![MaryStanek Mary Stanek](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/MaryStanek-1-768x1024.jpg)
Mary Stanek
Best of all, spring is coming
By Mary Stanek
Your correspondent in Archer Heights and West Elsdon
3808 W. 57th Place • (773) 284-7394
Mardi Gras, Paczki Day, Fat Tuesday and the start of the Lenten season all happen this coming week. But the absolute best part is, March is here. Spring is just around the corner (we can only hope).
The Polish community of St. Turibius Parish will be selling paczki before and after all Masses the weekend of Feb. 27. I hope I can report on some fish fry events during the Lenten season.
In the first week or so of March 2020 I had purchased tickets to the St. Patrick/St. Joseph table over at St. Bruno Parish (scheduled for March 15, 2020). And bam, poof–just like that, canceled. St. Bruno, along with St. Turibius, held awesome buffets around St. Patrick and St. Joseph Days. It was a great way for the neighbors and families to get together and share an awesome ethnic meal. I hope those days will soon return.
![Best of all, spring is coming 1 MaryStanek 1](https://www.southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/MaryStanek-1-225x300.jpg)
Mary Stanek
Living in the Archer Heights/West Elsdon and neighboring communities offers us many options for great ethnic food. There are numerous Mexican restaurants available. Two of our favorites, one along Pulaski, one along Archer, offer reduced-price margaritas on Mondays/Wednesdays or Tuesdays/Thursdays.
Great carnitas, from the Pilsen area, can be found right along 55th Street. There also is a wide variety of Asian take-out and dine-in options. We have two favorites as well. Pizza and Italian are plentiful and delicious. There even is an upscale new Italian restaurant along Archer, with rave reviews.
Polish food can be taken home and enjoyed from some great delis. For good old fashioned American bar fare, including burgers, sandwiches, wings and even pizza, there is Guides, along Archer. With that I wish Daria, our bartender, a Happy Birthday and best wishes for the coming year.
Don’t even get me started on the delicious ice cream shops as well, one a block and a half down from my home. There are so many more good eats around the Southwest Side. So, let’s support them all.
Mark your calendars for Earth Day on April 22. There will most likely be many events to celebrate taking care of our Earth. As of now, there is a community clean-up scheduled on April 23 for 3502 W. 55th St., a vacant lot by the railroad tracks. Save the date, and I will follow up closer to the date.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this year along Archer Avenue on March 12. The St. Patrick’s Day parade steps off at noon from Oak Park to Narragansett, honoring the late Officer Ella French as honorary grand marshal. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation’s Get Behind the Vest program, which provides protective vests to police officers in the city.
Happy Belated Birthday to Nicole Young.
Local News
![joanhadac Joan Hadac](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/joanhadac.jpg)
It’s a busy January in Gage Park
Spread the loveBy Joan Hadac Neighborhood correspondent at large Greetings, Gage Parkers! I’m pleased to be filling in this week for Karen Sala. It’s fun for me to report on Gage Park, the neighborhood where I lived for the first 26 years of my life. There’s always something happening in this big, exciting part of…
![kathyheadley2021 Kathy Headley](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/kathyheadley2021-869x1024.jpg)
You can bank on good service here
Spread the loveBy Kathy Headley Your correspondent in Chicago Lawn and Marquette Manor 6610 S. Francisco • (773) 776-7778 In this world of corporate takeovers, it is kind of hard to feel safe in the hands of big business. First, we have to supply some of our personal information to the automated system. Then there’s…
![GSWNH_HeavenlySound_012122 GSWNH_HeavenlySound_012122](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/GSWNH_HeavenlySound_012122-1024x647.jpg)
A heavenly sound
Spread the love In what is arguably the most ornate and beautiful house of worship on the Southwest Side—St. Joseph Church in Back of the Yards–the Polonijna Orkiestra Chicago played liturgical music selections last Sunday. Founded in 2011, the orchestra is designed to teach young musicians Polish music and culture. St. Joseph parishioner Konrad Pawelek…
![Screen Shot 2022-01-14 at 8.10.36 PM Screen Shot 2022-01-14 at 8.10.36 PM](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Screen-Shot-2022-01-14-at-8.10.36-PM.png)
Crime images spark outrage in Gage Park
Spread the loveRobbed at gunpoint in his own garage By Tim Hadac Home-security camera images of a 48-year-old Gage Park man being robbed at gunpoint in his own garage outraged a number of Southwest Siders this week. Images showed the man driving his car down the alley in the 5500 block of South Richmond at…
![HANNAH Former Mother McAuley star Hannah Swiatek (right) smiles and walks off the court with Justene Charlesworth after a recent University of St. Francis victory over Cardinal Stritch. Photo by Jeff Vorva Former Mother McAuley star Hannah Swiatek (right) smiles and walks off the court with Justene Charlesworth after a recent University of St. Francis victory over Cardinal Stritch. Photo by Jeff Vorva](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/HANNAH-1024x678.jpg)
College Report: McAuley grad Swiatek plays hero for St. Francis
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Staff Writer Hannah Swiatek comes off the bench for the University of St. Francis and is averaging 3.1 points per game. But when called on for the biggest shot of her college career, the 5-foot-8 junior guard from Oak Lawn delivered. Swiatek scored the winning basket in a wild 99-97…
![Screen Shot 2022-01-16 at 9.42.00 PM Screen Shot 2022-01-16 at 9.42.00 PM](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Screen-Shot-2022-01-16-at-9.42.00-PM.png)
Tax exemptions will be automatic, Kaegi says
Spread the loveFrom staff reports In response to the ongoing pandemic, the Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi’s office will continue the automatic renewal of the Senior Freeze, Veterans with Disabilities and Persons with Disabilities Exemptions. The Homeowner and Senior Exemptions will continue to auto-renew every year. If a homeowner received any of these five exemptions…
![GSWNH_StMaryEagleScout_012122 New Eagle Scout Adrian Ayala with his parents, Lorena Sanchez and Lazaro Ayala. --Supplied photo](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/GSWNH_StMaryEagleScout_012122-1024x836.jpg)
Troop 1441 Scout earns Eagle rank
Spread the loveFrom staff reports A journey that began years ago for Adrian Ayala recently culminated in Boy Scouting’s highest honor. Ayala, a member of Boy Scout Troop 1441 (sponsored by the St. Mary Star of the Sea Holy Name Society) was honored at an Eagle ceremony at Duggan Hall on Jan. 13. The Eagle rank…
![MariaPappas Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/MariaPappas-949x1024.jpg)
Scavenger Sale different this year, Pappas says
Spread the loveFrom staff reports Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas’ 2022 Scavenger Sale will look different, as the Treasurer’s Office takes steps to help small developers, homeowners and investors rebuild neighborhoods and create generational wealth. Under Illinois law, the Treasurer’s Office is required to conduct a Scavenger Sale every two years, offering at auction the…
Neighbors
![After 9 months, state data begins to detail new pretrial detention system After 9 months, state data begins to detail new pretrial detention system](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/SCOIL-FILE-JN-opt2-cbthEX-1024x683.jpeg)
After 9 months, state data begins to detail new pretrial detention system
By JERRY NOWICKI Capitol News Illinois jnowicki@capitolnewsillinois.com Nine months after cash bail ended in Illinois, the state is taking its first steps in publishing the data that crafters of the bail reform law saw as essential to judging its effectiveness. The data shows that judges in the 75 counties served by the Illinois Supreme Court’s…
![ILLINOIS LAWMAKERS: Pritzker keeps economic development at forefront in exclusive interview ILLINOIS LAWMAKERS: Pritzker keeps economic development at forefront in exclusive interview](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ILLINOIS-LAWMAKERS-PRITZKER-opt1-JMjS50-1024x753.jpeg)
ILLINOIS LAWMAKERS: Pritzker keeps economic development at forefront in exclusive interview
By JERRY NOWICKI Capitol News Illinois jnowicki@capitolnewsillinois.com With fiscal year 2025 slated to begin Monday, Gov. JB Pritzker continues to tout available state tax incentives and promote Illinois as a site for business development. On the season finale of “Illinois Lawmakers” this week, Pritzker pointed to a pair of developments in East Alton and Normal…
![Pritzker calls SCOTUS emergency abortion ruling ‘small respite’ as state protections await his signature Pritzker calls SCOTUS emergency abortion ruling ‘small respite’ as state protections await his signature](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/240627-AVELAR-AA1-MkHa17-1024x682.jpeg)
Pritzker calls SCOTUS emergency abortion ruling ‘small respite’ as state protections await his signature
By ANDREW ADAMS Capitol News Illinois aadams@capitolnewsillinois.com Abortion remains legal as an emergency medical procedure in Idaho, for now, after a Thursday U.S. Supreme Court ruling, while a bill that would cement those protections in Illinois law awaits Gov. JB Pritzker’s signature. The 6-3 decision saw the three liberal justices concur with the order. Three…
![‘We don’t really know what we’re voting on,’ top Dem says of Pritzker’s prison plan ‘We don’t really know what we’re voting on,’ top Dem says of Pritzker’s prison plan](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/240614-Logan-Prison-yard-signs-DoZFBM-1024x768.jpeg)
‘We don’t really know what we’re voting on,’ top Dem says of Pritzker’s prison plan
By HANNAH MEISEL Capitol News Illinois hmeisel@capitolnewsillinois.com LINCOLN – On the eve of a scheduled vote to advise Gov. JB Pritzker’s administration on plans to close and rebuild a pair of dilapidated state prisons, hundreds filed into a junior high school gymnasium Thursday evening clad in matching green T-shirts. Printed on the shirts was a…
![SCOTUS ruling could upend federal corruption cases for Madigan, allies SCOTUS ruling could upend federal corruption cases for Madigan, allies](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/240103-MADIGAN-ALT-AA-Rcr9BK-1024x683.jpeg)
SCOTUS ruling could upend federal corruption cases for Madigan, allies
By HANNAH MEISEL Capitol News Illinois hmeisel@capitolnewsillinois.com The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday narrowed the scope of a federal bribery law prosecutors have relied on in their cases against former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and several of his allies convicted of bribing him. A jury last spring found those allies – former lobbyists and…
![Quantum technology companies set for big tax incentives under new law Quantum technology companies set for big tax incentives under new law](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/240626-PRITZKER-AA-1ErpEg-1024x682.jpeg)
Quantum technology companies set for big tax incentives under new law
By ANDREW ADAMS Capitol News Illinois aadams@capitolnewsillinois.com CHICAGO – Gov. JB Pritzker on Wednesday gave final approval to a plan to bolster the state’s tech industry, including an incentives package – backed by $500 million in the state budget – aimed at making Illinois the nation’s leader in quantum computing. The package also expands tax…
![Illinois child tax credit: who gets it, how much is it? Illinois child tax credit: who gets it, how much is it?](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ctc-calcArtboard-1-4x-1001-t2mth2-1024x682.jpeg)
Illinois child tax credit: who gets it, how much is it?
By ANDREW ADAMS Capitol News Illinois aadams@capitolnewsillinois.com In the final hours of their spring legislative session, Illinois lawmakers approved a tax credit of up to about $300 for families with young children. The credit is available to Illinoisans with children under age 12 who qualify for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, or EITC. Although…
![Illinois’ ban on ‘bump stocks’ remains in place despite U.S. Supreme Court decision Illinois’ ban on ‘bump stocks’ remains in place despite U.S. Supreme Court decision](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/240614-PRITZKER-AA1-ViOzVJ-1024x682.jpeg)
Illinois’ ban on ‘bump stocks’ remains in place despite U.S. Supreme Court decision
By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – An Illinois law banning the sale and use of “bump stocks” and other devices that increase the firing power of semiautomatic weapons remains in place, at least for now, despite a U.S. Supreme Court decision Friday striking down a federal ban on such items. “Illinois law…
![Another Choate Mental Health Center employee indicted for abuse of resident Another Choate Mental Health Center employee indicted for abuse of resident](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/240610-CHOATE-CHARGE-OPT1-FB1xpE-1024x503.jpeg)
Another Choate Mental Health Center employee indicted for abuse of resident
By BETH HUNDSDORFER Capitol News Illinois bhundsdorfer@capitolnewsillinois.com Another caregiver at Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center in Anna is facing charges for abusing a patient. A grand jury indicted Joseph A. Clark, 24, of Grand Chain, on a felony charge of aggravated battery and a misdemeanor charge of battery. Clark pinned a Choate resident to…
![State highway shootings decline as critics sue over ‘dragnet surveillance’ State highway shootings decline as critics sue over ‘dragnet surveillance’](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/FLASHING-LIGHTS-SQUAD-POLICE-00971-ilpWzw-1024x682.jpeg)
State highway shootings decline as critics sue over ‘dragnet surveillance’
By JERRY NOWICKI Capitol News Illinois jnowicki@capitolnewsillinois.com Illinois State Police say an automated license plate reader program has helped the agency identify witnesses or suspects in 82 percent of highway shooting cases this year, including all eight that resulted in a death. But as the state looks to further expand its network of more than…