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By Alexis Bocanegra
Your correspondent in Clearing and Garfield Ridge
(773) 949-1509 • grcl.alex23@gmail.com
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(Editor’s note: this week we are most pleased to welcome a new, monthly correspondent to the Clear-Ridge Reporter & NewsHound. We’ve asked her to introduce herself with a few paragraphs. Our other monthly correspondent, Patti Tyznik, is taking this month off but anticipates returning in the future. Enjoy!)
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I am Alexis Bocanegra, your newest correspondent. I am a lifelong Garfield Ridge resident. Twenty-one years ago my parents bought their first house in the neighborhood where they decided to start and raise their family. My father is a Chicago Police Officer with 24 years of service, and my mother is a city worker.
I am a third-year psychology student at DePaul. I chose to study psychology because of my father and his line of duty. I wanted to bridge the gap of mental health stigmatization first responders face—and most importantly to help the brave men and women who put their lives on the line, day in and day out without a second thought.
Apart from being a student, I was an IT intern for a business in Stickney and currently serve as an undergraduate peer mentor for freshmen majoring in psychology at DePaul.
I am also a former Garfield Ridge Civic League board member. For that I am grateful to GRCL President Jason Huff for the experience.
A couple of months ago, I was invited to join the Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch as a board member. The neighborhood watch wanted a younger perspective and voice in their mix. Part of my duties are social media, recruitment and helping with neighborhood events.
The GRNW is looking for new members. If you have lived in the neighborhood for a long time or are fairly new to Garfield Ridge and would like to get involved in the community, join us at Ward Hall, 5157 S. McVicker, at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 21.
Some of my interests and hobbies include creative writing, storytelling, reading and watching old movies. I consider myself a film enthusiast and a political junkie. Other hobbies of mine include hiking, biking, dancing and trying different foods. I’m definitely a big foodie. I like trying new restaurants and am always open to recipe recommendations.
My biggest passion has been writing, so when I saw that there was an open position to become a correspondent, I jumped at the opportunity. As a correspondent, I plan to write about what’s going on in Garfield Ridge and Clearing, and share stories from the community. I am excited about this opportunity and hope not to disappoint you. I look forward to connecting with you all. I invite you to share upcoming events, concerns or happy tidbits that you would like for me to write about. You can contact me via email at grcl.alex23@gmail.com.
Mark your calendar
- If you enjoy playing bingo, make plans to attend the next Super Bingo sponsored by Two Holy Martyrs Parish, It is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 19 at the St. Rene Goupil campus, 6340 S. New England. Doors open at 11:30 a.m., games start at 1. Admission at the door is $20. There is free coffee, and snacks and other refreshments are available for purchase. For details, call (773) 767-1523.
- The Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony is set for 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 at Wentworth Park, 57th and Narragansett. There is no admission charge. In addition to the arrival of Santa Claus, there will be a seasonal-themed market, food trucks, free skate rental and ice skating (weather permitting), face painting, pony rides and a petting zoo, a kiddie train and ice sculptures. The event also will serve as a Chicagoland Toys For Tots collection site, so please bring a new, unwrapped toy if you’d like.
- As you know from reading the Clear-Ridge Reporter & NewsHound, the newest organization in the neighborhood is the Midway Cool Kids Club. Created last summer by Geno Randazzo of All Exterior Contractors, the club includes special-needs children and young adults from the area. Its purpose is nothing more than fun—to show those with special needs that they deserve to enjoy life as much as anyone else.
Well, the club has enjoyed early success but is always looking to expand to take on more special-needs children and young adults. There is no fee to join and no obligation to stay enrolled. If you think this may be a club for your special-needs son or daughter, simply send a text message (708) 705-7900 and let Geno know about yourself and your special-needs child. He’ll put you on a list and keep you up-to-date on all future Midway Cool Kids Club outings and activities. For more information, find the club on Facebook.
That’s all for now. Thanks for reading. Happy Thanksgiving!