I hope everyone had a safe and happy Fourth of July. I spent the day at a family picnic just outside Chicago. It was peaceful and fun. The peace ended when I arrived back home. Our neighborhood sounded like World War III. Or maybe it was supposed to sound like the Revolutionary War when our forefathers fought for our freedom.
The fireworks and explosions went on all night and into the morning. I heard the last of it around 5 or 6 a.m. I’m lucky to be a sound sleeper. Hubby wears hearing aids and once he removes them, he can barely hear anything. This hearing challenge has come in handy for him. He has said more than once that he didn’t hear me when I’ve asked him to take the garbage on his way out.
Anyhoo, we were able to deal with the explosions, but I felt really sorry for all the dogs and cats that were traumatized by the fireworks. My neighbors had to spend most of the evening in the basement with their dog where outside sound is a bit muffled. Birds are also traumatized by the fireworks especially this time of year when they do their nest building.
Such a shame that some people think nothing of assaulting animals in this way. I wish there was a law or something. Oh wait! There is a law. It is just not enforced by the Chicago powers that be.
I attended a wonderful, professional fireworks display with synchronized, colorful lights and music. It was spectacular, joyful, and fun. Many of these free celebrations took place all around Chicago and suburbs.
Why do people waste their money, spending hundreds of dollars on low-quality fireworks that are mostly just noise and smoke, risking serious injuries and damage to property when they can see some really great fireworks displays?
Things to do
The celebration of our country’s 250th birthday continues in a more positive way with a Senior Happy 250 Party on Friday, July 31, at the Satellite Senior Center at 5674 B South Archer. Seniors can enjoy a bingo party starting at 9 a.m. with a morning snack, bingo, raffles, games, and lunch. Tickets are $15 per person and must be purchased by July 24. Call 312-745-4255 or visit the Center asap!
A Summer Solstice Danza Celebration is planned for Saturday, July 11, at West Lawn Park at 4233 W. 65th St.. All are welcome to join this traditional Aztec celebration by dancing to music which honors the Earth and natural elements. The dancing is called Mitote and is fun for all ages. The program starts at 10 a.m. and goes to 1 p.m. Call 773-284-2803 for more information.
The Polish American Culture Club invites all to their Annual Scholarship Dinner Dance on Sunday, August 2. A family style Polish dinner will be served. There will be music, dancing, raffles, and a cash bar. Wonderful food and fun all for a good cause. Tickets are $45 for adults and $15 for kids. RSVP by July 24 at the latest. Call Patti at 312-403-0448 or send an email to pleninger@yahoo.com
Archer Park will be showing the movie “Lilo and Stitch” outside at 4901 S. Kilbourn on Monday, July 13. The movie starts at 8:45 p.m. and ends at 10:30 p.m. The whole family will enjoy this all ages show. Bring some chairs or a picnic blanket and your favorite snacks if you like.
All the parishioners at St. Mary Star of the Sea Church would like to wish a very happy birthday to Father Roger. Dawn Ferrarini said “he’s the true shepherd at St. Mary’s. Always there for us and helping us to remember what this life on earth is all about. Have an amazing day. God bless you always!”
St. Daniel the Prophet School and Church said farewell to their devoted pastor Father Rafal Stecz after six years of service. He celebrated his last Sunday Mass on June 28. Parishioners wish Father Stecz the very best as he begins the next chapter of his life.
Father Stecz was given a City Council Resolution Certificate honoring his service to the church and neighborhood. The certificate was presented by 23rd Ward Alderman Silvana Tabares.
Clearing neighborhood resident and artist Anne Nordhaus-Bike invites all to celebrate the summer by visiting the ARC Gallery in St. Charles, IL. Jurors chose Anne’s latest painting “Perfect Peaches” to be included in their Taste of Summer exhibition. The opening reception is Thursday, July 16. I saw a photo of Anne’s painting and I must say it is absolutely charming. The peaches really celebrate summer. Congratulations to Anne!
The Calvary Senior Club would like to send happy birthday wishes to Katie Goberling, Vicki Halinsky, and Mary Schurman. May our Lord who gives us life and sustains us, bless each of these precious and lovely ladies with good health and happiness.
West Lawn correspondent Peggy Zabicki can be reached at 773-504-9327.