The annual Patriots Day Parade was held on June 25, and it was one of the best. It started with a pre-parade party at Valtas Insurance Agency, located at 6108 S. Archer Ave., which was celebrating 25 years of service.
They provided free tacos, hot dogs, soda, popcorn and bubbles. There was a DJ, dance contests and various characters from Toy Story. The parade featured local families and politicians, including Alderman Silvana Tabares, Susana Mendoza, the Garfield Ridge Watch Group, Joseph Coler and Geno Randazzo, the grand marshal. Many people marched proudly in the parade, passing out candy, wristbands and more.
Hope Church Midway lent a hand for the event, led by Pastor JJ and his wife, Jennifer. Thank you to everyone who made the parade so much fun for the neighborhood.
On Sunday, June 28, Two Holy Martyrs Church, also known as St. Sym, bid farewell to their pastor, Father Bob, who is being reassigned to another church. He was a spiritual leader to many and will be missed by his congregation. There were tears and memories shared. Father Bob left the congregation with this quote from Dr. Seuss: “Don’t be sad it’s over, be happy it happened,” and reminded parishioners that when you die, the only thing you take with you is what you gave away.
St. Daniel the Prophet Parish also bid farewell to their pastor, Father Rafal, after six years of service. According to the church bulletin: “By the grace of God, Pastor Rafal Stecz has served us well. This is a time to look back and a time to look forward; a time for joy and a time for sadness. It is time to give thanks and praise to almighty God for what Pastor Rafal has given us in our lives together.” Father Rafal will be missed by the parishioners at St. Daniel the Prophet. Best of luck to both pastors on their new journeys.
On Saturday, June 27, over 900 participants took part in the annual Garfield Ridge Stars and Stripes 5K honoring fallen firefighter Andrew “Drew” Price. Thank you to all who volunteered and to the Ortega family for organizing this event annually. The race was sponsored by the Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch; the Chicago Park District; Alderman Marty Quinn; Alderman Silvana Tabares; State Rep. Angie Guerrero-Cuellar; and State Senator Mike Porfirio.
Garfield Ridge Library News (Located on Archer and Mulligan)
The library has registered over 320 children for its summer reading program. Activities have included crafts, story times, the K9 Patrol, reptiles, music, Legos, Andy’s ice cream coupons, tween and teen programs and adult events. Children are receiving T-shirts and have a chance to win a grand prize. Young volunteers are helping run the program. Congratulations to Linda Morrell on winning the Fourth of July basket, generously donated by patron Theresa.
Watercolor Postcards: Sunday, August 2 at 2 p.m. Patrons will design and paint a watercolor postcard inspired by Chicago.
Babbling Babies: Thursdays, July 16 and 23 at 10:30 a.m. for babies up to 12 months. Join us for baby story time. Listen to short stories, learn bouncing songs and fingerplays. Register your child.
Ice Cream Finale: Saturday, August 1 at 11 a.m. Ice cream donated by Andy’s Ice Cream. Children who participated in the Summer Reading Program can drop by for ice cream and raffles.
Family Bingo: Monday, August 10 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., while prizes last. Summer reading ends August 2, but prizes remain. For families with children ages 4 and up.
Family Game Time: Wednesday, August 12 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Play UNO, chess, checkers, Candyland, Connect Four, Sorry and Don’t Break the Ice. Ages 4 and up.
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 performs classic children’s songs and original music. The interactive musical show includes sing-alongs, dancing, puppets and more. For ages 2 to 6.
Czech Chicago: Saturday, July 25 at 11 a.m. Speaker and local expert Dr. Dominic Pacyga will discuss the Czech community in Chicago. The Czech community was once one of Chicago’s most important ethnic communities. It began near Lincoln Park, then moved to the South Loop, Near West Side, 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 important institutions including Pilsen Park, once called Czech California and now known as Little Village.
Medicare 101: Saturday, July 18 at 10:30 a.m. Learn about Medicare parts A, B, C and D. When should you enroll? If you are working, do you need to enroll in Part B? Are all supplemental plans the same? Find unbiased answers to these and other questions. Presented by MA3 Healthcare Solutions. For more information, call 708-484-9545.
Leaf Impression Painting: Tuesday, July 18 at 4 p.m. Create leaf impressions with ink and paint. Apply leaf print to card stock or tiny canvas tote bags. Leaves will be provided, but feel free to bring your own. For ages 10 to 19.
Retro Video Game Expo: Friday, July 31 and Saturday, August 1 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Play on old video game machines from the 1970s-2000s. Check out home video game consoles from Atari to the Nintendo Switch. Play pinball on a virtual pinball machine. All ages.
Community Events
Crossroads of Faith Church, located at 5433 S. Austin, is hosting Vacation Bible School, “Tropical Trek,” July 13-19 (4 p.m.-7 p.m.) for children in kindergarten and up. Registration is open every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call 773-767-9066 for more information.
Our Lady of Snows “Leopard Learners” is a kindergarten and first-grade readiness bootcamp for children ages 5 and 6. Classes meet Wednesdays, July 29; August 5 and 12 from 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. Cost is $5 per session. Located at 4810 S. Leamington, children will participate in educational readiness games in reading and math.
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. Free backpacks with school supplies will be distributed while supplies last. Child must be present to receive a backpack. The backpacks have been donated by community partners and sponsors. Other activities are scheduled for that day.
The Garfield Ridge Senior Center, located at 5674-B South Archer Ave. (Archer and Laramie), has several events in July.
Semiquincentennial Buzzer Trivia: Wednesday, July 22 at 1 p.m. Test your knowledge of America and Chicago head-to-head with other seniors. Six contestants per round; top three scorers win prizes. Refreshments provided. Register in advance.
Happy 250th America! Pictionary: Tuesday, July 28 at 10 a.m. Play Pictionary with Fourth of July celebrations as the subject.
Happy Birthday, America BINGO Party: Friday, July 31 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Gift card prizes. Advanced tickets required; $15. Call 312-745-4255 or visit the center. Ask for Julie.
Until next time, keep being nice to one another and share a smile. Please continue submitting information to ptyznik@gmail.com.