When a massive tree blocked a local street after the June tornado and storms, the Chicago Forestry Department and Streets and Sanitation removed and disposed of it within 24 hours.
What stood out wasn’t the speed. It was that city workers clearing debris for 12-hour shifts were dealing with power outages, flooding, and tree damage at their own homes.
Ward Superintendents Mo Zadan (13th Ward) and Al Cacciottolo (23rd Ward) coordinated with Alderman Marty Quinn (13th) and Alderman Silvana Tabares (23rd) to deploy crews where they were needed most. Both aldermen worked around the clock answering calls, entering 311 requests, and assessing neighborhood damage on foot and by car to prioritize response.
On Sunday, June 14, Tabares’ staffer Jason Sanchez procured chainsaws from Home Depot to help clear blocked entrances and sidewalks.
But city workers weren’t alone. Clear-Ridge residents came out with their own chainsaws, axes, and garbage bins — clearing debris not just from their yards but from neighbors’ properties and the street.
“Clear-Ridge is a community that really looks out for each other in times of need,” one resident said.
Need help with storm recovery or other city services? Contact your alderman. They’re working around the clock, so be patient, ask for updates, and expect a callback.
What’s happening in Garfield Ridge and Clearing
FARMER’S MARKET: The Garfield Ridge Farmer’s Market is open Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Archer and Narragansett. Fresh goods, local vendors, and community tradition brought to you by the Midway Chamber of Commerce.
SMALL BUSINESS INCUBATOR: The Midway Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications for the Midway Retail Market Portable Sheds at Archer & Narragansett. The program helps local entrepreneurs test business ideas, build a customer base, and grow into permanent storefronts. Open to artisan and handmade goods, apparel and retail brands, pre-packaged food vendors, and unique small business concepts.
IDENTITY THEFT WORKSHOP: Wednesday, June 24, 10 a.m. , at the Garfield Ridge Senior Satellite Senior Center, 5647 S. Archer Avenue, Unit B. Illinois State Comptroller Susana Mendoza and Smart Consumers Illinois will lead a workshop on protecting yourself from scams and identity theft. Open to all seniors. Reserve your space at the front counter.
SENIOR CENTER 30-YEAR CELEBRATION. The Jumpin’ June Jubilee will take place Friday, June 26, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Garfield Ridge Senior Satellite Senior Center. The event features a bingo party with 10 games and gift card prizes. Advance tickets include admission, morning snack, lunch, and two free bingo cards. Raffle tickets: $1 each or six for $5. No door sales. First-come, first-served. No refunds.
PATRIOT’S DAY PARADE & MOVIE NIGHT: Thursday, June 25, 7 p.m., at Wentworth Park, the Annual Midway Chamber Patriot’s Day Parade brings together local businesses, organizations, and community members. After the parade, stay for a free showing of Zootopia 2 at dusk (approximately 8:30–9:45 p.m.). Bring lawn chairs and blankets.
PORCH DECORATING CONTEST: Garfield Ridge – Beat 811 residents are invited to decorate your homes in red, white, and blue for America’s 250th anniversary and the Stars & Stripes 5K on Saturday, June 27. Exterior decorations only. Show community spirit and support the runners.
SHAKESPEARE BLOOD OATH THEATRE: Saturday, June 27, 12 p.m., at Wentworth Park, 3770 S. Wentworth Ave. Free show: Year 8 of the Oath. One cast performs 10 different shows of The Famous History and Life of King Henry VII. Bring a chair and blanket.
SENSORY-FRIENDLY MUSIC SHOW: Ms. Jamie leads a fun, interactive, and educational sensory-friendly music show with singing, movement, and musical activities for children of all abilities. Sponsored by Special Children Charities. No registration required. Wednesday, July 1, 6–7 p.m. | Hale Park, 6258 W. 62nd Street
CLEARING NIGHT FORCE MONTHLY MEETING: 5:30 p.m. at the Clearing Library, 6425 W. 63rd Place. Learn how to get involved in community patrolling, reporting city services, and keeping Clearing safe and clean.
CAPS BEAT 812 MEETING: Wednesday, July 8, 6:30 p.m. at the Clearing Library, 6425 W. 63rd Place. Share concerns with Beat 812 police officers and community leaders.
SPIKE CITY SHOWDOWN: Thursday, July 9, 5–7 p.m. at Vittum Park, 5010 W. 50th St. A 3-vs-3 volleyball tournament. Competition, music, and high-energy atmosphere. Registration open.
VOLLEYPALOOZA: Friday, July 10, 5–7 p.m. | Vittum Park, 5010 W. 50th St. Teens and families compete in volleyball focused on teamwork and community connection. Registration open.
GARFIELD RIDGE NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH & CAPS BEAT 811 MEETING: Tuesday, July 21, 7–8 p.m. (doors open 6:45 p.m.) at St. Faustina Ward Hall, 5151 S. McVicker Ave. Identify chronic community problems. Hear from Beat 811 police, aldermanic representatives, Midway Chamber of Commerce, and Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch. Livestreamed on Facebook and Instagram.