Clik here to view.
There’s lots coming up in the neighborhood, so let’s get right to it.
First of all, as the weather jumps back and forth into the 90s, it’s good to remember that the Splash Pool at Marquette Park will stay open until the end of the month. The kids will sure appreciate that.
This Friday, Sept. 20, is the opening of a visual arts exhibition curated by Carlos Flores and featuring Southwest Side artists, performances, local food and community resources from 4 to 9 p.m. at Marquette Park on the south lawn of the fieldhouse. If you remember, earlier this year, we talked about the building of a temporary outdoor exhibition venue of which Carlos was the Anchor Curator-in-Residence. The structure sits between the south lawn and the lagoon and this art exhibit will be in front of it.
On Saturday, Sept. 21, the Kids Chess Club meets at the Chicago Lawn Library, 6120 S. Kedzie Avenue, from 2 to 3 p.m. While all skill levels are welcome, this is recommended for ages 8 to 13.
Then on Sunday, Sept. 22, Community Cinema brings the 2023 animated Universal Films “Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken” to the library beginning at 2 p.m.
This Sunday, Sept. 22, is Run the Lawn, a community 5k and Wellness Fair hosted by the Peace and Wellness Coalition at Marquette Park. This is a free event. Local partners include Holy Cross Hospital, Catalyst Schools, John F. Eberhart School and the Southwest Organizing Project. The purpose of the coalition is to promote and sustain peace and wellness across Chicago Lawn.
The 5K Walk and Roll begins at 10 a.m. and will run until noon. Register ahead of time at www.runthelawn.com. Children must be at least 8 years of age to participate in the timed run.
In addition to the run, the Wellness Fair, which runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., will feature free resources from local community organizations focusing on mental and physical wellness for the whole family.
Then rounding out the day, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. will be Light in the Night with run activities for kids and families.
The Southwest Regional Senior Center, 6117 S. Kedzie Avenue, has a busy week planned. Monday, Sept. 23, it is Gardening 101 at 10 a.m. (Pre-registration is required by calling 312-747-0440.) On Tuesday, Sept. 24, Mr. Z’s Trio will perform beginning at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25 it is Super Bingo with the Southwest Auxiliary at 10:15 a.m.
And Thursday, Sept. 26, is the celebration of the Center’s 44th anniversary beginning at 10 a.m. The City Clerk’s office will be on hand and a special Belizean lunch and music will round out the day.
The deadline to nominate a home improvement project for the 20th annual Driehaus Bungalow Awards is Wednesday, Sept. 25. Winners receive up to $1,500 and runners-up up $1,000 in seven categories. To be eligible you must live in a certified brick Chicago bungalow. For specific details go to www.chicagobungalow.org.
Next Saturday, Sept. 28, is the 2024 Job and Career Fair at the Gage Park Fieldhouse, 2411 W. 55th Street. Twenty-plus employers with current vacancies will be on hand. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Looking ahead to Saturday, Oct. 5, the Midwest Augustinians are hosting a Day Pilgrimage to the shrine of Christ’s Passion in St. John, Ind. The cost of the trip is $50. The bus departs at 8:30 a.m. and returns at 1 p.m. Register at www.midwestaugustinians.org or contact Maryellen at 773-614-5880 for more information.
Also on Saturday, Oct. 5, it is the Southwest Chicago Homeless Services Trivia Night 2024, taking place at St. Rita High School, 7740 S. Western Ave. Tickets are $45, which includes a buffet dinner from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Trivia begins at 7 p.m. This year’s theme is Board Games. Throughout the night there will be a cash raffle, split the pot and silent auction. For more information, contact Karyn Perkins at 773-737-7070.
Now back to 1964. When we left last week, we were headed to a grocery store at 2650 W. Southwest Highway where we were going to get our Man from U.N.C.L.E or Beatles lunchbox for the new school year. Gen D. was the first to recognize Wiseway Food Center. She remembers shopping there back when they were first married and lived on 72nd and Artesian.
“I specifically remember getting Red Label ice cream there. It was always on sale. It was good. And that was the only place I ever found it,” she said.
Now 60 years ago this week, Illinois Bell sent out a notice to anyone with a telephone with these prefixes: 434, 436, 476, 737, 776, 778 and 925. The notice said: Don’t be startled when you pick up your phone. Your dial tone will not sound the same. It will be lower in pitch.’ Now why was that important?
The new tone was paving the way for what they termed the “Phone of Tomorrow.” The new phones would be available on Sept. 28 and would feature pleasant musical tones, a different one for each button and would allow for a faster connection. What do you suppose the Phone of Tomorrow would be?