Rain, rain go away! And high winds. And tornados, too! I hope everyone has recovered from last week’s storms and power outages. We are so lucky that our community came together to help. Both Alderman Silvana Tabares and Alderman Marty Quinn were quick to respond with sending out the forest service and Streets and Sanitation to do major cleanups of fallen trees and debris.
Unfortunately, many were without power for days, but ComED worked tirelessly to restore power as fast as they could. Transformers were struck, as well as power lines. Luckily, no one was hurt, and that is quite miraculous.
Hopefully, insurance companies are helping community members whose cars were struck or houses that lost roofs, shingles, and fences. It was quite a mess in all neighborhoods.
Thank you to everyone that supported St. Daniel the Prophet Parish‘s annual SummerFest. Thank you to Maria Whalen and all the hardworking volunteers that made the carnival a success. Despite losing the beer tent and revenue on Thursday night, the rest of the carnival was packed, and so many families had a great time, including one little boy who would not get off the kiddie car ride!
Garfield Ridge Community Reminder. The Midway Marketplace Retail Sheds are open all the way through the end of September. Fridays: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with the Garfield Ridge Farmers Market, and Sundays: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Located at Archer Avenue and Narragansett. Support local small businesses and enjoy a wonderful afternoon shopping, eating, and connecting with the community.
Annual “Back to School” Backpack Giveaway. Saturday, August 8 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Kennedy High School’s parking lot (56th and Narragansett). Sponsored by the Midway Chamber of Commerce. Is it too early to start thinking about going back to school? Maybe, but August will be here in the blink of an eye. So mark your calendars and get that free backpack with school supplies. Other activities are scheduled for that day as well. Child must be present to receive backpack, while supplies last. These backpacks have been generously donated by our incredible community partners and sponsors to ensure every child starts the school year ready to learn. We believe in the power of education and are proud to help equip students with the tools they need to succeed. Come out, connect with neighbors, and celebrate the start of a great school year—we can’t wait to see you there!
Veteran/Military Banners are BACK! The Midway Chamber of Commerce is giving you the chance to honor your active military, ROTC, or veteran with a personalized photo pole banner. Imagine their pride as it’s displayed on Archer Avenue or 63rd Street! But hurry! The deadline to order is September 30th. Price is $160 per banner. Our goal is to have them installed before Veteran’s Day and keep them up for the remainder of the year. And don’t worry, any returned banners can be kept as a special keepsake for you and your family. So, let’s make this a memorable tribute together! Info needed: Name, Branch of Service, photo. After placing your order, please send email of photo and include your invoice number and contact info to midwaychamber@gmail.com.
If you would like to have your banner from last year re-hung, please pay the fee associated with this and bring your banner to Midway Storage to be rehung.
Garfield Ridge Library News
The Garfield Ridge Library (located on Archer and Mulligan) continues to offer programs for kids, teens, and adults all year long. Check out the library’s website for more information: www.chicagopubliclibrary.org.
There is still time to register your children for the Chicago Public Library’s annual Summer@Chicago reading and learning program.
Make Your Own Sculpture. Sunday, June 28 at 2 p.m. Create a 3D work of art to take home or to leave on display at the library. Using air-dried clay, a wooden skewer, wooden beads, and paper, children will create a unique sculpture of their very own. For ages 6 and up.
Story Time Stars. Mondays, June 29; July 13 and 20 at 10:30 a.m. Join us for our weekly summer story time with a take-home craft. Listen to a themed story and make a simple craft to take home. For children 18 months to 4 years. Whether it’s a story about pizza, a garbage truck, or the airport, kids will learn a little something about our city!
City Builders Activity Class. Wednesdays, July 8 and 15 at 10:30 a.m. Do you like to build things? Then join us at the library every week as we build with preschool Legos, foam blocks, snap cubes, wooden planks, magnetic tiles, and more. Each session begins with a story before building starts. For ages 2 to 4 years.
Babbling Babies. Thursdays, June 25; July 16 and 23 at 10:30 a.m. for babies up to 12 months. Join us for baby story time this summer. Listen to a few short stories, learn bouncing songs, and fingerplays. Register your little one to participate in our summer reading program. Complete a Baby Log and earn a free book.
Fourth of July Crafts. Wednesday, July 1 at 11 a.m. Join us for some Fourth of July crafts and coloring. Children can make a paper plate windsock, a Fourth of July character craft, or a nature mobile to hang outside, while supplies last. Enjoy a red, white, or blue freezie today only! For ages 6 and up.
Mind Games: The Science of Perception Deception. Saturday, July 18 at 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for adults ages 18 and up. Presented by William Pack, magic historian and adult educator. Our brain decides how we perceive everything around us. It finds patterns and solves problems efficiently, except for when it lies to us. You’ll experience how optical illusions work, why people fall for scams, and how we make thousands of choices every day that are influenced subconsciously. William will also give attendees proven, scientific, actionable techniques to preserve brain health. Finally, you may be left wondering if your brain has a mind of its own.
Ice Cream Finale. Saturday, August 1 at 11 a.m. Ice cream donated by Andy’s Ice Cream. Children who participated in our Summer Reading Program can drop by for some ice cream and raffles!
Clearing Public Library Programs
Located at 6423 W. 63rd Place. 312-747-5657
Sing and Soar with Nanny Nikki. Thursday, July 23 at 11 a.m. Grammy-nominated artist Nanny Nikki loves to sing and to bring life to classic children’s songs for early childhood as well as some original music. Join her for a fun, high-energy, and interactive musical show including sing-along songs, dancing, puppets, and more! For ages 2 to 6.
Czech Chicago. Saturday, July 25 at 11 a.m. Join speaker and local expert Dr. Dominic Pacyga for a living discussion of the Czech Community. The Czech community was once one of the most important and fascinating ethnic communities in Chicago. The original community began near Lincoln Park and then moved to the South Loop, and then Near West Side before moving again to Pilsen and beyond. It thrived along Cermak Road and Blue Island Avenue from Halsted to Berwyn. Czech Chicago gave the city its only immigrant mayor, Anton Cermak, as well as many important institutions including Pilsen Park in what was once called Czech California and is known today as Little Village.
Summer Story Time. Thursdays at two different times: attend either the 11 a.m. session or the 12 p.m. session. Dates are as follows: July 2, 9, 16, and 30. Join us for story time especially for our littlest patrons! We share songs, rhymes, and books, plus suggestions for at-home activities. For kids 0 to 5 and their caregivers.
Community Events
Mark your calendars for the annual Stars and Stripes 5K on Saturday, June 27, at 8 a.m. It will take place at Wentworth Park (5625 S. Narragansett Avenue). This race will be run in honor of fallen Chicago firefighter Andrew Price. The fee for adults is $30 and for children, the fee is $25.
Sponsored by the Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch; the Chicago Park District; Alderman Quinn; Alderman Tabares; State Rep. Angie Guerrero-Cuellar; and State Senator Mike Porfirio. Visit the website RUNSIGNUP.com/GR5K to register. Please keep in mind that there will be street closures throughout the morning of the 5K, which we will share once we receive the route information. Stay tuned!
Our Lady of Snows “Leopard Learners.” A kindergarten and first-grade readiness bootcamp for children ages 5 and 6 that will meet on Wednesdays, June 24; July 1, 8, and 29; August 5 and 12 from 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m., $5 per session. Located at 4810 S. Leamington, children will enjoy some time at OLS playing educational readiness games in reading and math in a fun and interactive setting.
Here is a list of some other fun things to do this summer with your kids in our neighborhood. All events are free!
Hale Park District: Chango Snake Dog rockstar puppet show Thursday, July 23 at 2 p.m.
Vittum Park: Circus in the Park on Thursday, August 20 at 6 p.m.
Valley Forge: Circus Arts at the Park Friday, September 11 at 6 p.m.
Midway Chamber of Commerce’s “Garfield Ridge Farmer’s Market” 2026 Season: May 2 through September 26 on Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Located outside at the northwest corner of Archer Avenue and Narragansett/Biz Hub (6422 W. Archer Ave.). Come check them out!
The Garfield Ridge Senior Center, located on Archer and Laramie (5674-B South Archer Ave.), has many events for June. “Jumpin’ June Jubilee,” a 30th Anniversary and BINGO Party, will take place on Friday, June 26 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and costs $20 per person. Advance ticket purchase required. Snacks, bingo, lunch, and a guessing game round out this fun event. Please call 312.745.4255 or stop at the center. Ask for Julie. Identity Theft Presentation will take place on Wednesday, June 24 at 10 a.m. Learn to identify theft, scams, frauds, and understand the importance of securing your personal information.
Sponsored by the Illinois Comptroller’s Office.
Until next time, keep being nice to one another and share a smile! Please continue submitting information to my email: ptyznik@gmail.com.