By Mary Stanek
Your correspondent in Archer Heights and West Elsdon
3808 W. 57th Place • (773) 284-7394
I wish everyone a safe and happy 4th of July.
If your kids are looking for some fun and reading, Sts. Bruno and Richard School will be hosting “Paletas in the Park” at the corner of 49th and Harding. The dates are July 7, 14, 21 and 28, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. There will be a reading circle, themed crafts, playground fun, paletas and books. Books will be distributed on a first come, first served basis with one book allocated to each child.
Seems like the kids just got out of school and there is talk of back-to-school events. A back-to-school event is planned from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 22 at Peck Elementary School, 3826 W. 58th St. At Kennedy High School, 6325 W. 56th St., a large back-to-school giveaway will occur from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 5.
There are a plethora of events happening at the Archer Heights Library, 5055 S. Archer Ave., for youngsters and adults. I suggest visiting in person or online for a complete listing. But one event really caught my eye — “Introduction to Improv with Peyton Wilson,” from 6 to 7 p.m. Monday, July 24.
The improv is recommended for ages 8 and up. Students will learn the basics of improvisation beginning with fun, and interactive warm ups leading into performance games.
Registration is required by Sunday, July 23. It amazes me how artists can stand up in front of an audience and make up funny stories and events at the spur of the moment (spontaneous ensemble theater). One can’t help but think of the master, Drew Carey.
Our family has played improv games at home and they do turn out pretty funny. For instance, one person starts a story with just a word and the next person continues and the story travels down the line person to person, always changing.
Gary Erwinski’s friends from CSX and the Strohacker Park neighborhood wish him a very happy birthday.
And happy birthday wishes go to John (D.J.) Lontka.
As a final note, the Peck Panther Patch Garden items that went missing have been replaced. There is a new bird bath and two new garden hoses. Thank you to Eddie Guillen.