Did you know that before people started carving pumpkins into Jack-o-Lanterns, people of Irish and Scottish descent would carve faces into potatoes or turnip? This was done to scare away evil spirits on the night of Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter or the “darker half “of the year. This tradition came to America in the 1800s and Irish immigrants found that carving pumpkins was a whole lot easier than carving a turnip! The origin of Jack-o Lantern came from the Irish Celtic tradition of trying to frighten away Wandering Jack’s soul. Of course, nowadays we carve pumpkins to celebrate Halloween. And maybe to be a little scary! Anyway, the squirrels sure enjoy them in our neighborhood, scattering seeds everywhere. If this hot weather doesn’t end soon, we’re going to have pumpkin soup spilling all over our porches, not just seeds.
Speaking of pumpkins, The Garfield Ridge Library, located on Archer and Mulligan, is having a Pumpkin Coloring Contest for children ages 3-12 years old. Stop by the library and ask a librarian for a pumpkin coloring sheet or make a paper pumpkin of your own at home using construction paper, a paper plate or anything you think would make a great looking pumpkin. The contest runs until October 21. Your pumpkin will be included on our Pumpkin Patch Wall and three winners will be chosen to receive a scary Halloween book! There will be one winner for kids ages 3-6; one winner for kids ages 6-8; and one winner for kids ages 9-12. Be creative! One entry per child.
There are still a few spots open for our Adult Halloween Paper Craft on Saturday, October 5, at 10 a.m. People will make a Halloween card to take home. Space is limited. Register at 312-747-6094 or online at www.chicagopubliclibrary.org/Events
Our next Senior Coffee Hour will meet on Thursday, October 10, at 1 p.m. This is a great way to meet new people and learn about what’s going on in the neighborhood and what the library has to offer seniors. Special breakfast gift certificate raffle. Stay for Game Day at 2 p.m. Or join u for Senior Spooky Bingo on Thursday, October 17, at 2 p.m. for seniors 55 and up. Sponsored by Oak Street Health on Archer Avenue, join us for a ghoulish good time! Prizes! Treats!
The second annual Oferenda Display “Day of the Dead” is on November 1 and 2. Join us as we create an altar to remember our loved ones who have passed away. Bring in a photo of a family member, friend or pet to the Garfield Ridge Library or email your picture to: gherrera@chipublib.org. The altar will be on display starting in October. We will accept pictures through Monday, October 21.
Little Miss Ann Music Concert will take place on Saturday, October 19, at 11 a.m. for children ages 18 months to 7 years. Join us for a Fall concert with music sensation, Little Miss Ann. Children will enjoy singing, clapping, jumping and dancing at this upbeat, interactive folk-rock concert! Check out her playlists on Spotify and Apple Music. Register at www.chipublib.org/Events.
Saturday Game Day for Adults and Seniors Saturdays until December 28 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the adult side of the library. Our group plays everything from UNO to Mexican Train to Chess to Canasta to trivia and Yahtzee! We’re trying to organize a Pinocle Group too. Ages 18 and up.
Pets
The 23rd Ward’s annual free Pet Vaccine Event will take place on Saturday, October 5, at Byrne School’s parking lot, at 53rd and Oak Park, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Vaccines and microchipping for the first 100 pets will be accepted. Make sure your dog is on a leash and any other pet is brought in a carrier. Limit two dogs per household who are at least 8 weeks old. For more information, please call 773-582-4444. This event is open to all Cook County residents. Sponsored by Alderman Silvana Tabaras, the 8th District Police District and Chicago Animal Care and Control.
Speaking about pets, I noticed that in the last two weeks, over 14 dogs were reported missing on various Facebook posts. In one day, four were reported missing within hours of each other. This certainly has become more common place than in years past. Please consider attending the free Pet Vaccine and Microchipping Event and get your dogs chipped. I would also suggest putting a lock or spring clip on your front and back gates. Somebody is opening gates at night and when pet owners let their dogs out in the morning, these frisky canines make a beeline for freedom! As a pet owner myself, I would hate for my dog to escape and perhaps never be returned. A small lock or clip costs under $5 bucks and can be purchased at any hardware store. It’s a small price to pay for our beloved furry friends.
Early Voting
Early voting begins on Monday, October 21, continues through Tuesday, November 5. The closest locations around here to early vote are the Clearing Public Library located at 6423 W. 63rd Place (312-747-5657); Archer Heights Public Library, located at 5055 S. Archer Ave. (312-747-9241); and Ward Hall near St. Faustina Parish, located at 5157 S. McVicker (773-767-2411). All three locations hours are as follows: Weekdays 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sundays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Election Day (November 5), 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Do your civic duty and get out there and vote! One ballot can truly make the difference.
Free Senior Yoga Do you like yoga? Do you like free yoga? Do you like free yoga with Yoga Mama, Miss Kim? Well, you’re in luck. Here is a list of places where she teaches Chair Yoga for seniors:
- The Garfield Ridge Library continues our six-week session of Chair Yoga-the last one is Friday, October 11. Call 312-747-6094 to reserve a spot.
- Oak Street Health on Archer Avenue, Thursdays at 9 a.m. (773-232-9616).
- Wintrust Sports Complex, located at 5499 W. 65th Street in Bedford Park, the second and fourth Thursdays of the month at 11 a.m. Arrive at 10:30 a.m. for open walking laps before class. Nonresidents pay $5 as part of their wellness program. (Side note: Free Bingo every other Thursday with October 3 being the next one). (708-295-9500).
- Bedford Park Library, located at 7816 W. 65th Street, Fridays at 10 a.m. (708-458-6826).
- Oak Street Health Berwyn, 7000 Cermack Ave., Tuesdays at noon. (773-916-3846).
Until next time, keep being nice to one another and share a smile!