The Garfield Ridge Satellite Center just hit 30 years of serving seniors this July. For over three decades, this center has served seniors from Garfield Ridge, Clearing, Archer Heights, and surrounding neighborhoods, fostering a spirit of connection and support. To commemorate this milestone, Alderman Silvana Tabares (23rd Ward) presented a resolution from Mayor Brandon Johnson and City Clerk Ana Valencia recognizing the center’s contributions to the community.
Residents Bob Slavesen and Julie Slawniak, who manage the center, have built a well-respected community. This year alone, they’ve strengthened their commitment to serving seniors by collaborating with Alderman Tabares to host speakers from the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the Clerk’s Office and to facilitate a Q&A session on important topics affecting the senior population. The center offers yoga, cooking classes, health-focused activities, bingo, and dance parties, which ensure seniors feel active and connected within the community.
This July, the center is celebrating with a calendar full of events. Whether you’re a senior looking to stay active, learn something new, or just spend time with neighbors, here’s what’s happening.
July 10, Friday: First Friday Bingo with free coffee and brownies. Bingo cards are 50 cents each.
July 10, 17, and 24, 1 p.m.: Cool off with action/thriller movies set on the Fourth of July, served with free popcorn and pink lemonade. “Live Free or Die Hard” on the 10th; “Jaws” on the 17th; and “Independence Day” on the 24th.
July 16, Thursday, 1–2 p.m.: Patriotic Sing-Along.
July 22, Wednesday, 1 p.m. (pre-registration required): Semiquincentennial Buzzer Trivia with refreshments. Test your knowledge of America and Chicago head-to-head with other seniors. Multiple rounds with six contestants each; top three scorers win prizes.
July 28, Tuesday, 10 a.m.: Happy 250th America! Pictionary. Play Pictionary with Fourth of July themes.
July 31, Friday, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. (advance ticket purchase required, $15): Happy Birthday America Bingo Party. Fun, friends, and bingo with gift card prizes.
In addition to these 250th Birthday activities, the Center will also host:
July 6, Monday, 10:30 a.m.: July Senior Book Club. This month’s selection: “The Love of My Life” by Rosie Walsh.
July 7–8, Tuesday–Wednesday, 12:30–4:30 p.m. (pre-registration and fee required): AARP Safe Driver Course. Seniors can take this course and may save money on insurance. Fee: $20 for AARP members, $25 for non-members (due the first day by check or money order). This is a two-day course; attendance both days is required.
July 8, Wednesday, 10 a.m.: Finance 101 Workshop presented by the Illinois Comptroller’s Office. Learn how to manage your personal finances.
July 16, Thursday, 10 a.m.: Social Security Through Life’s Journey presented by the Social Security Administration.
AROUND THE COMMUNITY
Garfield Ridge Farmer’s Market
The Garfield Ridge Farmer’s Market is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Archer and Narragansett. Fresh goods, local vendors, marketplace merchandise, and a new Saturday morning tradition brought to you by the Midway Chamber of Commerce.
Midway Retail Market Portable Sheds
The Midway Chamber of Commerce is now accepting applications for the Midway Retail Market Portable Sheds, a new small business incubator located at Archer and Narragansett. This program helps local entrepreneurs test business ideas, build a customer base, and grow into a permanent storefront within the Midway community. Applications are open for artisan and handmade goods, apparel and retail brands, pre-packaged food vendors, and unique small business concepts.
Veterans/Military Pole Banners
The Midway Chamber of Commerce is giving residents the chance to honor active military, ROTC members, or veterans with a personalized photo pole banner. Banners will be displayed on Archer Avenue or 63rd Street. Deadline to order: Sept. 30. Price: $160 per banner. The Chamber aims to have them installed before Veterans Day and keep them up for the remainder of the year. Required banner information: name, branch of service, and photo. After placing your order, email the photo to midwaychamber@gmail.com with your invoice number and contact information. Residents who want their banner from last year rehung must pay the associated fee and bring their banner to Midway Storage.
Clearing Night Force
The Clearing Night Force invites all Beat 812–Clearing residents to their monthly meeting at 5:30 p.m. at Clearing Library, 6425 W. 63rd Place. Learn how to get involved in the community through patrolling, reporting city services, and keeping Clearing safe and clean. Afterward, stay for the CAPS Beat 812 meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 8. This is a great opportunity for Beat 812–Clearing residents to hear what’s happening in their community and share concerns with police officers and community leaders.
Spike City Showdown at Vittum
Spike City Showdown at Vittum is Thursday, July 9, from 5–7 p.m. at 5010 W. 50th St. Teams will battle in a 3-vs.-3 volleyball tournament. Players and spectators can enjoy exciting matchups, music, and a high-energy atmosphere. Registration is open.
VolleyPalooza at Vittum
VolleyPalooza at Vittum is Friday, July 10, from 5–7 p.m. Teens and families will team up for a fun-filled volleyball competition focused on teamwork, friendly rivalry, and community connection. Registration is open.
Toss for a Cause: Bags for Wags
Toss for a Cause at Bags for Wags with Midway Mutts is Saturday, July 11, from 12–4 p.m. at Twisted Shamrock Pub. Gather your favorite teammate and join for an afternoon of friendly competition, great prizes, and lifesaving impact for dogs in need. Every registration helps provide medical care, food, and second chances for rescue dogs.
Midway Marketplace Christmas in July Pop-Up
Beat the heat and celebrate the holidays early at the Midway Marketplace Christmas in July Pop-Up on Sunday, July 19, from 12–4 p.m. Join the Midway Chamber of Commerce for an afternoon of festive shopping, local vendors, holiday-inspired gifts, sweet treats, seasonal décor, and family-friendly fun at the Retail Sheds. Shop local, support small businesses, and get a head start on holiday cheer — summer style.
Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch and CAPS Beat 811
Join the Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch and CAPS Beat 811 officers for their combined meeting Tuesday, July 21, from 7–8 p.m. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. at St. Faustina Ward Hall, 5151 S. McVicker Ave. (at 52nd Street and South McVicker Avenue). Hear from your Beat 811 police officer, aldermanic representatives, Midway Chamber of Commerce, and the Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch on neighborhood issues. All meetings are livestreamed on Facebook and Instagram.
CLEARING LIBRARY
Summer Story Time
Summer Story Time is Thursday, July 9, from 11–11:30 a.m. and 12–12:30 p.m. Join for story time for our youngest patrons. We share songs, rhymes, and books, plus suggestions for at-home activities.
Teen and Tween Sip and Paint
Teen and Tween Sip and Paint is Tuesday, July 7, at 4 p.m. Relax after school with refreshing juice and snacks while painting. Use our art supplies (canvas included) to make your own masterpiece. All materials provided, while supplies last.
Lamination Station
Lamination Station is Thursday, July 9, from 12–4 p.m. on the second Thursday of the month. Use our laminator and provided lamination sheets to preserve documents. Limit: 5 sheets per person.
A Minecraft Movie
A Minecraft Movie will be screened Thursday, July 9, from 2–4 p.m. A mysterious portal pulls four misfits into the Overworld, a bizarre, cubic wonderland. To get back home, they’ll master the terrain while embarking on a magical quest with an unexpected crafter named Steve.
Seed Library
Seeds are available Saturday, July 11, from 12–5 p.m. If you’re interested in growing your own vegetables, herbs, or flowers, we have seeds available for patrons to take home. Choose from vegetable seeds, herbs, flowers, and native plants. Limit: 5 packets per household, while supplies last.