Neighborhood News
The McKinley Park Civic Association feted outstanding local educators and leaders at its 47th annual banquet, held on Sunday, March 4, at Polonia Banquets.
Nine local teachers received honors as Outstanding Educators of the Year, and Illinois 2nd District State Rep. Theresa Mah accepted her 2018 William H.G. Toms Community Service Award.
Read more: Civic Association Celebrates Top Teachers, Leaders at Banquet
Dozens of the McKinley Park neighborhood's residential and commercial properties appear on the delinquency list for 2016 taxes and are at risk of being included in Cook County's upcoming annual tax sale on May 4, according to public data released by the Cook County Treasurer's office.
The properties span the neighborhood and include some properties deemed "most vulnerable," meaning that the owners might not even be aware of their tax delinquency. By law, the treasurer's office is required to auction off back taxes, which can lead to the owner losing the property to whomever pays for their owed taxes.
Read more: Dozens of McKinley Park Properties Hit Tax Delinquency List
If you crave a St. Patrick's Day dinner with all the trimmings, look no further than Blessed Sacrament Parish this coming Saturday night. The parish's St. Joseph & St. Patrick Saturday Night Supper offers a traditional holiday spread, starting after mass at 5 p.m. on March 10 at Ss. Peter and Paul Church, 3475 S. Paulina St. Reservations are required for this event.
Staff looking to unionize at Namaste Charter School will be holding a Union Yes! Rally for Unity beginning at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 6, near the northwest corner of McKinley Park at 37th and Damen. The rally will continue at American Legion Post 231 at 1956 W. 35th St., and comes before a vote this week on whether or not Namaste staff will unionize.
Read more: Celebrate St. Patrick's, Connect via Community Groups and More This Week in McKinley Park
The McKinley Park Community Garden, which is returning to the neighborhood for the 2018 growing season, has opened up registration for garden plots at its new, permanent location between northbound and southbound Damen Avenue. The first-come, first-served registration of plots runs through March 10, or until its capacity of 24 plots is full.
Interested gardeners should register online as soon as possible in order to secure a plot, which costs $50 for the growing season. After the sign-ups, a garden meet and greet event on March 17 will let gardeners socialize and learn about the site plan, garden workdays and garden events for 2018.
The 2018 McKinley Park Farmers Market still has vendor slots available for the popular weekly neighborhood event and is reaching out to potential vendors and volunteers who wish to get involved. The market will offer fresh produce, ready-to-eat items and local goods every Sunday from June 4 through September 30, 2018, at its standing location beside the William McKinley statue in the northwest corner of the park.
"The McKinley Park Farmers Market provides a space where community members can gather to share good, healthy food while learning more about the folks who grew it," said market manager Stef Funk. "We plan to bring new local vendors, more music and enriching and engaging educational activities for all ages."
Read more: McKinley Park Farmers Market Seeks Vendors, Volunteers for 2018 Season
