Godspeed, Officers Verta and Harrison

By Joan Hadac

Your correspondent in Clearing and Garfield Ridge

(708) 496-0265 • joan.hadac@gmail.com

It’s always good to know that even in these challenging times, there are men and women are willing to step forward to brave those challenges.

And leave it to Garfield Ridge and Clearing to lead the way.

I say that as I offer my congratulations to Zach Verta and Ryan Harrison on their recent graduation from the Chicago Police Academy.

Officers Verta and Harrison

Both Officers Verta and Harrison grew up in Garfield Ridge, graduating from St. Daniel the Prophet School in 2014 and St. Laurence High School in 2018.

If Officer Verta’s name sounds familiar, it should. He was a key player on the 2016 Clear-Ridge Senior League All-Star team that battled all the way to the World Championship game and captured the crown.

Godspeed, Officers Harrison and Verta, as you begin your careers in law enforcement!

Mark your calendar

• A candy cane hunt for children is set for 4 to 4:45 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3 at Wentworth Park, 5625 S. Mobile. This event is for children ages 3-5. Candy canes are scattered throughout the area located right outside the fieldhouse. After the hunt, children can come down to the fieldhouse for a candy cane-themed craft project. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Fee is $5, and advance registration is required. Call the park at (312) 747-6993 for details. A second session for children ages 6-8 is set for 4:30 to 5:15 p.m.
• The annual Christmas tree lighting in Wentworth Park is set for 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3. There will be festive music, ice skating at the rink (weather permitting), a petting zoo and mini-train rides for kids, a Christmas craft market and a cluster of food trucks lined up along Narragansett. No food or dogs will be allowed in the fenced-in area where the tree is. There is no admission charge, and all are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to the annual Toys for Tots charity drive. Thanks to the Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch for working so hard to make this event a reality.
  

  Joan Hadac

• All are invited to have breakfast with Santa Claus from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4 in Brennan Hall, 54^th and Natoma. The event is sponsored by the Holy Name Society of St. Daniel the Prophet Parish and Boy Scout Troop 475. Admission is $7 per person, no charge for children age 6 and younger. Enjoy all-you-can-eat pancakes, eggs and sausage, as well as milk, coffee and a dessert bar.
• The annual luncheon for senior citizens at St. Faustina Kowalska Parish is set for Monday, Dec. 5 at Mayfield Banquets, 6072 S. Archer. Doors open at 11 a.m. Tickets are $35 each and may be obtained by calling Laura Gracia at (773) 656-4564, or Theresa Aleman at (773) 971-1775. You do not need to be a Senior Club member or even a senior citizen to attend.
• Santa Claus will climb aboard Jim Sircher’s vintage fire truck and ride through the streets of Garfield Ridge (west of Central) from 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, courtesy of the Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch. The Jolly Old Elf will do the same in Clearing (west of Central) from 3 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11. So keep your eyes and ears open, everyone, and thank you, Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch!
• Children under age 7 are invited to a Christmas themed event scheduled for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 12 at Valley Forge Park, 7001 W. 59^th St. The session will include holiday crafts, games, cookies and hot cocoa, arm painting and a photo opportunity with Santa Claus. Fee is $10 per child. For details, call (773) 229-0812.
• The queen of hearts has continued to amaze all at St. Faustina Kowalska Parish, where she has remained elusive (at least as of Nov. 23, when
I write this). Will you be the one to find her? If you do, you’ll split a pot of roughly $391,000. If you want to
get in on the parish’s weekly raffle, please buy your tickets for $5 each at the parish office, 5252 S. Austin, or at Tom’s Tap, 6707 W. Archer. Drawings occur Saturday nights at Tom’s.Bottom of Form
• A “super bingo” event is set for Sunday, Dec. 11 at the St. Rene Goupil campus of Two Holy Martyrs Parish, 6340 S. New England. Doors open at 12:30 p.m., and games begin at 1:30. Admission at the door is $20. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase, and coffee is available at no charge. For details, call (773) 767-1523.