Summer is waving goodbye

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By Mary Stanek

Your correspondent in Archer Heights and West Elsdon

3808 W. 57th Place • (773) 284-7394

As we say goodbye to summer, think of this: “A fallen leaf is nothing more than a summer’s wave goodbye,” author unknown.

One of our favorite bartenders, Daria at Guide’s on Archer, mentioned this to me. She is very impressed with the home gardens along 71^st Street from Kedzie to Pulaski. The flowers and gardens are beautiful. If around that area, take a look.

Speaking of bars along Archer, folks will be crawling on through. The Midway Chamber of Commerce’s Bar Crawl will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30. Guide’s is one of the participating bars. To register, visit Midwaychamber.org and click on Events.

I recently wrote that our pear tree, which has left its bounty every year for several neighbors, might be sick. Many leaves fell in early summer, and pears were starting to fall too soon.

We had a botanist expert from Davey tree service come and assess the situation. First, he was very impressed in seeing a 40-year-old fruit tree. Our tree has led a uniquely long life. (Maybe due to Tiddly, Muddy Paws, YOLO, Mr. T and Buddy) (all RIP) and now Oliver, fertilizing it!

Second, the tree is reacting this way probably due to the very dry spring/early summer and extremely wet late summer.

The best news is there is still much hope. In winter the tree will be trimmed, taking off five feet from the top, allowing for sunshine for the inner branches. We are also starting to fertilize it as well. There is still a crop on the tree, so hopefully in a few weeks we will be giving them out again.

On the subject of trees, the City of Chicago has been busy planting them throughout the neighborhood. My neighbor two doors down recently received one. Also, several have been planted by the Divine Word Parish at 57^th and Springfield.

There are some programs offered at Strohacker Park for the little ones during the day running this fall. Classes such as Tiny Tots, Play School and Mom, Pops and Tots are offered with reasonable prices. You can visit chicagoparkdistrict.com for more information. A post on social media also indicated that Tracy can be called at (312) 747-6723.

Sister Francine Lagocki, from St. Turibius convent, recently celebrated a very special 90^th birthday. Happy birthday, best wishes and Sto Lat! (100 years).

Happy Birthday wishes also go out to Joe Boyle on the 25^th. Joe was my first editor with this newspaper when I started in 2006. He interviewed me at the office at 6225 S. Kedzie.

To Crystal Garcia, my neighbor, happy birthday on Aug. 30. Crys, you are in our thoughts.