For the past two weeks, we have been talking about the torrential rains that fell here 50 years ago and comparing them to all the rain we have experienced this year. Who would have thought we would still be talking about rain for a third week?
I sure hope none of you were caught up in any of the storms over the holiday weekend. We spent July 3rd at my niece’s house in Lockport. The whole time we were there, we were lucky — only a few sprinkles came down, but coming and going was quite a different story. Sixty-Sixth Street was flooded, 64th was flooded. A tree came down across Marquette, blocking the road just west of us. Another came down in the 6500 block of Francisco, blocking the road going north. These storms are really something lately, aren’t they? Let’s hope we are done with the bad ones for the season.
Things to do
Thursday, July 9, is the first of three 15th Ward Neighborhood Pop-Ups. This one will take place on the corner of 61st and Sacramento. Talk to Ward reps about city services the office can help with — like potholes, abandoned cars, black or blue sanitation carts and more.
This Saturday, July 11, St. Rita of Cascia Parish hosts “A Family Experience of Faith, Fun and Encounter” from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. This event centers on the story of Cain and Abel and is for kids, teens, young adults and adults. It will be held at the St. Clare Campus, 5443 S. Washtenaw Ave. For more information and to sign up, call the parish office at (312) 434-9600.
On Saturday, July 11, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., join an “Early Morning Birding Paddle at Marquette.” This will be a peaceful, guided canoe outing on the Marquette Park Lagoon designed for bird enthusiasts. Registration is required for this event at www.chicagoparkdistrict.com with a fee of $5.
Also on Saturday, July 11, join a “Bird Walk Around the Lagoon” from noon to 2 p.m. Spend the afternoon outdoors with fellow bird watchers while exploring the beautiful Marquette Park Lagoon. Meet at the pier behind the field house. The route is just shy of 3 miles. Field guides and binoculars will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Pre-registration is not required for this event.
Then, next Saturday, July 18, is Family Fishing at Marquette from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This event is primarily for families with children ages 8 and up. Each session includes instruction, equipment and bait. Participants must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is not required. Instructors, limited equipment and bait are provided.
The Gage Park Library, 2807 W. 55th St., transforms into a Pop-Up (Temporary) Tattoo Shop for kids on Friday, July 10, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Book an appointment and select your new temporary tattoo from a set of flash designs. Call the library at (312) 747-0032 for more information.
At the Chicago Lawn Library, 6120 S. Kedzie Ave., Monday, July 13, is the Walk and Listen Book Club for teens ages 10 to 19 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Take a short walk with the group, exploring the neighborhood while listening to YA audiobooks. Then it’s back to the branch for a light snack and discussion.
And the Loop Troop Crochet Club for ages 10 to 13 meets at Chicago Lawn on Thursday, July 16, from 4 to 6 p.m. Join in to learn the basics of crocheting. Materials will be provided for new students.
At the Ashburn Wrightwood Library, 8530 S. Kedzie Ave., Wednesday, July 15, is Paint and Sip from 4 to 6 p.m. This event is geared toward families. Choose an image on a canvas board and paint while sipping juice. Images will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis for registered participants. To register, go to www.chipublib.org.
Then, on Thursday, July 18, teens and tweens ages 10 to 18 can take part in Water Gun Art at Ashburn from 2 to 3:30 p.m. It’s an afternoon of crafting using washable, non-toxic paint and water guns to create colorful spray artwork. Snacks and supplies will be provided.
A reminder that the July CAPS meeting for Beats 831/832 will be held on Tuesday, July 14, in the Marquette Park Fieldhouse, 67th and Kedzie, beginning at 7 p.m.
Coming up in two weeks is the 2026 Hubbard High School All Class Reunion Weekend. On Friday, July 31, the Meet and Greet takes place at Burr Oak Bowl in Blue Island with bowling from 7 to 9 p.m. and the afterparty from 9 p.m. to midnight. A $40 ticket includes bowling, shoe rental, food and the afterparty. A $20 ticket includes food. Payments accepted via Zelle: knsevents1021@gmail.com. Then, on Saturday, Aug. 1, it’s the All Class Picnic at Hayes Park, 2936 W. 85th St., from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., with an afterparty at Q’s Lounge, 8406 S. Kedzie Ave., beginning at 7 p.m.
Remembering 1976
Now back to 1976. When we left last week, Boy Scouts from all over the district were getting ready for the 10th Annual Iroquois Pow Wow at Marquette Park. In all, 2,500 scouts gathered with their leaders for the weekend events, and for the first time, a few other groups joined in for some of the activities.
The public was invited to participate in the flag-raising ceremonies on Saturday and tour the grounds to check out the craft displays and skill contests. In 1976, for the first time, the Iroquois District invited the public to attend Sunday morning worship services at the park.
Gary R., who was a scout himself and at the Pow Wow in 1976, remembered girls being invited to take part in some of the activities, and he thought this might have been the year that started. And he is certainly right. In the news story I read, both Girl Scouts and Camp Fire girls joined in some of the festivities.
Fifty years ago this summer, Phil’s Pizza moved to its new location at 3732 W. 59th St. Several folks from Gage Park have mentioned how much they liked pizza from Phil’s. Does anybody remember where their original location was?
Chicago Lawn and Marquette Manor correspondent Kathy Headley can be reached at 773-776-7778.