Central Park looking brighter than ever

By Mary Stanek

Your correspondent in Archer Heights and West Elsdon

3808 W. 57th Place •  (773) 284-7394

Murals make neighborhoods beautiful, adding color and art to plain walls. So, I took a dog walk towards Central Park to visit the status of the murals on both 58^th and 59^th Streets. Robert Valadez and his helpers are doing a great job on 58^th Street.

I wanted to meet James Jankowiak, the artist leading the group on 59^th Street, but I didn’t see him. But there was a group of helpers also doing a great job. Both of those viaducts are going to be so much more improved.

Mary Stanek

A paper-shredding event will be held from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 1. It is within walking distance from me! The event will be held at the parking lot of Peck Elementary School, 3826 W. 58^th St.

In addition to paper shredding a medicine take-back and small electronics recycling will be held. For the medicine take-back, pills in bottles will be accepted, but please no liquids or sharp items. For the electronics recycling, things like cellphones, cables, holiday lights or printers will be accepted.

While you are there, step on over to the Peck Panther Patch on Springfield for a rest. A lot of our blooms are fading with fall but the birds are still there and it is a tranquil place. If I remember the morning of, I will pop over to feed the birds so they can be around in the garden.

I always find something to write about my 23^rd Ward. But here is great news from 13^th Ward Ald. Marty Quinn: there will be work starting soon on two new dog parks located at Wentworth and West Lawn Parks.

The alderman has long stated he believes that strong schools and parks make for safe neighborhoods. So, thank you Alderman Quinn! My dog Oliver travels to the dog park at Katherine Legge Park in Burr Ridge every weekend. He will have to try the neighborhood spots as soon as available. He has girlfriends at the park he visits now; but being the player he is, he can always find new gals.

I was in the north woods for last week’s paper, so I am sorry I missed you all. I also missed quite a few birthdays that bear mentioning. Happy belated birthday to Geri Biel, Mary Rose McNamee, Sandy Vrkljan and Rita Fyfe. The last three mentioned birthdays are St. Turibius alumni from my class. They recently visited St. Turibius for the St. Vincent de Paul Society food drive making donations. I just visited the food drive on the morning of Sept. 17. It was nice visiting with Sister Mary Beth and Sister Barbara. I haven’t seen them in quite some time.

Happy 42^nd Anniversary on Sept. 27 to Robert Stanek and me! Happy Belated Anniversary to my two good friends, Russ and Pat Charleston.