim Hernandez (who you may know better as Yoga Momma, one of the best yoga teachers in the Chicago area). Kim was kind enough to share the photos you see on today’s front page of the Clear-Ridge Reporter & NewsHound.
A note of thanks goes to Clearing Branch Manager Rob Bitunjac for once again making the space available to the Boitsov School.
Thanks, of course, to Madame Elizabeth Boitsov for continuing to bring dance and culture to the Midway area. Her presence here is truly a blessing to us all, and all of us should support her efforts.
Her school, located on Archer, just east of Soukal Floral, accepts students for ballet classes. Visit boitsovballet.com. It’s worth exploring.
A tip of the cap also goes to 13th Ward Ald. Marty Quinn, who as I understand it was instrumental in bringing Madame Boitsov here in the first place, several years ago. The alderman continues to be a first-class public servant who has a keen understanding of the importance of “quality of life” issues.
• It’s not every day that the Garfield Ridge Satellite Senior Center has a capacity crowd, but “Elvis” did exactly that on July 22.
![Yet another artistic triumph for the Boitsov School 2 CRRNH HomanAndElvis2 080322](https://www.southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/CRRNH_HomanAndElvis2_080322-285x300.png)
Maryln Homan, 86, danced with an Elvis tribute artist and then stole a kiss from the king. –Photo by Cosmo Hadac
Hugo’s Elvis, one of the best Elvis Presley tribute artists you’ll see or hear anywhere, took our community’s seniors and military veterans on a whirlwind tour of the king’s career—from his early days in the 1950s and all through the ‘60s.
The audience enjoyed a solid 90 minutes of Elvis memories and fun, plus a free pizza lunch—all paid for by the generosity of three local business leaders: Geno Randazzo of All Exterior Contractors, Mike Riordan of the Mike Riordan State farm Agency and Al Cacciottolo of First Rate Realty.
What a day!
- Sorry about the last-minute notice. This one’s my fault. Join the Clear-Ridge Historical Society for its next program, “Stories From Around Chicago” at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3 at the Clearing Branch Library, 6423 W. 63rd Place.
Join YouTuber Luis Gusto as he takes everyone on a journey around Chicago, highlighting various neighborhoods including Clearing.
No admission charge, but donations are always welcomed by the non-profit CRHS.
![Yet another artistic triumph for the Boitsov School 3 joanhadac 1](https://www.southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/joanhadac-1.jpg)
Joan Hadac
- Children and families are invited to dance and sing along with the Wendy and DB Trio, at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 9 at the Clearing Library. Be dazzled by songs from their latest album, “Into the Little Blue House,” a collection of original blues songs for kids and families that explores community, caring for those around us and how learning to live together can make the world a better place. The show—essentially for children up to age 9–comes alive with puppets and props for non-stop excitement.
- Last but never least, bingo is played every Thursday at the Rhine VFW Post, 5858 S. Archer. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., and games start at 6:45. Also, please remember that the post rents out its hall (capacity 200) for parties of all kinds, at a price that is more than reasonable. For details, call the post at (773) 284-9025 and leave a message. Someone will get back to you fairly quickly. Thanks to longtime Commander Charlie Johnson and crew for running one of the best VFW posts anywhere.
Local News
![Carty Luke Carty is among the players who professional rugby analysts believe could make the Chicago Hounds competitive in their inaugural season. Photo courtesy of Chicago Hounds](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Carty-695x1024.png)
Major League Rugby | Chicago Hounds could emerge strong in expansion season
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Staff Writer There is a school of thought that the expansion Chicago Hounds could win the Major League Rugby championship in their inaugural season. Their first game, however, was a case of attending the school of hard knocks. The Hounds debut resulted a 42-27 setback to Old Glory DC at…
![QUINN Lyons' Quinn Collins qualified for the boys state swim meet in two individual and two relay events. Photo by Lyons Township](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/QUINN.png)
Area Sports Roundup: Lyons’ Collins will be busy at state swim meet
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Staff Writer A host of area boys swimmers qualified for the IHSA state meet, which begins Friday at FMC Natatorium in Westmont. At the Hinsdale Central Sectional, Lyons finished second with 253 points, 99 behind the champion Red Devils. Lions senior Quinn Collins is heading to state in four events…
![CRRNH_SeanCasten_111021 Sean Casten](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/CRRNH_SeanCasten_111021-819x1024.jpg)
Exclusive Interview: Casten reaching out to mayors and people of the 6th District
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Congressman Sean Casten doesn’t want to waste time learning about the new communities in the 6th District. Casten beat out Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau in the November election and was sworn back into office in January. But the district had been re-jiggered and had changed. In addition to some of…
![SRP-IMAGE-Logo SRP-IMAGE-Logo](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/SRP-IMAGE-Logo-1024x560.png)
Boys Wrestling | Mt. Carmel, Marist will be well-represented at state finals
Spread the loveBy Steve Millar Correspondent As Sergio Lemley embarks on the final couple weeks of a storied high school wrestling career, the Mount Carmel senior is determined to soak it all in. Lemley has won three state championships, capturing two as a member of the Caravan during his freshman and junior seasons, and one…
![GRANDBERRY Curie's Aaliyah Grandberry, shown on the podium after a meet in 2022, is gunning for a state championship this season. Curie High School photo](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/GRANDBERRY.png)
Area Sports Roundup: Curie’s Grandberry eyes wrestling state title
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Staff Writer The inaugural IHSA state girls wrestling meet took place last year, with Curie heavyweight Aaliyah Grandberry finishing second at the historic event. She would like to do a just a little bit better this year. Gradberry will shoot for a state championship beginning Friday at Grossinger Motors Arena…
![Wrestling_EP Rubalcava Asael Rubalcava is the first Evergreen Park wrestler to win a sectional championship, which he did Feb. 11 at the IHSA Class 2A Hinsdale South Sectional. Photo by Mike Walsh](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Wrestling_EP-Rubalcava-1024x768.jpg)
Boys Wrestling | Brother Rice and St. Rita each sending four to Champaign
Spread the loveEvergreen Park, Richards and Kennedy grapplers also headed to state By Mike Walsh Correspondent Call it purpose or focus or determination. Whichever word you choose, Brother Rice’s Bobby Conway had it in abundance entering the final match at 126 pounds at the IHSA Class 2A Hinsdale South Sectional on Feb. 11. The sophomore…
![Notebook_Thomas Northwestern wrestler Yahya Thomas, a Mount Carmel alum, won the Midlands title at 149 pounds. Photo courtesy of Northwestern University Athletics](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Notebook_Thomas-1024x682.jpeg)
College Notebook | Northwestern’s Yahya Thomas wins Midlands title
Spread the loveBy Mike Walsh Correspondent Mount Carmel graduate and Northwestern wrestler Yahya Thomas was chosen the Big Ten’s Wrestler of the Week for January 3. At the 58th Annual Ken Kraft Midlands Championships held at the NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates, Thomas defeated a pair of top-10 opponents, including a 4-3 victory over Kyle…
Neighbors
![Illinois child tax credit: who gets it, how much is it? Illinois child tax credit: who gets it, how much is it?](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ctc-calcArtboard-1-4x-1001-t2mth2-1024x682.jpeg)
Illinois child tax credit: who gets it, how much is it?
By ANDREW ADAMS Capitol News Illinois aadams@capitolnewsillinois.com In the final hours of their spring legislative session, Illinois lawmakers approved a tax credit of up to about $300 for families with young children. The credit is available to Illinoisans with children under age 12 who qualify for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, or EITC. Although…
![Illinois’ ban on ‘bump stocks’ remains in place despite U.S. Supreme Court decision Illinois’ ban on ‘bump stocks’ remains in place despite U.S. Supreme Court decision](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/240614-PRITZKER-AA1-ViOzVJ-1024x682.jpeg)
Illinois’ ban on ‘bump stocks’ remains in place despite U.S. Supreme Court decision
By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – An Illinois law banning the sale and use of “bump stocks” and other devices that increase the firing power of semiautomatic weapons remains in place, at least for now, despite a U.S. Supreme Court decision Friday striking down a federal ban on such items. “Illinois law…
![Another Choate Mental Health Center employee indicted for abuse of resident Another Choate Mental Health Center employee indicted for abuse of resident](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/240610-CHOATE-CHARGE-OPT1-FB1xpE-1024x503.jpeg)
Another Choate Mental Health Center employee indicted for abuse of resident
By BETH HUNDSDORFER Capitol News Illinois bhundsdorfer@capitolnewsillinois.com Another caregiver at Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center in Anna is facing charges for abusing a patient. A grand jury indicted Joseph A. Clark, 24, of Grand Chain, on a felony charge of aggravated battery and a misdemeanor charge of battery. Clark pinned a Choate resident to…
![State highway shootings decline as critics sue over ‘dragnet surveillance’ State highway shootings decline as critics sue over ‘dragnet surveillance’](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/FLASHING-LIGHTS-SQUAD-POLICE-00971-ilpWzw-1024x682.jpeg)
State highway shootings decline as critics sue over ‘dragnet surveillance’
By JERRY NOWICKI Capitol News Illinois jnowicki@capitolnewsillinois.com Illinois State Police say an automated license plate reader program has helped the agency identify witnesses or suspects in 82 percent of highway shooting cases this year, including all eight that resulted in a death. But as the state looks to further expand its network of more than…
![Illinois’ ban on ‘bump stocks’ remains in place despite U.S. Supreme Court decision Illinois’ ban on ‘bump stocks’ remains in place despite U.S. Supreme Court decision](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/240614-PRITZKER-AA1-ViOzVJ-1024x682.jpeg)
Illinois’ ban on ‘bump stocks’ remains in place despite U.S. Supreme Court decision
By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – An Illinois law banning the sale and use of “bump stocks” and other devices that increase the firing power of semiautomatic weapons remains in place, at least for now, despite a U.S. Supreme Court decision Friday striking down a federal ban on such items. “Illinois law…
![Just weeks before Republican National Convention, Illinois GOP chair announces resignation Just weeks before Republican National Convention, Illinois GOP chair announces resignation](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/TRACY-06741-bRYaAc-1024x682.jpeg)
Just weeks before Republican National Convention, Illinois GOP chair announces resignation
By HANNAH MEISEL Capitol News Illinois hmeisel@capitolnewsillinois.com Halfway through the 2024 election cycle and just a few weeks away from the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Illinois GOP Chair Don Tracy on Wednesday announced his resignation as head of the state Republican Party. Tracy, who’d held the job since February 2021, explained his resignation in…
![Pritzker signs bill creating new Department of Early Childhood Pritzker signs bill creating new Department of Early Childhood](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/IDEC-3-gA9lr0-1024x682.jpeg)
Pritzker signs bill creating new Department of Early Childhood
By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – Gov. JB Pritzker signed legislation Tuesday creating a new cabinet-level state agency dedicated to early childhood education and development. The new Department of Early Childhood, which will become operational in July 2026, will take over programs currently housed across three state agencies, including funding for preschool…
![Speaker Welch rebuffs lawsuit from would-be staff union as ‘forum shopping’ Speaker Welch rebuffs lawsuit from would-be staff union as ‘forum shopping’](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/1024-EXEC-JN-WELCH-BURDEN-STAFF-09191-Jd97ud-1024x682.jpeg)
Speaker Welch rebuffs lawsuit from would-be staff union as ‘forum shopping’
By HANNAH MEISEL Capitol News Illinois hmeisel@capitolnewsillinois.com Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch is urging a Cook County judge to dismiss a lawsuit members of his staff filed against him last month seeking to force recognition of their union. In a new filing Monday, attorneys for Welch argued the Illinois Legislative Staff Association has no…
![Advocates say SCOTUS ruling paves way for law ensuring abusers have guns confiscated Advocates say SCOTUS ruling paves way for law ensuring abusers have guns confiscated](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/scotus1-N8hYn7-1024x768.jpeg)
Advocates say SCOTUS ruling paves way for law ensuring abusers have guns confiscated
By HANNAH MEISEL Capitol News Illinois hmeisel@capitolnewsillinois.com After the U.S. Supreme Court last week upheld a federal law that bars those under domestic violence-related restraining orders from owning guns, victim advocates say Illinois lawmakers should pass a measure to ensure firearms are actually confiscated in those situations. The legislation has been stalled for more than…
![Communities, commission push Pritzker admin for more prison plan details Communities, commission push Pritzker admin for more prison plan details](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/240611-COGFA-SOTO1-AsGWYO-1024x682.jpeg)
Communities, commission push Pritzker admin for more prison plan details
By DILPREET RAJU Capitol News Illinois news@capitolnewsillinois.com Jimmy Soto spent more than 42 years wrongfully imprisoned in Illinois Department of Corrections facilities. In 2020, he was moved to the “F-House” at Stateville Correctional Center in Joliet, a condemned unit, not because he was being punished, but because it was where the facility was housing individuals…