Today is Friday, April 4. April showers bring May flowers.
This year was the earliest Easter in 95 years. The next time Easter will come this early will be in 2228. The last time it was this early was in 1913. Peter Johnson might remember that one, for he was born on June 26, 1908 and recently had the privilege of being appointed Honorary Treasurer of Chicago. Congratulations, Peter!
Did you have a nice April Fools’ Day? In the 1500s, New Year’s Day was officially changed from April 1 to Jan. 1. Those who continued to celebrate on April 1 were called fools, and people started to play tricks on them. That’s how April Fools’ Day got its start. No kidding.
A little symbol was designed in 1958 by Gerald Holtom, originally to mean nuclear disarmament. The letters N and D are taken from semaphore and were incorporated into the symbol. Since its beginning, this symbol has been used in everything from civil rights marches to protesting the war in Iraq. Can you guess what it is? We call it the Peace Sign.
SMILE! More cameras are coming to a red light near you. Another 60 photo light cameras will be installed this year. Coming soon are 47th and Cicero, and 47th and Kedzie. If you get your picture taken by one of these cameras, it is a $90 ticket. In 2006, Chicago raised $19.8 million, and the mayor hopes to raise $50 million this year.
The Chicago Park District is still looking for lifeguards. Applications are available at the Park District’s Administration Office, 541 N. Fairbanks Court. For more information, call (312) 742-5121.
Join the Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Kane County Cougars, Windy City Thunderbolts, Joliet Jackhammers and Schaumburg Flyers as they get ready to start their season. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday April 8 at Daley Plaza (Washington and Dearborn streets), there will be free activities, including batting cages, speed pitches, appearances by former players, giveaways and much more.
This also launches the National City’s drive to collect new and used baseball gloves for area Little League teams and other non profit organizations. Visit www.nationalcity.com for more information.
The Sisters of St. Joseph will be holding their last rummage sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, April 11 and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 12 at Lourdes Convent, 5531 S. Karlov Ave. There will be furniture and lots of odds and ends.
A benefit for Floyd Colbert will be held at Bourbon Street, 3359 W. 115th St., Merrionette Park, from 3 to 8 p.m. Saturday, April 19. Donations are $25 at the door. This includes a free buffet, draft beer, wine and soda, a silent auction, a split-the-pot raffle, and music.
Floyd was diagnosed with stage 3 esophageal cancer. If you are unable to attend but would like to show your support, donations may be sent to the Floyd Colbert Benefit Fund, c/o First Savings Bank of Hegewisch, 18207 Burnham Ave., Lansing, IL, 60438.
For more information, call Carol Krups at (708) 599-6257.