Waters Elementary
4540 N. Campbell Ave. Chicago, IL 60625  (773)534-5090 
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​Office Hours- 8:00am to 3:45pm
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We Made It Thanks to ...

6/19/2017

 
... so so many of you. 
I think, 
when I finally hand off this work to some one else, 
they will think:
This is impossible!
Unless they know about my secret,
my secret, 
bountiful basket of helpers, 
solvers, 
makers, 
and friends.
It seems almost,
always that as the critical moment draws near, 
assistance appears, 
is conjured like by magic:
the class is taught, 
the books are finished, 
the trip succeeds, 
the potatoes are planted, 
the campfire is lighted, 
does its task and burns to coals, 
the tools put away
the sheds shut and locked.
Who does these things?
You!
my beautiful friends and neighbors.
And you!
bright Sun, 
and you 
blessed Moon,
sacred Night,
You Rain,
and you Wind, 
and you small Creatures of the compost, 
and you Cedar Wax wing who sang to me today.
Thank you 
thank you 
thank you.
My Mom ended up in Germany  
in a Displaced Person's camp after WW2.
It was a small town called Muenster bie Dieburg.
They spoke a dialect of German called Meunstrich.
She told us a saying they had there:
(In translation)
The dishes are washed, 
the geese are fed, 
The cows are all milked, 
alright.
Let's go!

So, we have done some good work. 
Let's go on to the next hill and valley, 
the next dawn and nightfall, 
with a good heart.

You are all invited to the Summer Solstice gathering
of Riverbank Neighbors (a part of Waters School!)
at 6:00 p.m. tomorrow, June 20, until dark,
at "The Farm" 2549 West Hutchinson,
for Pot Luck food and drink, 
fire, 
singing, 
sharing of news and stories, 
and general falderol.
Maybe we'll have a walk by the river 
to see what secrets and gifts she will reveal 
to a quiet and appreciative guest. 
Please join us on Tuesday, 
and again on Wednesday for garden night, 
5:00 until dark, 
at Waters. 

AND

Save the Date: Monday, July 24, evening, Half Acre Brewery on Lincoln.
It's a fundraiser for the continuing work of the Riverbank Neighbors,
building, planting, weeding, watering, collecting seeds, sweating,
chipping, getting to know each other, and making the river's edge more and
more beautiful all the time. 21 years old+, time TBD. Details to follow, but you can definitely count on cold beer, finger
foods, and MUSIC.

With great affection, 
Mr. Leki


Comments are closed.
    Ecology Program & Calendar
    PictureMr. Pete Leki, Waters Ecology Program Founder and Director
    Visit the Waters Ecology Program Website for current/historical writings, films, photos, and interviews.

     Email: 
    petelekisan@gmail.com

    Links
    Water Ecology Program Website
    Riverbank Neighbors
    Friends of the Chicago River
    Forest Preserves of Cook County
    Openlands
    North Park Village Nature Center

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