The March forecast: warmer with a strong chance of fun

By Joan Hadac

Your correspondent in Clearing and Garfield Ridge

(708) 496-0265 • [email protected]

Hi everyone. The day I wrote this column, it was an amazing 45 degrees outside. The sun was hot on my face as I drove in the car. Now it’s only the beginning of March, so I don’t expect the temperature to be in the 60s yet, but 40s are a good start.

Now that the temperatures are starting to warm up, what outside activities–or indoor activities for that matter–are you looking forward to? I’m thinking that walking my dog around the neighborhood is high on my priority list…for both of us.

Warmer weather means that parks in the area will be featuring outdoor activities. Registration for spring programs begins very soon at chicagoparkdistrict.com. Online registration begins at 9 a.m. Monday, March 14 for in-person programs at parks located west of California Avenue and for all virtual programs. Online registration will begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday, March 15 for in-person programs at parks located east of California Avenue and at noon March 15 for gymnastic centers.

In-person registration begins Saturday, March 19 at most parks. Most of the spring programs run between Monday, March 4 and Sunday, June 12.

• Speaking of gymnastics, Hale Park, 6258 W. 62^nd St., will host a gym showcase featuring youths who have been working hard for this seasonal event for the past 10 weeks. The gymnasts will perform their newly acquired skills from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 10 (that’s tomorrow folks) at the park.

The entrance fee is $3, with children younger than 3 entering free of charge. I urge you to come out and cheer on the local boys and girls who have been working so diligently. For more information, call, (773) 229-1032.

• The Clearing Branch Library, 6423 W. 63^rd Place, is implementing some programs with young kids, tweens and teens in mind. First up, tweens and teens are invited to drop in and make a craft from 1 to 5 p.m. through Friday, March 11. This time around they’ll be making a LED bookmark. During the same time period Monday, March 14 though Friday, March 18 they can stop in and make a one-of-a-kind fabric coaster. All supplies will be provided.

Kids age 5 and younger can stop by the library with their parents or guardians at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 16 to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by listening to St. Patrick’s Day stories. It promises to be a fun evening.

For more information, call the Clearing Branch at (312) 747-5657. Thanks to Rob Bitunjac, branch manager, for letting me know about these events.

• The Garfield Ridge Branch Library hasn’t forgotten the kiddies either. They are offering programs for the young ones such as Stories and Songs at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 9, 16, 23 and 30. Youngsters 2 to 5 years old will join librarians for stories, rhymes, songs and play. If the kids come early, they can even build a puzzle or maybe make a new friend.

Another program, Stay and Play, will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 12 and 26. It’s just like the title of the program suggests, kids 3 and older will build, create and play with the library’s early learning toys and activities. At 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 15 children 3 to 6 years old can wear their favorite pajamas, grab their favorite stuffed animal and head over to the library to enjoy a short story time and get a craft to go.

For more information, call (312) 747-6094. Thanks to Patti Tyznik, children’s library associate, for sending me the information.

• St. Patrick’s Day is coming early to Blessed Martyrs of Chimbote Parish (formerly St. Joseph and St. Blase Parish). The St. Joseph Holy Name Society is hosting a corned beef and cabbage dinner, a longtime tradition at St. Joseph, from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, March 12 in St. Joseph Centennial Hall, 5641 S. 73^rd Ave., Summit.

Parishioner Tom Koran is once again cooking in the kitchen. Tickets are $25 at the door or $20 in advance by calling the parish office at (708) 458-0007. The office is open Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Please leave a message with your request if you are calling during off hours.

I’ve been to previous corned beef and cabbage dinners and the food is astounding. Give yourself a treat, celebrate with a traditional meal and get acquainted or reacquainted with fellow parishioners.

• Do you love a good fish fry? Then head over to Café 63, 6411 W. 63^rd St., from 5 to 8 p.m. Fridays during Lent, March 11, 18 and 25 and April 1, 8 and 15 for some of the tastiest fish dinners you’ll ever eat.

There will be a special weekly fish-fry menu from Chef Dale and crew. To stay up-to-date on each Friday’s offerings, visit cafe63chicago.net or follow Café 63 on Facebook.

For more information, call (872) 267-5101.

• The Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 15 at Ward Hall, 5157 S. McVicker. This event will also double as the March meeting of CAPS Beat 811. If you want to stand with your neighbors and police to fight crime and create a safer neighborhood, this is the meeting to attend.
• The Garfield Ridge Civic League will meet at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 16 at Crossroads Community Church, 5433 S. Austin. The featured speaker will talk about how homeowners may take advantage of a free energy assessment that may result in utility bill savings. Plenty of off-street parking, as well as free refreshments. If you attend, please enter via the east end of the building.

Well there you have it. I hope you experience a wonderful week, and I’ll see you next time.