Preserve the park, preserve the planet

By Kathy Headley

Your correspondent in Chicago Lawn and Marquette Manor

6610 S. Francisco • (773) 776-7778

Last week we talked a bit about Earth Day plans in Chicago Lawn and Marquette Manor. Today let’s add another. This time it’s an opportunity to beautify the centerpiece of our neighborhoods: Marquette Park.

For more than 30 years, Friends of the Parks has been coordinating annual Earth Day spruce-ups, and this year is no different. In partnership with the Chicago Park District and Forest Preserves of Cook County, Friends of the Parks will provide the supplies needed for volunteers. All ages are welcome to join from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 23. Register to help rid the park of winter’s debris at fotp.org/earth-day.htm. Contact Site Captain Sandra Castillo at sca652@yahoo.com with any questions.

I really like this year’s theme: Invest in our Parks, Preserves, Planet; along with the slogan “Go all in to ensure a prosperous and sustainable future for our parks.”

Kathy Headley

Alicia Espinosa from the Greater Southwest Development Corp is still collecting bottle caps for the planned mural at 63^rd and Kedzie. Bottle caps of all kinds, as long as they are round and made from plastic, are needed. Caps can be dropped off at GSDC, 2601 W. 63^rd St., from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. If you have questions call Alicia at (773) 436-1000.

Also in connection with Earth Day, St. Rita of Cascia Parish and St. Clare Chapel are still pursuing their goal of planting as many trees as possible in the neighborhood. You can request a tree to be planted in front of your house as long as you promise to keep it watered and live within the parish boundaries of Western to Kedzie, 55^th to 67^th Streets. If you would like to find out more or if you’d like to sponsor a tree, call the parish office at (773) 434-9600.

For the last several years, with the exception of the pandemic years, St. Rita Parish has offered couples that were married civilly or are living in a free union, the opportunity to be a part of a community wedding and have their union be blessed in the Catholic Church. The parish is offering formation and preparation for this year’s event, which will take place on Saturday, Oct. 8. The last day to register is Tuesday, May 3. To register or get more information, stop by the parish office at 6243 S. Fairfield or call (773) 434-9600.

Does your child have a hobby they would like to turn into a business? Jeanette Arteaga is holding a “kidpreneur” pop-up at the Monarca Event Room, 3300 W. 63^rd St. This fun event will feature food, raffles, music and more. It is coming up on from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 6. To register your child, go to forms.gle/zkcZusxHwKshwURN8.

Remember, the Chicago Lawn Branch Library, 6120 S. Kedzie, offers Yoga in the Library on Saturdays from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Stretch, meditate and relax. Classes are provided by Esperanza Health Center and are great for beginners. Registration is required. Call (312) 747-0639.

Also please note the library will be closed this Sunday, April 17.

Before we return to 1992, let’s make note of the fact that the Chicago White Sox home opener was this week. I mention that because 30 years ago, a couple of our local high schools were continuing a nine-year tradition of walking to Comiskey Park. Sound familiar to anyone?

St. Rita students were once again participating in a pledge drive which culminated every year with the students walking to the home opener. To be eligible to walk, students had to raise at least $50 in pledges. Proceeds helped to keep down tuition. The first 700 turning in their pledges received free tickets to the game, and the top two sellers received free limousine service to their prom. Joining the Ritamen this year were students from both Maria and Lourdes High Schools.

Last week when we visited 1992, we were stopping at a popular local restaurant that was celebrating its sixth anniversary. Miami Joe was the first to recognize T. J. Michaels at 5931 S. Kedzie. He tells us he ate there quite often. Let’s take a look at one of their breakfast specials: three eggs, sausage, hash browns and toast for $1.99!

Now, speaking of specials 30 years ago, and being that we must prepare for Easter dinner, let’s choose a place to go out so Mom doesn’t have to cook. Two special ads caught my attention. One was giving away free chocolate Easter rabbits to every child with their Easter dinner. It was then located at 3300 W. 55^th St. The other was offering a special Easter Brunch for just $6.95 a person and was at 3321 W. Columbus. What do you think? Can you guess where we might go?

Welcome back to Miami Joe, who has just returned from a visit to his son in Florida.

A very happy Easter to all of you.