Weekend

Spark Welcome to Weekends by Sarah Breinig

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If SPARK and Welcome to Weekends is helping you have great weekends, share your experience on Facebook @spark897hd3 and Instagram @spark897hd3 and use #sparkweekend to show what you have been doing. I hope you keep having wonderful weekends!

  • Read a book

Sunday (August 9) is Book Lovers’ Day, so grab your favorite book or one you have been meaning to read.

  • See the Perseid Meteor Shower

Every August in the Midwest the Perseid Meteor Shower can be seen. Last year my family and I drove away from the city and watched the sky, which was a lot of fun. Meteors look like moving stars. It is easier to spot if you look at the sky for a few minutes. Until your eyes adjust to looking at the sky, you won’t notice how many meteors are above your head. Once you can start to see a few meteors you will be able to notice more and more, so don’t give up if you don’t see anything at first. According to NASA, the peak night to view the Perseid will be Wednesday (August 12) in the hours before dawn. For more information, visit https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/asteroids-comets-and-meteors/meteors-and-meteorites/perseids/in-depth/ and https://www.space.com/32868-perseid-meteor-shower-guide.html.

  • Watch Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World

On Thursday (August 13) Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World turns ten years old. Join Scott Pilgrim as he must battle his new girlfriend’s seven exes to win her heart. Learn interesting trivia about the movie by visiting https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0446029/trivia?ref_=tt_ql_2. You can stream the movie on Netflix or rent/buy it on Amazon Prime, iTunes, Google Play, YouTube, or Vudu.

  • Watch Ocean’s Eleven

On Monday (August 10) Ocean’s Eleven (1960) celebrates its sixtieth anniversary. When Danny Ocean calls upon his World War II buddies to help him pull off an elegant heist that will rob five Vegas casinos blind, the devious gangster Duke Santos tries to thwart Ocean’s plans. To learn some trivia about Ocean’s Eleven, go to https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0054135/trivia?ref_=tt_ql_2. You can rent or buy the film on Amazon Prime, iTunes, Google Play, and Vudu. To celebrate the Ocean’s Eleven franchise, try watching the 2001 remake by renting or buying it on iTunes, Google Play, and Vudu or stream it on HBO Max,

  • See Casablanca at Navy Pier

This summer Navy Pier is hosting weekly movie nights with the theme Suitcase Cinema (movies about real and imagined worlds) every Monday. This week (August 10) they’ll be hosting Casablanca at the Lake Stage in Polk Bros Park (699-601 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 6061) and will start approximately at 6:30pm. Since the movie is outside, this time may not be accurate because they have to wait until it is dark outside to get started. As Rick Blaine becomes disillusioned with the world, his former love, Ilsa, reenters his life causing him to reevaluate his actions. Along the way he rejoins the fight against the Nazis. Make sure you bring a blanket to sit on, a few snacks or dinner, and some bug spray since you’ll be outside. As always, you’ll be required to wear a mask and practice social distancing, but it is pretty easy to do since the lawn in front of the stage is huge. To learn more about this Monday’s screening of Casablanca, visit https://navypier.org/cruises-and-tours/architecture-and-sightseeing-cruises/listing/water-flicks-8-10-2020. If you are interested in the entire summer’s schedule, visit https://navypier.org/events-and-public-programs/free-events-and-public-programs/water-flicks/.

Weekend

Spark Welcome to Weekends by Sarah Breinig

/in /by

If SPARK and Welcome to Weekends is helping you have great weekends, share your experience on Facebook @spark897hd3 and Instagram @spark897hd3 and use #sparkweekend to show what you have been doing. I hope you keep having wonderful weekends!

  • Eat an ice cream sandwich

If you enjoy ice cream sandwiches, then this Sunday (August 2) is the day for you—Ice Cream Sandwich Day. Celebrate the easy to eat ice cream treat with store-bought options or make your own. I love to make homemade chocolate chip cookies and put some strawberry ice cream between them. For more homemade ice cream sandwich ideas, go to https://www.delish.com/cooking/g2135/ice-cream-sandwich-recipes/ for some exciting recipes like waffle ice cream sandwiches, lucky charms ice cream sandwiches, and doughnut ice cream sandwiches.

  • Have a campfire

Saturday (August 1) is Campfire Day, so get outside and get a fire going. Since many of us have been stuck indoors due to COIVID-19, use this holiday as an excuse to get some fresh air and eat some good food since nothing tastes better than food cooked over a fire. If you don’t have a backyard or don’t know how to build a fire, do an indoor campfire. Either use your stovetop to roast some marshmallows and hot dogs, or you can buy indoor campfire kits, which typically have a small flame in a Sterno can and a mesh guard to keep it safe.

  • Watch Babe

On Tuesday (August 4), Babe celebrates its twenty-fifth anniversary. Relive the fun as Babe the pig learns to help his farm’s sheepdogs Fly and Rex. To learn about some behind the scenes information, visit https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112431/trivia?ref_=tt_ql_2. You can stream Babe on Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max, and it can be rented/bought on iTunes, Google Play, Amazon Prime, YouTube, and Vudu.

  • Watch a Thor movie

The Marvel Comics character, Thor, first hit newsstands in August of 1962 in Journey Into Mystery #83 and was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. Celebrate the character’s 68th birthday by watching all the movies that he shows up in: Thor, Avengers, Thor: The Dark World, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Doctor Strange (cameo appearance in the post-credit scene), Thor: Ragnarok, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame. All of these Thor films can be streamed on Disney+ and can be rented/bought on Amazon Prime, iTunes, Google Play, Vudu, and YouTube. Disney+ also has more animate movies featuring the God of Thunder to enjoy as well. See how well you know Thor by trying this trivia https://www.usefultrivia.com/comic_book_trivia/thor_trivia.html.

  • See Crazy Rich Asians at Navy Pier

This summer Navy Pier is hosting weekly movie nights with the theme Suitcase Cinema (movies about real and imagined worlds) every Monday. This week (August 3) they’ll be hosting Crazy Rich Asians at the Lake Stage in Polk Bros Park (699-601 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 6061) and will start approximately at 6:30pm. Since the movie is outside, this time may not be accurate because they have to wait until it is dark outside to get started. When Rachel Chu and her boyfriend Nick head to Singapore for a friend’s wedding, Rachel suddenly discovers Nick’s family is extremely wealthy and he is considered one of the country’s most eligible bachelors. Thrust into the spotlight, Rachel suddenly has to deal with the fame that goes along with dating Nick and his crazy family. Make sure you bring a blanket to sit on, a few snacks or dinner, and some bug spray since you’ll be outside. As always, you’ll be required to wear a mask and practice social distancing, but it is pretty easy to do since the lawn in front of the stage is huge. To learn more about this Monday’s screening of Crazy Rich Asians, visit https://navypier.org/cruises-and-tours/architecture-and-sightseeing-cruises/listing/water-flicks-8-3-2020. If you are interested in the entire summer’s schedule, visit https://navypier.org/events-and-public-programs/free-events-and-public-programs/water-flicks/.

Weekend

Spark Welcome to Weekends by Sarah Breinig

/in /by

If SPARK and Welcome to Weekends is helping you have great weekends, share your experience on Facebook @spark897hd3 and Instagram @spark897hd3 and use #sparkweekend to show what you have been doing. I hope you keep having wonderful weekends!

  • Celebrate tigers

What type of cat is the biggest in the world? If you answered the lion, the king of the jungle, you might be surprised to know that isn’t the answer. If you answered the tiger, you’re either really good at trivia or read the line above this. Wednesday (July 29) is the tenth annual International Tiger Day, which was started to raise awareness about tigers and their place on the endangered species list. Show your tiger pride by wearing some Olivet Nazarene University gear and spread the word about tigers. For more tips on what you can do to help wild tiger populations, visit https://www.wwfindia.org/about_wwf/priority_species/bengal_tiger/what_you_can_do/. Often something as recycling and buying sustainable products can make a world of difference for endangered species like tigers. To learn more random facts about tigers, visit https://www.ranthamborenationalpark.com/blog/amazing-facts-about-tigers/.

  • Tell an old joke

Friday (July 24) is Tell an Old Joke Day, so get ready to set loose your best jokes on your unsuspecting friends and family. The whole point of the day is to make sure old jokes don’t get forgotten, so this is the day to reuse your favorite material. If you truly want to get into the spirit of the day, you can read some of the oldest recorded jokes at  https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/538490/worlds-oldest-jokebook.

  • San Diego Comic-Con at Home

You don’t have to be a major nerd to enjoy the San Diego Comic-Con. Although mainly targeted at comicbook fans, SDCC has become an annual event to celebrate pop culture, so there is truly something for everyone. Due to the pandemic, the annual event is free and will be hosted online. All you have to do is visit https://www.comic-con.org/cci/2020/athome and explore. Download your personalized badge at https://www.comic-con.org/cciathome/create-your-own. The convention runs from Wednesday to Sunday (July 22-26), and you can find a schedule with links to all of the YouTube links to each panel here, https://www.comic-con.org/cciathome/2020/wednesday. Here is some Comic-Con need to know. Make sure you download your souvenir book, which is often filled with exciting information about the behind the scenes of the con, fun advertisements about cool geek merchandise, and stunning artwork (https://www.comic-con.org/cciathome/comic-con-2020-souvenir-book). If you have an old Halloween costume, throw it on and share your cosplay photos on social media. It is never a bad time to cosplay at a con, just have fun with it. Finally, tell your friends about SDCC@home because conventions are all about community. Plus it is way more fun to share your fandom with others.

  • Set up a sleep schedule

Classes start for many students in less than a month. To get on track and ready for early mornings, try setting up a sleep schedule. For good sleep habit advice, visit https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_sleep/sleep_hygiene.html. It might not be the most exciting activity, but starting to get your body’s sleep patterns in line with your school schedule early will make your transition to classes easier. Since the school year is going to look extremely different due to COVID-19, it is more important than ever to ensure you are set up for success.

  • See Frozen II at Navy Pier

This summer Navy Pier is hosting weekly movie nights with the theme Suitcase Cinema (movies about real and imagined worlds) every Monday. This week (July 13) they’ll be hosting Frozen II at the Lake Stage in Polk Bros Park (699-601 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 6061) and will start approximately at 6:30pm. Since the movie is outside, this time may not be accurate because they have to wait until it is dark outside to get started. Dive into the unknown as Anna and Elsa return on a daring adventure where they get lost in the woods as they search for answers about the mysterious voice that calls out to Elsa. Make sure you bring a blanket to sit on, a few snacks or dinner, and some bug spray since you’ll be outside. As always, you’ll be required to wear a mask and practice social distancing, but it is pretty easy to do since the lawn in front of the stage is huge. To learn more about this Monday’s screening of Frozen II, visit https://navypier.org/cruises-and-tours/architecture-and-sightseeing-cruises/listing/water-flicks-7-27-2020. If you are interested in the entire summer’s schedule, visit https://navypier.org/events-and-public-programs/free-events-and-public-programs/water-flicks/.

 

Weekend

Spark Welcome to Weekends by Sarah Breinig

/in /by

If SPARK and Welcome to Weekends is helping you have great weekends, share your experience on Facebook @spark897hd3 and Instagram @spark897hd3 and use #sparkweekend to show what you have been doing. I hope you keep having wonderful weekends!

  • Celebrate Embrace Your Geekness Day

Do you know the difference between a geek and a nerd? Typically a geek is more focused on technology while a nerd is more focused on pop culture. If you are a nerd, a geek, or something in between you can always celebrate geek culture on Monday (July 13), which is Embrace Your Geekness Day. Whatever your geeky hobby is, embrace it! To help get into the geekness spirit, check out this fun video by Rhett & Link (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Tvy_Pbe5NA).

  • Watch X-Men

Turn back the clock and watch one of the first ever superhero movies to hit the big screens—X-Men, which celebrates its 20th anniversary on Tuesday (July 14). Even if you are not a fan of the X-Men franchise, you got to give this movie props because many consider this film to be the first movie that made Marvel superheroes household names. Basically without X-Men, many argue the Marvel Cinematic Universe would not be the powerhouse it is today. Give this classic take on the world’s most powerful mutants the credit its due by steaming it on HBO Max or renting/buying it on iTunes, Google Play, Amazon, YouTube, and Vudu.
If you’re feeling really inspired, try watching all of the X-Men franchise movies in order (https://www.insider.com/best-ways-to-watch-x-men-movies-timeline). To find out some behind the scenes trivia about X-Men, visit https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120903/trivia?ref_=tt_ql_2.

  • Learn about sharks

Tuesday (July 14) is Shark Awareness Day, so why not learn a bit more about sharks? Sharks are actually vital for many ecosystems and have adapted some really cool features. Did you know sharks have a sixth sense? Although they can’t see dead people, sharks can send out electrical pulses that allow them to find food and mates and is sent from a special organ called the Ampullae of Lorenzini. I used to work at an aquarium and the coolest animals in the entire building were the sharks, but a lot of people overlooked them. Although many people find them scary monsters, the more you learn about them the more you can see that Jaws got these fascinating creatures all wrong. In fact, a person is more likely to die from a coconut falling on their head than from a shark attack. For more info on sharks visit https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/shark or go to an Aquarium. The Shedd Aquarium reopened from quarantine last week, so grab a mask and explore the “World’s Aquarium.”

  • Look at pictures of puppies

Look as some pictures of puppies because why not? Puppies are cute and bound to put a smile on your face. Just google puppies and feel all the feels when viewing the results.

  • See a movie at Navy Pier

This summer Navy Pier is hosting weekly movie nights with the theme Suitcase Cinema (movies about real and imagined worlds) every Monday. This week (July 13) they’ll be hosting Kong: Skull Island at the Lake Stage in Polk Bros Park (699-601 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 6061) and will start approximately at 6:30pm. Kong: Skull Island revisits the classic story of King Kong with a new look at the tale. Since the movie is outside, this time may not be accurate because they have to wait until it is dark outside to get started. Make sure you bring a blanket to sit on, a few snacks or dinner, and some bug spray since you’ll be outside. As always, you’ll be required to wear a mask and practice social distancing, but it is pretty easy to do since the lawn in front of the stage is huge. To learn more about this Monday’s screening of Kong: Skull Island, visit https://navypier.org/cruises-and-tours/architecture-and-sightseeing-cruises/listing/water-flicks-7-13-2020. If you are interested in the entire summer’s schedule, visit https://navypier.org/events-and-public-programs/free-events-and-public-programs/water-flicks/.

Weekend

Spark Welcome to Weekends by Sarah Breinig

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If SPARK and Welcome to Weekends is helping you have great weekends, share your experience on Facebook @spark897hd3 and Instagram @spark897hd3 and use #sparkweekend to show what you have been doing. I hope you keep having wonderful weekends!

  • Have a happy Fourth of July

This Saturday is Independence Day. Use the holiday weekend to spend time with family and friends. Just because COVID has stopped a lot of things don’t let it stop the holiday. You might not be able to go out and see the fireworks, but you can always barbeque in the backyard or go on a picnic.

  • Watch Back to the Future

On Friday (July 3), the original Back to the Future movie celebrates its 35th. Get in your DeLorean and relive the time-traveling fun as Marty McFly and Doc Brown go to 1955 in the first movie in the Back to the Future franchise. You can watch Back to the Future on Netflix and Hulu or rent/buy it on iTunes, Amazon Video, Vudu, Google Play, and YouTube. To find out some Back to the Future trivia, visit https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088763/trivia?ref_=tt_ql_2.

  • Eat some chocolate or have a strawberry sundae

Monday (July 6) is both Chocolate Day and Strawberry Sundae Day. Enjoy these important days with a treat. If you’re feeling extremely festive try mixing the two together.

  • Have a movie in the park

Put your favorite movie (or a movie or show you’ve been dying to watch) on your laptop or phone and head to a park or forest preserve. Watching a movie outside is a great way to get some fresh air and watch some TV.

  • Play some video games

Wednesday (July 8) is Video Game Day. Celebrate the gaming world by playing your favorite games. Although systems like the Atari, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox are typically associated with video games, don’t let that stop you. If you don’t have a gaming system, you can always play a game on your phone. Some great video games for your phone include Marvel’s Contest of Champions, Shadow Legends, Plague Inc, Lifeline, and Terraria. For more mobile games, visit https://www.cnet.com/pictures/best-mobile-games-2019/.

Weekend

Spark Welcome to Weekends by Sarah Breinig

/in /by

If SPARK and Welcome to Weekends is helping you have great weekends, share your experience on Facebook @spark897hd3 and Instagram @spark897hd3 and use #sparkweekend to show what you have been doing. I hope you keep having wonderful weekends!

  • Paint

Painting is a great way to put your energy into something creative. Whether you use a watercolor set you still have from elementary school or you go online and buy some new paints, use all of your quarantined summertime to toward a fun activity. A great way to get started is to try and paint something in front of you. Try going for a walk, pick a nice spot, and start painting. Or you can find an image of something you would like to paint and try copying that. Don’t worry if it isn’t the Mona Lisa, just have some fun.

  • Set up a group video chat

Now that classes have ended for almost two months, you’re probably like me and haven’t seen as much of your friends. Even though you have probably been talking, when have you seen your squad all together? Just pick a time and meet up.

  • Collect some trading cards

Collecting trading cards has dramatically changed in the last few years. No longer are trades limited to paper cards, now you can collect and trade virtual cards with Topps. At first I thought it was weird, but it actually is really cool. Topps makes collecting and trading really fun. Since I didn’t collect cards, I thought I wasn’t going to enjoy collecting digital ones, but I’ve had tons of fun. Some cards have special features like lighting up or moving backgrounds. My favorite type of cards are “tilt” cards. Just tilt your phone, and your card with change or animate. No matter what you’re into—Disney, the MLB, Marvel Comics, the NFL, Star Wars, The Walking Dead, or WWE—there is an app for you. Just search “topps” in the App Store or Google Play Store and you can start collecting right away for free.

  • Tour the world (from the comfort of your couch)

Just because nonessential travel is on pause, doesn’t mean you can’t see the world. Here is a great way to see some of the planet earth’s greatest hits, including Yellowstone, the Louvre, and the Great Wall of China. You don’t have to limit yourself to god old terra firma because this link also includes a visit to Mars. https://www.readersdigest.ca/culture/virtual-day-trips-take-online/

  • Press the red button

If you’re bored, just press the red button and you’ll be brought to a random but interesting activity. https://www.boredbutton.com/

Weekend

Spark Welcome to Weekends by Sarah Breinig

/in /by

If SPARK and Welcome to Weekends is helping you have great weekends, share your experience on Facebook @spark897hd3 and Instagram @spark897hd3 and use #sparkweekend to show what you have been doing. I hope you keep having wonderful weekends!

  • Have a happy Father’s Day

This Sunday (June 21) is Father’s Day, so make sure to spend some time with family to celebrate the men in your lives. Whether it be an older brother, a grandfather, cousin, or dad, make sure he knows just how much he means to you. From the spark family to yours, Happy Father’s Day!

  • Stalk an actor

Ok, you shouldn’t actually stalk an actor, but you can pick your favorite actor and set up a marathon containing their best performances. Or mix it up and pick one of your least liked actors and watch all of their worst movies and shows. Invite some friends over and enjoy the marathon together or use Zoom or Discord’s screen share/streaming options to watch the movies together even if you are apart.

  • Watch Jaws

Jaws celebrates its 45th anniversary Saturday (6/19). Relieve the thrilling chase as a team of experts tries to hunt a killer shark that is terrorizing the beach. Remember to grab your bigger boat and enjoy Steven Spielberg’s iconic film, which was released in 1975. You can learn some trivia about Jaws by visiting https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0073195/trivia?ref_=tt_ql_2. Jaws can be streamed on Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max and rented or bought on Amazon Prime and Vudu.

  • Try reading comicbooks

They might seem childish, but comicbooks are actually a great source of entertainment. Comicbooks are a great way to combine the adventures of reading a book with walking through an art gallery—all from the comfort of your couch. Comicbooks are a fun way to mix up what you read and are great for the hesitant reader because they’re mostly filled with pictures. There are many places to read comicbooks without spending any money. Go to https://www.readdc.com/free-comics, and you can read several DC Comics titles with characters like Batman and Superman. Marvel Unlimited, Marvel Comics reading service with characters like Iron Man and Captain America, offers a free seven day trial, just go to https://www.marvel.com/comics/unlimited?cid=SEM_Google_20200302_unlimited_Brand&gclid=CjwKCAjwxLH3BRApEiwAqX9ardWukIwIysM7KxyD1Ppa5Fp0-XmJ-nJy1wUToW8HzmCTym-HwHGr8xoCVRMQAvD_BwE to set up an account. You can also go to the Marvel Comics app and the DC Comics app both available on the App Store and Google Play Store to download and read select titles for free.  Another great place to look is Comixology, which offers several free titles from major publishers like Marvel and DC and some from smaller publishing groups (https://www.comixology.com/free-comics).

  • Grow a plant

Although quarantine restrictions are lifting slowly but surely, many summer activities are still canceled this year. Many parks are permanently closed this summer (including every Chicago Park District location), so getting outside and enjoying nature may be more difficult. Growing a plant is a great way to (sort of) experience nature if you are like me and still stuck at home. There are many varieties of plants. You can grow potted flowers and succulents, start an herb garden, or try growing some vegetables.

 

Weekend

Spark Welcome to Weekends by Sarah Breinig

/in /by

If SPARK and Welcome to Weekends is helping you have great weekends, share your experience on Facebook @spark897hd3 and Instagram @spark897hd3 and use #sparkweekend to show what you have been doing. I hope you keep having wonderful weekends!

  • Watch Toy Story 3

It’s hard to believe that Toy Story 3 was released ten years ago, but the heartwarming Pixar tale celebrates its tenth anniversary on Thursday (June 18). Rewatch as Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and the Toy Story gang learn how to cope with Andy growing up. Learn some interesting behind the scenes trivia by visiting https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0435761/trivia. If your summer plans came to a halt like mine did due to the pandemic, why not watch all four Toy Story films (and maybe even the shorts, called Toy Toons), which are all available on Disney+ or can be rented/bought on iTunes, Google Play, YouTube, Amazon Video, and Vudu.

  • Watch Dick Tracy

Embrace your inner detective by watching the 1990 adventure, Dick Tracy, which celebrates its thirtieth anniversary on Monday (June 15). Set in the 1930s (when the original character of Dick Tracy made his first appearance in comic strips), Detective Tracy sets out to prove Alphonse “Big Boy” Caprice is the city’s biggest crime lord. Along the way Dick Tracy’s relationship with his girlfriend, Tess, is in danger as Tracy works with the femme fatale, Breathless Mahoney, the only person to witness Big Boy’s crime. You can steam Dick Tracy on Hulu and rent or buy it on iTunes, Google Play, YouTube, Amazon Video, and Vudu. If you want to learn more about the character, you can read some Dick Tracy comics at https://www.gocomics.com/dicktracy.

  • Watch Psycho

The iconic Hitchcock film, Psycho, celebrates its sixtieth anniversary on Tuesday (June 16). This psychological horror follows the memorable story of Marion Craig after she embezzles $40,000 to run away with her boyfriend when she stops at the Bates Motel, which is run by the eccentric Normal Bates, who has an interest in taxidermy and a rocky relationship with his mother. To learn some behind the scenes facts about the movie, go to https://www.moviefone.com/2015/06/16/psycho-25-things-you-didnt-know/ or watch Hitchcock, a drama based on Hitchcock’s bold new project, Psycho. Both Psycho and Hitchcock are available to rent or buy on iTunes, Google Play, Amazon Video, YouTube, and Vudu.

  • Celebrate Sewing Machine Day

Saturday (June 13) is Sewing Machine Day. Even if you don’t sew, this invention is incredibly important to your day to day life. Since most of our clothes, bedding, and pretty much any other fabric product is mass produced on a sewing machine of some sort, you owe a lot to this machine. If you like sewing, why not start a new project. If sewing isn’t your thing, go to Etsy and support someone else’s handiwork.

  • Take a walk down the Chicago River Walk

Get some fresh air and enjoy the Chicago River via the (not so) creatively named Chicago River Walk. Much of Chicago is still under lockdown due to the pandemic, but you can still take in the city from a different angle than normal. The City of Chicago states it is mandatory to wear a mask and properly social distance, but the path is wide enough to do so easily. Since things are in constant flux due to COVID-19, visit https://www.chicagoriverwalk.us/ for the most current updates on the Riverwalk and https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home.html to learn about updates in the entire city.

From the Office of the President

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A message from Olivet Nazarene University’s President Dr. Bowling:

June 10, 2020

Dear Students, Faculty, Staff, and the greater Olivet community,

As I compose this letter to you, I am well aware that we are in a time of unrest – nationally, locally, and personally. The murder of George Floyd has awakened us to the injustice and prejudice in our communities, our businesses, and even our own homes. This moment is changing our nation, and my prayer is that it will change us, too. Change can bring understanding. Understanding can bring wisdom. Wisdom can bring healing.

 

I know that words alone cannot immediately solve the challenges of our community or country, or necessarily comfort those who are experiencing the compounded grief of this moment, but neither can silence. In moments of distress and/or times when I seek wisdom, I turn not to “words” but to “the Word.” Genesis 1:27 says, “God created mankind in His own image,” and Romans 12:5 reminds us, “…so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” We must view one another as God views His children.

It is unacceptable that our African American students live in a world of fear. I also understand that Olivet is not exempt from the challenges facing the rest of our country. As president of Olivet Nazarene University, I will continue to seek to foster a community of higher learning, a community of faith, and a community of grace and reconciliation – a place of belonging. 

This fall, in cooperation with our Diversity Task Force, we will continue to work to ensure a safe place for all students to learn and grow. I will personally be leading a series of “Listening Sessions” to allow students, faculty, and staff to speak into the culture of Olivet Nazarene University and share openly and honestly about issues of racism.  

I will also continue our efforts to develop a strong, diverse faculty, and encourage leaders across campus to be fully engaged in our University-wide efforts for candid communication and healing. As president, I have joined the conversation now underway among leaders within Christian higher education to develop future leaders who will be agents of change, promoting biblical justice and racial equity.   

The young men and women of Olivet Nazarene University, our faculty, staff, and alumni are too gifted, too discerning, and too compassionate to allow hatred to stand in the way of our great mission. Although we cannot be together in one place right now, I do call on the entire community to join in this prayer:

Our Great God,

We know that racism is a sin against You.  

Help us to live in community with our brothers and sisters—all people, acknowledging that we are your children, your special creation, and created in Your image.

We cannot and will not tolerate any form of racism in our work and/or our communities. We will speak out against it, as we do all forms of sin and injustice. We will listen to those who have been oppressed and speak for those who feel they have no voice. We will walk side-by-side with those who feel they are alone in their struggle.

Lord, we seek to honor You in all we do. Help us forgive those who have committed wrongs against us. We ask forgiveness for our own sin, and confess our need of You.

Heal our hearts. Lord, heal our land.

Amen.

I am confident that as we work together, Olivet Nazarene University will be a place of grace and reconciliation.

Sincerely,

John C. Bowling

President 

Weekend

Spark Welcome to Weekends by Sarah Breinig

/in /by

If SPARK and Welcome to Weekends is helping you have great weekends, share your experience on Facebook @spark897hd3 and Instagram @spark897hd3 and use #sparkweekend to show what you have been doing. I hope you keep having wonderful weekends!

  • Eat some froyo or chocolate ice cream

Sunday is a day very close to my heart—National Chocolate Ice Day and National Frozen Yogurt Day. Enjoy a cool treat during this unusually warm June.

  • Visit Navy Pier

As Illinois slowly enters Phase Three, Navy Pier plans to reopen on Wednesday (June 10). This is a great way to get some fresh air after the months of quarantine and experience. To ensure visitors are safe, the staff at the Pier will be strictly enforcing social distancing, which may entail limiting the number of people admitted throughout the day, and only outside attractions will be open. Any person without a mask covering their nose and mouth will not be admitted, but they can purchase a mask on site. To learn more about the shopping, rides, and experiences available at Navy Pier, visit https://navypier.org/ and to learn more about how staff are ensuring safety and what changes throughout the Pier will be go to https://navypier.org/covid-19-updates/. (Remember everything is subject to change and to work with Navy Pier staff if the information online is different than what they say on site.)

  • Watch The Goonies

Thirty five years ago, the world first experienced The Goonies, an adventure comedy cult classic. On Sunday (June 7) relive the adventure as the goonies stumble upon the treasure map of One-Eye Willy. Celebrate The Goonies and its 35th anniversary by watching the movie and learning some fun Goonies trivia by visiting https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0089218/trivia?ref_=tt_ql_2.  You can rent or buy the film on iTunes, Google Play, Amazon Prime, YouTube, and Vudu.

  • Celebrate Donald Duck

Did you know that Donald Duck was outlawed in Finland for not wearing pants? And he has a twin sister named Dumbella? Celebrate this character’s great history on Donald Duck Day on Sunday (June 9) by watching some classic animated videos (here is a 6 hour mix of Donald Duck fun) or watch Ducktales and other Donald Duck appearances on Disney+. To learn more about Donald Duck with some trivia, go to https://www.usefultrivia.com/tv_trivia/donald_duck_trivia_index.html.

  • Relax

Life has been extremely chaotic as of late, so take a well-needed break. Do something that centers you. Maybe for you that’s reading a book, or watching a movie, or taking a nap. Whatever you do stay safe right now and relax.