Fire Museum opens its doors this Saturday

The next open house at the Fire Museum of Greater Chicago, 5218 S. Western, will be held on Saturday, Aug. 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The museum was started to preserve the history of the Chicago Fire Department and its neighboring communities. They will have a few other rigs from their collection out on display this time, weather permitting.

The museum is open on the fourth Saturday of every month, except for December. You will not be disappointed if you go and you will learn so much, not only about the Chicago Fire Department but about Chicago in general. Maybe we will see you there. I have posted the flier on my Gage Park Facebook and you can also check out firemuseumofgreaterchicago.org.

This is the last chance to register for CCD at St. Simon the Apostle, 52nd and California. It will be held on Aug. 28 from 9 a.m. to noon in the school lobby. The tuition for the 2016/2017 school year is $135 for one child or $160 for more than one child if you were registered for 2015/2016. If you are new to the program, it is $185 for one child and $210 for more than one child. Supporting parishioner families receive a $25 credit towards their tuition.

Please bring your child’s baptismal certificate and offering envelope (if you are a parishioner). Class size is limited. All children must attend two years of instruction before receiving the sacraments of First Holy Communion or Confirmation. For more information please call the parish office at (773) 436-1045, ext. 1.

I was out in the backyard Saturday, photographing bees and bugs on my flowers when I heard the screeching of the Monk Parakeets. You usually hear them before you see them.

There are several theories as to where they came from. One story is that they got loose at O’Hare Airport after they were brought into the country. Another legend is that some escaped from the University of Chicago in the 1960s and established colonies in Hyde Park.

I have seen them for the last few years in a tree at the end of my alley, as well as in Marquette Park and at St. Mary’s Cemetery, but I cannot get good pictures of them. They are a small, bright green, type of parrot from South America. Bird experts say if they have food and can stay out of the wind, they have no problem surviving our winters. As many as 10 pairs can live in one nest, keeping themselves nice and cozy.

Their numbers have been declining in Hyde Park since the release of Peregrine Falcons around 1999. Mayor Harold Washington lived across the street from the first colony and he thought they brought good luck. After his death, residents fought to protect the parrots when the USDA threatened to remove them. I get so excited when I hear them and especially when I see them. So the next time you hear an ear piercing squawking, look up because you might see a flock of parrots flying overhead.