Summer saying ‘So long’

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By Patti Tyznik

Your correspondent in Clearing and Garfield Ridge

(708) 496-0265 • ptyznik@gmail.com

By the time this article goes to print, it will almost be September. September! The stores are already putting out Halloween decorations as if summer has packed its bags, headed south and left without saying goodbye.

Summer never stood a chance, and now fall is taking over. This also means that the kids are heading back to school, so we wish them all a successful and safe year. Good luck to all the teachers and support staff.

To first-time parents sending a little one to class: they aren’t the only ones shedding a tear or two. Send them prepared with pencils, notebooks, glue and crayons–but don’t forget to send them with kindness and politeness. Both go a long way.

The summer may be ending, but there’s still plenty coming up in our neck of the woods!

At the Garfield Ridge Branch Library

• Stop by the Garfield Ridge Branch Library, Archer and Mulligan, for our event calendars for children, teens or adults.

Games People Play resumes in August on Thursdays from 2 to 4 p.m. (No Games on Sept. 7) for adults. Join us for Yahtzee, Scrabble, cards, pinochle, trivia and various board games or bring your own game to share. Don’t be shy-we’ll teach you how to play!

Our Summer Bingo Party will be held on Thursday, Aug. 31 from 2 to 4 p.m. for people ages 55 and up. Twenty-third Ward Ald. Silvana Tabares will be here to call the first game! We have gift cards and other prizes. Oak Street Health, Archer and Newland, will be stopping by with a free lunch while supplies last. Come hear about what they have in store for anyone age 65 or older.

Chair Yoga is for adults 55 and older. We’ll meet on Fridays in September starting at 11:30 a.m. with yoga guru Ms. Kim. This is a free program, but you are encouraged to register online or call at (312) 747-6094.

Senior Saturdays is back and bigger than ever! Join us on Saturday, Sept. 16 from 11:30 a.m. 1 p.m. for the live musical stylings of Bud and Marge! Upcoming events include a Halloween costume pizza party, a cookie exchange and our annual Christmas caroling party.

Home School Neighbors will be meeting on Thursday, Sept. 7 at 2 p.m. Join us for an informal meet-up for experienced homeschooling families and new families who need advice on teaching at home. We will discuss library resources, how to get a library card (which allows access to some wonderful databases), programming events, how to request library materials and more. A fun activity will be provided for the children as well as a raffle. No registration required.

Time for Tots story time returns on Monday, Sept. 18 at 10:30 a.m. for children ages 18-36 months. Early arrivals can color or build puzzles. A simple craft follows the story time.

At the Clearing Branch Library

Join Joe Ziemba as he talks about his favorite subject; the rivalry between the Chicago Cardinals and the Chicago Bears. Joe first became interested in the history of pro football when his father was a draft choice of the old Chicago Cardinals. This event is set for 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 20 at the Clearing Branch Library, 6423 W. 63^rd Place.

Do you enjoy modern board games but can’t find anyone to play with? Would you like to learn how to play some of the current best-selling games? If so, then join us for the Clearing Board Game Club.  Choose from our inventory of modern games or bring your own. We are partnering with Fair Games board game store in La Grange to offer a large library of games and game instruction.

Meets every other Monday starting Sept. 18 at 5 p.m. For more information, call Rob at (312) 747-5657.

At the churches

The St. Jane de Chantal Holy Name Society at St. Faustina Parish is organizing its 18th Annual Cow Pie Drop, which will take place on Sunday, Sept. 10 in the Ward Hall parking lot, 52^nd and Austin. Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased from the parish office, 5252 S. Austin.

The winner can win up to $5,000 if all 700 raffle tickets are sold. In the event all 700 tickets are not sold, prizes will be awarded on a pro-rated basis. Get a mooooooo-ve on and get your raffle ticket today! For more information, call the Parish Office at (773) 767-2411.

The Ladies Guild of St. Faustina resumes activities on Tuesday, Sept. 5 at 7 p.m. Yearly dues are $10. Bunco resumes Tuesday, Sept. 12 at 7 p.m. The cost to play is $10. Both meet in the St. Pope John Paul II Parish Center. Contact Andi at (773) 610-5686 for more information.

Two Holy Martyrs Parish is having its Super Bingo on Sunday, Sept. 10 at its St. Rene campus, 6340 S New England. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Games begin at 1 p.m. Admission is $20 at door. Call (773) 767-1523.for more information.

Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church, 5550 S Merrimac, is in the process of creating a church cookbook. They will be asking all neighborhood businesses if they would like to purchase an ad for the cookbook. Large ads are $40. Small ads are $20. Please email gspc5550@aol.com for more information.

Also, Good Shepherd is having a Harvest Craft Fair on Oct. 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Reserve your space now. Call (773) 585-1094 and ask for Sandra.