Neighborhood News
The 2018 Southwest Side Candidate Forum on Saturday, February 10, highlighted a slate of progressive candidates campaigning for the upcoming Democratic primary election on March 20. Presented by the 12th Ward Independent Political Organization (IPO), the forum also touched on the upcoming Lift the Ban on rent control referendum and resulted in the IPO's formal candidate endorsements.
"This is a critical time for our country," said Jesus "Chuy" Garcia, who is running for U.S. Congress in Illinois' 4th District. "I want to be part of a wave that captures the House."
Garcia noted the importance of fighting for important issues like raising the minimum wage, establishing universal healthcare and establishing a path for legal immigration for DACA youth. "Yes, I am a Berniecrat," he said.
Read more: Candidate Forum Showcases Progressive Politicians, Initiatives
Celebrate Valentine's Day at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, February 14, at the Family Valentine's Day Party at the library, featuring games, crafts and a performance by Global Girls Inc. On Friday night, nosh on fried fish, shrimp and crab tostadas at the Fish Fry Dinner in the St. Maurice Church hall.
Blessed Sacrament Parish offers special Ash Wednesday services at its neighborhood churches this February 14, including Ash Wednesday Mass at 6:30 a.m. at Ss. Peter and Paul Church and at 8 a.m. at St. Maurice Church. Ash Wednesday Bilingual Prayer Services take place at noon at St. Maurice Church, at 3:15 p.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church and at 7 p.m. at Ss. Peter and Paul Church.
Read more: Celebrate Holidays and Connect with the Community This Week in McKinley Park
The Brighton Kelly Baseball Little League chapter, which covers Little League players from the McKinley Park neighborhood west of Ashland Avenue, is gearing up for its 2018 season with a series of signup events and a call for volunteer coaches, managers and umpires.
Signups for the Little League team, which regularly practices in McKinley Park and plays many games in nearby Kelly Park, is set for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on coming Saturdays in February, including February 10, February 17 and February 24. Two locations offer registration at these times: the Gage Park field house at 2415 W. 55th St. and Kelly High School (through door No. 5) at 42nd Street and California Avenue.
Read more: McKinley Park Area Little League Team Getting Ready for Season
The McKinley Park Civic Association prepared for its annual banquet and fund-raiser at the monthly association meeting on Wednesday, February 7, at the McKinley Park public library. Tickets for the gala were selling briskly at the meeting and are still available for purchase through February 21, with a discount for tickets purchased through February 14.
Expected speaker and 11th Ward Alderman Patrick Daley Thompson was a no-show at the meeting due to his attendance of a different event, said association President Agnes Bednarkiewicz. Thompson was expected to speak and provide information about development for the abandoned former Wrigley factory property at 35th Street and Ashland Avenue. The association plans to follow up via a direct meeting with Thompson, Bednarkiewicz said.
McKinley Park is the hottest spot for runners on the Southwest Side, according to a data-driven heatmap provided by app maker Strava. The map clearly outlines McKinley Park's sidewalks and paths as regular workout routes for joggers and walkers, and it stands out as the brightest spot for perambulation on our end of town.
The world-spanning map comes from billions of data points across millions of users who employ the app to track their exercise routes, schedules and progress. The Chicago area receives complete coverage; the data shows Palmisano Park in Bridgeport as the closest popular spot for running, and the map even reflects the nearby route of the Chicago Marathon.
Read more: McKinley Park is White Hot for Runners, Heatmap Shows
