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By Mary Stanek
Your correspondent in Archer Heights and West Elsdon
3808 W. 57th Place • (773) 284-7394
Southwest Sider Andrew Salinas is working towards his Eagle Scout rank by collecting donations of toys and clothing for Mutual Ground, an Aurora-based organization that helps victims of domestic abuse.
If you want to help by giving new toys and clothing (such as socks, underwear, hats, gloves) now through Sept. 6, bring your donation to the Archer Heights Branch Library, 5055 S. Archer. Donations also are accepted at sites west of us, such as 23rd Ward Ald. Silvana Tabares’ office at 6247 S. Archer and the Garfield Ridge Branch Library, 6348 S. Archer.

If you drop off the donations at the library, please check out the programs and resources they offer. It’s always fun to visit the library.
I spent a quick afternoon with Gage Park resident and former Greater Southwest News-Herald correspondent Karen Sala. I met her grandchildren and family at the zoo. It was such a coincidence that we kept running into each other amongst a lot of people. Her grandchildren enjoyed carousel rides. I know she collects cows, and I still have a lawn ornament to give her.
On the way home, I also ran into a St. Turibius classmate, Sue Kremnitzer. We did a lot of catching up on the CTA Orange Line. She still lives out by the new Woof Lawn Park.
It’s time to register for fall programs at all Chicago Park District locations. Low-cost classes, as well as fitness, nutrition, sports, etc. for all ages are offered. Online registration open Monday, Aug. 14 and Tuesday, Aug. 15. In person registration opens Saturday, Aug. 19. Fall programs run from Sept. 5 through Dec. 10.
St. Turibius Parish fest is Saturday, Aug. 19 from 5 to 9 p.m. There will be Polish, Spanish and American food for purchase. A raffle for a television will also be held.
Elsa, the St. Turibius convent dog, is back on the agility field. Her and her handler, Audrey, are doing quite well in the competitions.
Remember, you can read this column online at southwestregionalpublishing.com. It typically is posted early on Wednesdays, so you’ll see it sooner than most. Simply visit the website and click on the “Subscribe!” button. You can purchase 24/7 online access for as little as 7 cents a day.
