1-C-R Front Page
Heroes still work there
By Joan Hadac Your correspondent in Clearing and Garfield Ridge (708) 496-0265 • joan.hadac@gmail.com Three years ago, as the pandemic dawned, much was made of the importance of essential workers—perhaps especially those in health care. “Heroes Work Here” banners sprang up outside places like hospitals, clinics and nursing homes. Some of those health care workers paid…
Read MorePalos Park doctor pens bioterror novel
By Kyle Garmes Dr. Jenna Podjasek is an allergist/immunologist who trained at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., and now works in Oak Forest, but the Palos Park resident also has a passion for writing. Now, she has combined those two interests to publish her first novel. “Particles in the Air,” a bioterrorism-themed book that…
Read MoreBittersweet days on 63rd Street
La Petite Pastry Shop closing after 55 years By Tim Hadac For many in Clearing, Garfield Ridge and beyond, it was the worst news they had heard in a long time. After a 55-year run on the Southwest Side, La Petite Pastry Shop is closing at year’s end. Reaction was swift on the shop’s Facebook…
Read More‘He does an awesome job’
Tracy named Police Officer of the Year By Tim Hadac Officer Raymond Tracy was working overtime, on his day off, when he learned he is the Midway Chamber of Commerce’s 2022 Police Officer of the Year. That was no surprise to MCC board member Al Cacciottolo, who nominated him for the award. “Even when he’s…
Read MoreSmall salesman, big results
By Joan Hadac Your correspondent in Clearing and Garfield Ridge (708) 496-0265 • joan.hadac@gmail.com I saw a cute photo the other day and had to share. In the picture, Victor Duque Jr., a preschooler at Our Lady of the Snows School, was accepting a five-pound World’s Finest chocolate bar from OLS Principal Christina Avis. Why such…
Read More‘A good man, among the very best’
Doherty earns MCC’s Firefighter of the Year Award By Tim Hadac Many people who deserve awards are modest, sometimes to the point of being surprised and even a bit befuddled when they receive an accolade. Mike Doherty is one of them. The longtime Garfield Ridge resident recalled the day earlier this month when he received…
Read MoreA red Christmas so far
Those dreaming of snowflakes and snowmen in the early part of December were disappointed. But the lack of snow only caused Santa Claus to switch from a sleigh to a vintage fire truck. For two days earlier this month, Santa Claus and volunteers from the Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch rolled up and down the streets…
Read MoreChallenging minds, changing lives
Gebel named MCC’s Teacher of the Year By Tim Hadac Speak with parents of students at Byrne Elementary School about Robert Gebel, and you’ll hear their insights into the character of the man recently named the Midway Chamber of Commerce’s 2022 Teacher of the Year. “His passion for teaching and helping his students is outstanding,”…
Read MoreGratitude is not just on Thanksgiving
By Joan Hadac Your correspondent in Clearing and Garfield Ridge (708) 496-0265 • joan.hadac@gmail.com Thanksgiving 2022 has come and gone, but in this special season of the year, it’s a good time to reflect on the blessings we’ve received and return the favor, so to speak. So please make time to slow down a bit and…
Read MoreBiz leaders back to serve seniors
Offering home safety help By Tim Hadac For the second time this year, three leading businesses serving Clearing and Garfield Ridge are stepping up to serve the community’s elderly residents. All Exterior Contractors, Mike Riordan State Farm Agency and First Rate Realty—all members of the Midway Chamber of Commerce—are teaming up to offer safety inspections of seniors’ homes, all…
Read More