Recipes, Reelection & Red, White & Blue: McKinley Park's Civic Association Buzzes With Big Summer News

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Mckinley Park · June 11, 2026

McKinley Park neighbors, there's a lot cooking on the Southwest Side this week — literally and civically.

First, a heartwarming new program is making waves at the Aquinas Literacy Center, 1751 W. 35th St. "Food, Stories & Home" is a fresh initiative that teaches English to adult learners through the universal language of cooking — inviting participants to share family recipes and dishes as a gateway to building literacy skills. The program, part of the center's broader resiliency initiative, reflects exactly the kind of culturally rooted, community-powered approach that makes McKinley Park one of Chicago's most innovative Southwest Side neighborhoods.

Meanwhile, the McKinley Park Civic Association held its latest meeting this week, and it was packed with news. 12th Ward Alderwoman Julia Ramirez confirmed she is running for reelection, signaling continued leadership for the neighborhood heading into the next election cycle. The meeting also featured a sitting Chicago Board of Education incumbent and — just in time for summer — announcements about an upcoming 4th of July parade and a neighborhood garden contest that promises to put McKinley Park's green thumbs on full display. Whether you're stirring up family recipes at Aquinas or planning your garden for the contest, McKinley Park is giving neighbors every reason to plug in this summer. Stay up to date at mckinleypark.news.

Sources:
1. https://mckinleypark.news/news
2. https://mckinleypark.news/events/all-events