.

By Patti Tyznik

Your correspondent in Clearing and Garfield Ridge

(708) 496-0265 • ptyznik@gmail.com

The last time I was quick to announce that spring had sprung, I was met with snow and high winds! I’m cautiously optimistic that by the time this goes to print, we’ll be enjoying sunnier days and anxiously awaiting for the first pitch to go out at whatever ballpark makes you happy.

I know many people are eagerly counting down the days to spring break: maybe to travel or maybe to catch up on a TBR book or maybe just to sleep in! However, don’t forget to get your taxes done and remember to check out what’s going on in our little neck of the woods.

Library news

The Garfield Ridge Branch Library, 6348 S. Archer, is “egg-cited” to share our April programs, so stop by for our monthly calendars for kids, teens or adults and register online at chipublib.org for any of our programs where indicated. Or call (312) 747-6094 for more information.

  • Chess Club for Kids meets on Wednesdays, April 12, 19 and 26 at 3:30 p.m. Children ages 7-13 will learn how to play chess with a more experienced player. Beginners and experienced players welcome.
  • If kids ages 5 and up like to build with Legos, then join us on Mondays, April 3, 17 and 24 at 3:30 p.m. for free Lego play. Saturday Legos meets on Saturdays, April 1 and 15 at 2 p.m. Please register for these programs, as space is limited.
  • Join us on Thursday, April 6 for Story Chasers story time at 6 p.m. for children ages 2-5 years. Let’s grab a book and see where it takes us. A fun activity follows the story.
  • Painting 1 2 3 is a fun Saturday morning program for children ages 3-6 years on April 1 and 15 at 11:30 a.m. Let your inner artist out and have some fun painting. Be prepared to get a little messy.
  • Build with Me is set for Monday, April 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for children ages 4-9 years. Children will use their creativity and engineering skills to build with Lego, Tinker Toys, wooden blocks and more.
  • Tweens are needed to play Uno at the Library on Wednesday, April 5 at 3:30pm. Bring your friends and see who shouts UNO first! Ages 7 & up.
  • Senior Saturdays takes place on Saturday, April 8 at 11:30 a.m. with light refreshments and stimulating conversations. We’ll be discussing our favorite books, gardening tips and binge-worthy TV shows. Come make some new friends and learn about our library services such as downloading eBooks, requesting books and DVDs and basic computer help.
  • Adult Games will be held on Saturday, April 29 at 11:30 a.m. for ages 18 and up. Bring your own game or try one of ours.
  • Adults, come play games on Thursdays with Games People Play from 2 to 4 p.m. Meet our weekly group who have a lot of fun yelling Yahtzee! or winning at Scrabble

Here are some of our programs for teens in April. Get it Done Tuesday is set for 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 11. Join us for a relaxing hour where you can do homework, read a book or just hang out. Make perler beads, play video games or make some crafts. Snacks will be provided. Mini Canvas Masterpiece is set for 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 25. Stop by to paint a mini-canvas and munch on some snacks.

Hop on over to the Clearing Branch Library, 6423 W 63rd Place, for stories about Easter on Thursday, April 6 at 4 p.m. Share some “tails” about everyone’s favorite holiday bunny, sing some songs, do the bunny hop and hunt for eggs. This is for children age birth to 13 years, with an adult. Registration is encouraged. Register at the library website.

Mark your calendar

The Garfield Ridge Civic League’s next meeting is Saturday, March 25 at 10:30 a.m. at Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church, 5550 S. Merrimac. Swing by to join the discussion about Chicago’s roads, as well as home loans and refinancing. For more information, email GarfieldRidgeCL@gmail.com.

The Ladies Guild of St. Faustina Parish will host its regular monthly bunco on Tuesday, April 11 in the parish center, 5201 S. McVicker. Sign in begins at 6:45 p.m., and games begin around 7. Cost to play is only $10 with cash prizes awarded at the end of the evening. Soda, water and coffee, along with individually wrapped snacks, are available. Free-will donations are graciously accepted. Get in on split the pot for a chance at some “fun” money.

St. Symphorosa School, 6148 S Mason, will be hosting a Casino Fundraising Night on Saturday, April 29 from 6 to 11 p.m. Enjoy a night of gaming, music, live DJ, raffles, 50/50, food and drinks. Play Blackjack, poker, craps and roulette.

Proceeds to benefit STEM lab equipment, security updates and scholarships. Win prizes, not cash. Tickets cost $30 and include $25 in chips, five raffle tickets and two complimentary drinks. Tickets are available to purchase at the rectory.

Two Holy Martyrs Parish’s monthly bingo occurs on Sunday, April 16 at the St. Rene Goupil campus (6340 S. New England). Doors open at 12:30 p.m. Games begin at 1. Admission is $20 at the door. Try your luck!

Wentworth Park, 5625 S Mobile, presents, “You’ve Been Egged” on Saturday, April 8 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pre-registration is required, and the fee is $15. “Egg” your house, a neighbor or a family member with a surprise at-home egg hunt. Each registered house will receive 20 eggs hidden in the front yard by the Easter Bunny himself. A “You’ve Been Egged” sign will also be placed in each family’s front yard.

The next CAPS Beat 812 meeting will be held at the Clearing Branch Library on Wednesday, April 12 at 7 p.m. Find out what’s going on in the neighborhood.

Garage sale permit applications will be available at your alderman’s office beginning April 10. ID is required. Two permits are allowed each year.

Until next time, keep being nice to one another and share a smile!