Must the red robin be bobbin’ so early?

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By Mary Stanek

Your correspondent in Archer Heights and West Elsdon

3808 W. 57th Place •  (773) 284-7394

It is that time of year–when the red robin goes bob bob bobbin’ along–wake up you sleepy head. But does that robin have to be bobbin’ at 5 a.m. or even earlier? The “dawn chorus” is the earliest sign of spring. With a giant evergreen in our front yard and a pear tree (that is in lovely bloom) in the back, our chorus is magnificent, especially at 5 a.m.

Mary Stanek

Robins, blackbirds and thrushes are all about, defending territory and raising chicks. The singing is mostly done by the male birds demonstrating to the females that they are fit and healthy and ready to start a family.

Also returning is the refreshing sound of screaming children having fun at the Peck School playlot. I feel it is great that the children are enjoying the lot. It was a great idea to install it. I can think of one suggestion though: benches should be installed in the shade for the parents to sit while their children are playing.

It is also the time of year for garage sales. Garage sale season runs from April 14 through Oct. 31. Permits are required and available at your alderman’s office. There are two permits available each year, and an ID is required to obtain them.

Block party preparations can now be made as well. The season runs from May 27 through Oct. 29. Applications are available starting May 1. A petition must be circulated among the neighbors of the block and at least 50% of the neighbors must be in support of the block party. The permit allows for the street to be closed from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Fireworks are prohibited, and the city’s noise ordinance must be followed. The completed application can be returned to your alderman’s office.

Seniors from the area might want to take a short trip down Archer Avenue and visit the Garfield Ridge Branch Library, 6348 S. Archer, for Senior Saturdays. On Saturday, April 29 its game day. From 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., games such as Scrabble, Yahtzee, cards and trivia will be played. Refreshments will be served. (Remember, our Archer Branch Library is temporarily closed for refurbishment.)

Save Our Barrio, a celebration of Hispanic culture, will be held at Hubbard High School Auditorium, 6200 S. Hamlin, on Wednesday, April 26 at 5 p.m. There will be music of Manuel De Falla and a performance by the Dancers of Ensemble Espagnol. Musicians of The Lyric Ensemble and students of Hubbard will also be featured. There is a suggested donation of $5.

Earth Day is this Saturday, April 22. Let’s all be considerate of our environment!