Chicago Public Schools will be back in session on August 24. We are now shopping for school supplies, which can be expensive. Here’s some good news. There will be a Back 2 School event on Sunday, August 16, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Community Innovation Center, 5938 S. Pulaski. There will be free school supplies, family activities, food, and haircuts. Free admission.
Marquette Bank at 6155 S. Pulaski is collecting school supplies for neighborhood schools. Here’s a list of donation suggestions: backpacks, notebooks, crayons, pencils, highlighters, markers, flash cards, scissors, glue sticks, and disinfectant wipes. Bring your donations to the bank lobby. Hurry because the school supply drive ends on August 15. Thank you to all who donate to this good cause.
Cipriani’s Pizza at 5840 W. 63rd Street is having a back-to-school supper special. For only $25 you get one extra-large pizza, one large salad, one appetizer, and one 2-liter soda pop. Call ahead to place your order at 773-582-3747. In my opinion, you can’t beat their stuffed pizza.
Everyone at St. Daniel the Prophet School at 5337 S. Natoma would like to extend a warm welcome to Fr. Pawel Komperda as their new school administrator. May the coming year bring opportunities for teamwork and leadership to Fr. Pawel and great scholastic achievements for the students. Call 773-586-1225 for more information.
Did you know that St. Daniel the Prophet School was founded in 1949? It serves students from preschool through 8th grade.
Here’s a fun opportunity to learn more about astronomy. On Wednesday, August 19, Joe Guzman, the Chicago Astronomer, will share his knowledge about space. Explore the wonders of the night sky. Joe will guide us as we view planets, stars, and deep space objects using telescopes. This cosmic event will take place at West Lawn Park at 4233 W. 65th Street from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Call for more information at 773-284-2803.
Vittum Park, 5010 W. 50th Street, will host the exciting and talented group CircEsteem on Thursday, August 20. CircEsteem is an aerial and ground circus performance team with trapeze, juggling, tumbling, and even a hands-on introduction to the circus. The show starts at 6 p.m.
It’s time to register for the Fall Program at Strohacker Park located at 4347 W. 54th Street. The fall session starts on September 8 and goes until December 13. The park offers mom, pop, and tot programs, a play school called Mighty Munchkins for 3- to 5-year-olds, which includes music and movement, and lots of activities for kids ages 6 to 12 like outdoor soccer, tumbling, chess and games, arts and crafts, and a Lego club. There are even crochet classes for youth and adults. Register in person ASAP. The activities and classes fill up fast. Call 312-747-6723.
Midway Baseball Softball Association will have their fall registration on Saturday, August 15, from 10 a.m. to noon. Go to the concession stand at the Madigan Park baseball field at 6707 S. Keating to register in person. The association has teams for all ages and skill levels. This is a great opportunity for the kids in our neighborhood. My youngest son played on one of their teams many years ago. They emphasize teamwork, fun, learning baseball skills, and striving to do your best. Plus, the baseball field is really beautiful with plenty of room for fans to sit and root for their favorite team.
The 8th District CAPS meeting for Beats 23 and 25 will take place at the Police Station at 3426 W. 63rd Street on Wednesday, August 19. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. I live in Beat 23. I hope to attend. Maybe I’ll see you there!
Here’s something different. Artist James Jankowiak has painted a mural called “Chicago Spring Breaks” along the windows inside the Midway CTA/Airport pedestrian bridge at 59th and Cicero. Jankowiak and 19 Chicago high school students painted birds in flight, the Chicago skyline, and Chicago sport team logos.
Department of Cultural Affairs Commissioner Kenya K. Merritt said the mural “reflects the vibrant spirit of Chicago and power of public art and placemaking”. The colorful art installation can be enjoyed by commuters and travelers coming and going.
West Lawn correspondent Peggy Zabicki can be reached at 773-504-9327.