Rain or shine. Summer is here. The warmth of the sun feels wonderful. Summer means picnics, shorts, sandals, sitting outside sipping lemonade, enjoying watermelon, homegrown tomatoes, and neighborhood block parties.
Savor summer. The great writer Ray Bradbury said in his book “Dandelion Wine”: “Hold summer in your hand, pour summer in a glass.”
Enjoy some outdoor family fun at Hurley Elementary School, 3849 W. 69th Place. The Friends of Hurley Club is hosting a Car and Vendor Show on Saturday, July 18, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. You will see some amazing cars. There will be music, food, and lots of local vendors selling homemade crafts and much more.
Here are some summer fun activities for youngsters.
Teens can gather and enjoy a night of laser tag on Friday, Aug. 7, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Archer Park, 4901 S. Kilbourn. Call 773-284-7029 to register. This activity will likely fill up fast.
Clearing Branch Library, 6423 W. 63rd Place, is hosting a Retro Video Game Expo on Friday, July 31, to Sunday, Aug. 2. Visitors can play on old video game machines from the 1970s to the 2000s and see vintage consoles like Atari and Nintendo Switch. The expo will also have a virtual pinball machine. Call 312-747-5657 for hours.
Here is some important news. St. Turibius Church, 5646 S. Karlov, will be celebrating its 100th anniversary next year in November 2027. Parishioners are planning ahead and currently looking for new and old photos and documents. Volunteers are being sought to help with this historical celebration. Call the parish secretary at 773-581-2730, ext. 110.
Did you know that Turibius is the patron saint of the Latin American episcopate as proclaimed by Pope John Paul II in 1983? St. Turibius was beatified by Pope Innocent XI in 1679 and canonized by Pope Benedict XIII on Dec. 10, 1726.
Before I forget: Last week I shared information about free produce distribution at the Greater Lawn Clinic, located at 55th and Keeler. I hope no one went there. I have since found out that the fruits and vegetables are only for clinic clients. I thought this was a neighborhood service for everyone. Sorry about that.
If you find yourself in need of extra food, visit the Stuffed Love Refrigerator, located in the parking lot at 5522 S. Pulaski. Take what you need, give what you can.
Looking for a great cup of coffee? Look no further than longtime neighborhood bakery Weber’s, 7055 W. Archer. They now sell fresh, hot drip coffee. Imagine a cup of coffee and one of Weber’s delightful pastries — a match made in heaven. Weber’s is open Tuesday through Saturday from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 5:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 773-586-1234 for more information.
Finally: I was as surprised as anyone to learn that 13th Ward Alderman Marty Quinn is not seeking re-election. Quinn has always been there for his ward and surrounding neighborhoods. His door was always open to residents.
I appreciate Quinn’s regular electronic recycling program and paper shredding events. These services were well run and convenient.
Marty hosted regular senior citizen meetings and celebrations. He was also focused on the educational needs of young residents, securing funds for school repairs, improvements, renovations, and new schools to serve the growing population of families. I remember when Marty delivered on a promise to improve the playground at Hurley Elementary School.
Alderman Quinn listened to the concerns of dog owners and added two dog parks.
Quinn worked for years to secure a much-needed new 8th District Police Station because the 8th District is the largest and busiest in the city and needs to be divided.
I used to live in the 13th Ward. Then came redistricting by the powers that be. I still live in the same house but I am now in the 23rd Ward. I miss being in Marty’s ward, but I must say, 23rd Ward Alderman Silvana Tabares is a terrific alderman. She knocked on every door in her ward when she was first elected. Silvana is a lifelong resident of the south side and knows the neighborhood well.
Tabares is a volunteer with our neighborhood food pantry, active at the Garfield Ridge Senior Center, and co-chair of the Chicago and Cook County Violence Against Women Task Force. She has two offices to make it convenient for all 23rd Ward residents. Call 773-582-4444.
I wish Marty Quinn the very best as he starts a new chapter in his life. In my opinion, he has served our community well and has been a true voice of the people at City Hall meetings. I hope the next 13th Ward alderman is as focused on all residents as Marty Quinn has been. Thank you, Marty!
West Lawn correspondent Peggy Zabicki can be reached at 773-504-9327.