As happens every year, once the Fourth of July has passed, it seems like summer is coming to an end. But there’s still plenty to do in our neighborhoods, so let’s start by taking a look.
First, let’s check out the Southwest Regional Senior Center, 6117 S. Kedzie Ave. Thursday, July 16, is the Southwest Carnival and Family Reunion. There will be carnival games, music, karaoke and food. As a special treat, Phil’s Maxwell Street Polish will be at the center grilling up fresh polish and sauerkraut for guests. Festivities begin at 9:30 a.m.
Friday, July 17, is Honoring First Responders at the center. Monday, July 20, is Hands On CPR with the Chicago Fire Department at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 22, the Illinois Secretary of State Mobile DMV visits the center for driver’s licenses, state ID cards, vehicle registration and license plate stickers. The DMV will be at the center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., but appointments are required. Call (312) 747-0440.
Now let’s check out upcoming events at Marquette Park. Saturday, July 18, is Family Fishing from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This event is primarily for families with children ages 8 and up. It includes instruction, equipment and bait. Participants must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is not required.
Next Thursday, July 23, is the Sunshine & Strength 1.5-mile Walk. Wear yellow, enjoy a community walk, sign the community banner, receive a temporary tattoo and celebrate wellness, safety and connection to your neighbors. Meet outside the fieldhouse by 4 p.m. The event is free and open to all ages.
It’s almost time to register for next Saturday’s Go Run Chicago at Marquette Park. This is a community partnership between the Chicago Area Runners Association and the Chicago Park District. Go Runs aim to become a core part of neighborhood culture, encouraging organic community engagement at and long after the runs. Register in advance at www.GoRunChicago.org. This is open to those who enjoy walking, running and jogging, and begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 11 a.m.
At the Chicago Lawn Library, 6120 S. Kedzie Ave., adults are invited to “Sculpt Like Richard Hunt” on Saturday, July 18, at 2 p.m. Participants will create their own piece to take home.
Tuesday, July 21, is the Chicago Lawn Branch Adult Book Discussion Group, which meets at 6 p.m. The book to be discussed is “Anxious People” by Fredrik Backman.
For tweens and teens, Monday, July 20, is a Temporary Body Art Workshop at Chicago Lawn from 2 to 3 p.m. This hands-on workshop introduces the skills and techniques behind temporary body art, learning basic line work, shading and geometric patterns by using templates before creating a unique design. Skin-safe temporary tattoo markers and natural henna options will be provided, and light refreshments will be served.
For kids ages 3 and up (must be accompanied by an adult) at Chicago Lawn, Chicago Explorers meets on Tuesday, July 21, from 3 to 4 p.m. to make their own harmonica.
Wednesday, July 22, it’s the Circus Trunk Show and Workshop with Circesteem at Chicago Lawn from 11 a.m. to noon. It is referred to as Nature’s Magic Show and is for kids of all ages with an adult. Register ahead of time at www.chipublib.org.
At the Gage Park Library, 2807 W. 55th St., adults are invited to “An Introduction to Hand Embroidery” on Saturday, July 18, from 12 to 1:30 p.m. Learn how to embroider flowers onto a piece of your own clothing. Register ahead of time at www.chipublib.org.
At the Wrightwood-Ashburn Library, 8530 S. Kedzie Ave., kids ages 6 and up are invited to Build-A-Doggy on Wednesday, July 22, from 3 to 4 p.m. Kids will build a stuffed animal and paint a miniature doghouse. Supplies and light refreshments will be provided. Registration is required at www.chipublib.org.
St. Rita of Cascia Parish is hosting Family Bible Stories at the St. Clare of Montefalco Campus, 55th and Talman, in the Pastoral Center and the Gym. This is designed for the whole family—kids, teens, young adults and adults—and will have separate activities for each group. Next Saturday, July 25, centers on Noah’s Ark. For more information, call the parish office at (772) 434-9600.
And lastly, there are only two weeks left to enter the Chicago Bungalow Garden Contest. Entries must be in by Wednesday, July 22. For all the information, go to www.chicagobungalow.org.
One more visit to 1976
Now back to 1976. When we left last week, we were stopping by Phil’s Pizza at their new address, 3732 W. 59th St., and we were trying to remember where the original location was. Dave B. was the first to identify it—formerly at 51st and Ashland.
This will be our last week visiting 1976. Next week we will move over to 1965. But before we end, here are two more questions for you from 1976:
Do you remember where Sharko’s East was located? How about a place called Shuffle’s Lounge?
Chicago Lawn and Marquette Manor correspondent Kathy Headley can be reached at 773-776-7778.