By Joan Hadac Editor and Publisher Southwest Chicago Post Thanks to everyone at the Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch, as well as the Chicago Park District, the Garfield Ridge Civic League and other co-sponsors, for pulling together a Christmas tree-lighting event at Wentworth Park on Saturday, December 3. Folks certainly enjoyed taking photos of the little ones by the Christmas tree.
Plus visits with Santa Claus and Frosty the Snowman, and family after family lacing up skates and enjoying Wentworth Park's ice skating rink. A musical touch was added by the youth choir from Gloria Dei Lutheran School. A tip of our cap, as well, to the hard-working volunteers at GRREAT (Garfield Ridge Retail, Entertainment and Amusement Team) for getting this annual event founded several years ago and running smoothly. Police were on hand, as usual, and got the biggest round of applause of the evening, by far--no surprise in Garfield Ridge. But why, you might ask, is a crime-prevention group running a Christmas celebration? What does that have to do with fighting crime? Plenty, is the answer, at least indirectly. The more that the good people of Garfield Ridge get off their keyboards, out of the house, onto the streets and into our local parks, the more likely they will crowd out the bad guys and--just by their presence--make our parks safer and better. GRNW knows that, which is why they are into community improvement activities, as well as patrolling our streets and alleys. Here are a few photos we shot, in no particular order. Lots of Christmas-season family fun in one of Chicago's very best neighborhoods! Well done, GRNW!
By Joan Hadac Editor and Publisher Southwest Chicago Post Thanks once again to everyone at the Garfield Ridge
Chamber of Commerce for bringing some Christmas cheer to Archer Avenue. The Chamber's annual Snack with Santa and Mrs. Claus
event, held at Mayfield Banquets on Saturday, December 3, was its usual smashing success--with boys and girls stopping by to whisper a few wishes to the Jolly Old Elf, receive a free toy from Santa's helpers, eat a few goodies and enjoy live musical entertainment and a puppet show.
Among those rolling up their sleeves to make the event a reality were current Chamber President James Kash, 2017 President Mary Ellen Brown, and other officers and members. Past President Mary Ann Dybala, the driving force behind the cheerful event since it was founded more than 30 years ago, also was on hand to serve goodies and greet moms and dads, grandmas and grandpas. She noted that about 800 children were expected to attend the popular celebration. Easy to understand, since the line wound through the Mayfield and even went out the door into the parking lot for at least the first hour. Among other things, the annual event was a reminder that
Garfield Ridge is home to many public-spirited business owners who care about the well-being of the neighborhood. Let's return the favor by shopping at Chamber members' stores and other businesses, using their professional services, and so forth. Visit http://garfieldridgecc.com/directory for a list of Chamber members. Shop local, shop smart! Here are a few photos we took with local children and Santa and Mrs. Claus. Enjoy!
A piece of history in the Garfield Ridge neighborhood was
remembered and honored on Friday, December 2, as the Clear-Ridge Historical Society led an unveiling and blessing of a plaque affixed to the northwest corner of Banquets at The Mayor's Mansion, 5445 South Harlem--situated on what once was a large farm owned by Long John Wentworth, a two-term Chicago mayor and a six-term Member of Congress.
Sixteen minutes of video below. Thanks to the CRHS and everyone who attended the ceremony.
Chicago Police are sounding a note of caution after a "luring"
incident reportedly occurred in the Scottsdale neighborhood. According to a CPD alert sent out to the press on Wednesday, November 30, a "juvenile female" walking in the 4500 block of West 81st Street was approached by two men riding in a black, 1989 Chevy Caprice at about 5 p.m. Monday, November 28. The man in the passenger seat reportedly looked at the girl and said, "Come over here and get in the car." Police did not say what the girl did in response. The passenger who called to the girl was described as a black man age 20-25, with dark skin and short hair in an afro style. There was no description given of the driver. The Caprice had tinted windows and a chrome stripe, the girl said. Police offered no other details about the crime. They offered this advice: • Be aware of this situation and alert your neighbors. • Call 911 to report any suspicious person, vehicles or activity in your neighborhood. • Do not let children walk or play alone. Identify safe havens along your child's route to school and home, such as businesses or trusted neighbors. • Always be aware of your surroundings. Those with useful information to share about the crime are encouraged to call CPD Area Central Detectives at (312) 747-8380 and refer to case number HZ 532299.
