Porch perch good spot to see pooch parade

By Mary Stanek

Your correspondent in Archer Heights and West Elsdon

3808 W. 57th Place • (773) 284-7394

Labor Day is a federal holiday in the United States to honor the American labor movement and laborers’ works toward the achievements of the United States.

I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable weekend. We all know what the weekend’s second meaning is: the end of summer. My family is enjoying these last few summer evenings on the porch as we watch the parade of dogs go by.

Every evening about 5 p.m. it starts. Sparky, the husky, along with Nancy, usually start off the show. Soon to follow is Buddy the Setter, walking with Mrs. Corona. Along comes the beautiful beagle, Miley, with her family. Gracing us next is Dhamma, the pretty pittie with her family.

Then there is the young couple with the shepherd, and our neighbor two doors down with their shepherd. The terriers from the middle of the 3700 block usually visit, as well.

Recently there have been some new critters in the mix. Welcome to Fit, the little white dog, and his dad. Little does Fit know, he lives in the home that Jenny McCarthy grew up in.

Welcome to Cheese with Annie and Tom. Cheese is the grand dog of our previous mailman, Gabriel. Gabriel’s daughter recently moved into the neighborhood. When he strolls by, I always sing, “The Cheese stands alone”!

Every one of the dogs and their owners always wave good evening or stop to chat. As the sun wanes on our evening hours and the dogs are once again relinquished to short walks or the back yard, I sure will miss these evenings.

Strohacker Park is offering play school classes. Register at chicagoparkdistrict.com or in person at the park, 4347 W. 54^th St. Starting Sept. 12 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, classes will be held from 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. for children ages 3 to 5. If registering online you will need the activity code 420957.

Moms, Pops and Tots is offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. for tots up to 36 months. The activity code is 420791. There is also “Music and Movement” on Thursdays, activity code 420808 and “Storytime & Craft” on Tuesdays, activity code 437962

If you have questions, call (312) 747 6723.

Happy Birthday to fellow Lourdes alumna Linda Lopez Vainer. I had the pleasure of attending a party with her just this past week.

Here is a friendly reminder for you bingo buffs. Bingo is still played at St. Bruno Hall, 4839 S. Harding, every Friday. The doors open at 4:30 p.m., and the games begin at 6:45.

I attended my fair share of neighborhood parties this summer, so now it is my turn. This weekend, I have invited my neighbors over. I expect about 15 or so. I’ve hired a disc jockey and catered food. Will let you know how it went next week.

Well, I’m off to the Peck Panther Patch to do some planting. We have another shipment of donated plants. Not sure what they are. We shall see next year how they take. Thank goodness there are still no yellow jackets to be found at the garden. Stop by and take a rest on the benches.