Let the solstice sun shine in

By Mary Stanek

Happy Father’s Day to all the men in the community. A father figure is not necessarily a biological dad. There are dads, uncles, big brothers, etc. who can play an important role in someone’s life.

Also, happy first day of summer, or the summer solstice happening on June 20 at 11:32 p.m. The summer solstice is the longest day of the year for us folks in the northern hemisphere. The sun is at its highest and most northern point in the sky.

Congratulations to all of our 2021 graduates. I especially enjoyed reading the St. Richard Parish bulletin from June 6. Each graduating student shared their favorite memories and also their aspirations for the future. I hope their dreams come true. If so, our community will be blessed with future artists, constructions workers, dentists, electricians, firefighters, FBI agents, graphic designers, lawyers, mathematicians, nurses, special education teachers and veterinarians. Best wishes!

I always try to suggest visiting the Peck Panther Patch garden along Springfield because it is truly a lovely spot to sit in the morning shade and enjoy the birds.

But there is another garden, The Learning Garden, that is just as amazing. Thanks to Ms. Scampini and Mrs. Corona, and especially the students, a lovely vegetable garden has been planted alongside the module buildings at Peck School. There are a variety of tomatoes, onions, peppers and kale. The garden even has an irrigation system. It’s labeled The Learning Garden because the students are able to learn hands on about all garden activities.

“Night out in the Parks” is a Chicago Park District event that brings neighbors together. Our local parks will be hosting some of these events. Mark your calendars now because time sure flies by considering we are in mid-June already. Be sure to check the Be Safe Chicago Guidelines for Parks and Recreation Activities in the future, but as of now it is stating that participants will be required to wear a mask.

Pasteur Park will host a “Movies in the Park” on July 8 starting at 8:30 p.m. The feature will be Trolls World Tour. Bring lawn chairs, some pop and popcorn and have a good evening.

On July 16 Pasteur Park will also host a “Dance in the Parks” from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. You will be able to view professional dance artists performing in your park. Bring a blanket and enjoy.

Strohacker Park will also have a “Dance in the Parks” night out on Friday, Aug. 20 from 5 to 6 p.m. The event will showcase Nahui Ollin-Aztec Dance. You can experience ancient pre-Colombian traditions of Central Mexico through Aztec and Mayan music dance and storytelling.

The” Night out in the Parks” events are free and open to all ages.