Learn about city history at library

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By Joan Hadac

Your correspondent in Clearing and Garfield Ridge

(708) 496-0265 • joan.hadac@gmail.com

Apologies for the late notice, but I’ll include this bit of news for those who receive the Clear-Ridge Reporter & NewsHound early on their doorstep—or better, for all of us who subscribe online for about 4 cents a day.

Join the Clear-Ridge Historical Society for their next program, “A History Lover’s Guide to Chicago with Greg Borzo,” at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 1 at the Clearing Branch Library, 6423 W. 63rd Place.

Joan Hadac

According to CRHS President Rob Bitunjac, “Founded beside a great lake and sluggish river, Chicago grew quickly. Skyscrapers sprang up, stockyards fed the world and railroads turned the city into the nation’s transportation hub. Music flourished and libraries thrived. Department stores created modern retailing. Through it all, the lakefront was preserved as a magnificent ‘front yard.’

“Join author and tour guide Greg Borzo as he shares years of experience researching and writing about Chicago. His lavishly illustrated presentation digs deep – exploring Chicago’s sweeping historical arc, as well as its fascinating nooks and crannies. He will inform and entertain.

“Borzo, a native of Chicago, is an award-winning writer who has worked for the Field Museum of Natural History, American Medical Association, and University of Chicago. Borzo has written several books including: Lost Restaurants of Chicago; A History Lover’s Guide to Chicago; Chicago’s Fabulous Fountains; and The Chicago L. He conducts talks and tours about the L, biking and Chicago history for the Chicago History Museum, Chicago Cycling Club, Forgotten Chicago and other organizations.”

No charge for admission, although donations to the non-profit CRHS are always welcome. Most Chicago neighborhoods either never had their own historical society, or did but it died due to apathy. Let’s all support the CRHS.

• Two Holy Martyrs Parish is hosting its annual Lenten fish fry this month, from 5 to 7 p.m. Fridays, March 10 and 24 at the Sharp Center, 5940 W. 62^nd St. Dine in and enjoy good fellowship with your neighbors or choose the carryout option. Want to see the menu with prices? Read this column online at southwestregionalpublishing.com.
• The next combined meeting of CAPS Beat 811 and the Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday March 21 at Ward Hall, 51st and McVicker. If you want to help prevent crime and make the neighborhood safer, this is a good meeting to attend. My thanks to CAPS co-facilitator Marilyn Gilroy for sharing this information.
• Mark your calendar now for Breakfast With the Easter Bunny, set for 8:30 a.m. to noon Sunday, April 2 at the Rhine VFW Post 2729, 5858 S. Archer. Admission is $11 for adults, $5 for children age 3 and up, and no charge for kids under 3. The meal is all-you-can-eat pancakes, as well as sausage, scrambled eggs, juice, coffee and desserts. There will be raffles, and each child will receive a modest gift.
• I hear that Garfield Ridge Civic League President Jason Huff has issued a real Chicago-style challenge to our Eighth District Police: a couple of games of 16-inch softball, some time in June. Will our men and women in blue accept the friendly challenge? I’ll keep you posted.
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