Joan Hadac
Time for Grandma to smile again
By Joan Hadac
Your correspondent in Clearing and Garfield Ridge
(708) 496-0265 • joan.hadac@gmail.com
As sad as my columns were for the last two weeks (if you missed them, they’re posted at southwestregionalpublishing.com), it’s that much of a relief to write about something joyful.
Something wonderful is happening to me next week. My grandsons are coming to town!
This is the one “vacation” I look forward to all year long. Since my older daughter, son-in-law and their four boys live out of state, I only see them in person once, maybe twice a year.
The rest of the time it’s over Facebook, but that’s not the same. Hugging a computer screen is not the same as hugging the kids in person. (I don’t hug the screen, but I’m tempted.) I want to hug the stuffing out of them, but the boys get a look on their face like, “OK, Grandma, that’s enough for now.”
My four grandsons are 7, 4, 3 and 11 months. The three youngest are having birthdays soon. I can only wish them happy birthday electronically and get a little depressed. I miss them when they are not here, but I try to be a part of their lives. That’s why when they are here, we have a schedule of things to do—yes, a schedule. There’s so much to do in the neighborhood, city and wider area. We want them to experience Chicago.
Timing is a dance when they visit, because Grandma and Grandpa want to take them here, there and everywhere. We also want to give my daughter and her husband time to visit friends and family in the area. I hand over my car keys (I have a minivan that holds four car seats and two adults) and let them meander at will.
So, if you don’t hear from me next week, don’t be alarmed. I’m with my grandsons and watching them have the time of their lives. If your grandkids live far away, you know exactly what I’m talking about. If you have the luxury of having your grandchildren nearby, please feel fortunate and give them an extra hug.
Gospel good news
It’s always a good day when I hear from Pastor Julio Pena over at Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church, 5550 S. Merrimac.
Pastor Julio tells me that a community prayer vigil is held at the church at 7 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month. People of all faiths are welcome to the prayer vigil, and you do not have to a member of or attend Good Shepherd.
Prayers center on the church, community, families, youth, children, world issues and our own private prayers.
School age-children can spend time Walking with Jesus during Good Shepherd’s Vacation Bible School, happening from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, Aug. 8 through Aug. 12. The week-long event will feature games, arts and crafts, music, Bible study and a simple meal each night. Registration is required for each participant and parents who would like to volunteer are welcome.
There are more Good Shepherd community events coming your way starting in September, such as The Spirit of Love Community Youth Group, an open house with a chance to tour the church and meet with Pastor Julio, the church becoming a safe haven for those who need it and a mental health program. I’ll give you details in the following weeks.
To register for programs or for more information, call Good Shepherd at (773) 585-1094 or email gspc5550@aol.com.
Here’s a gentle reminder that we have our very own farmers market sponsored by the Garfield Ridge Chamber of Commerce. It happens every Wednesday from 3 to 7 p.m. in the parking lot of Mayfield Banquets, 6072 S. Archer. See what food and other goodies are available. Thanks to the chamber for sponsoring this event.
As always, I invite you to send me your news, whether it be a birthday, anniversary, graduation, birth of a child or grandchild, a wedding or anything important to you and your family.
Until next week, take care.
Local News
Challenging minds, changing lives
Spread the loveGebel 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…
Gratitude is not just on Thanksgiving
Spread the loveBy 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…
Biz leaders back to serve seniors
Spread the loveOffering 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…
Santa stops by St. Symphorosa
Spread the love Santa Claus himself was a guest of honor at an open house held earlier this month at St. Symphorosa School. In addition to meeting the Jolly Old Elf, boys and girls at the event made Christmas ornaments and enjoyed holiday-themed treats. Parents of prospective students toured the school. Parents who missed the…
Boys Hoops: St. Rita hands Brother Rice first loss
Spread the loveBy Steve Millar Correspondent St. Rita came into this season with plenty of hype, boasting a stacked roster led by the top three junior recruits in the state. Three early losses may have left some people questioning whether the Mustangs are legit, but junior forward Morez Johnson said he and his teammates are…
Crime fighter to lead Garfield Ridge Civic
Spread the loveHuff is interim president By Tim Hadac A civic leader with a familiar name is the new interim president of the Garfield Ridge Civic League. Jason Huff, best known in recent years as president of the Scottsdale Neighborhood Watch, is filling a vacancy created by the sudden death of GRCL President Richard Techman.…
Pappas criticizes ‘inequities’ in tax system
Spread the loveFrom staff reports As property tax bills land in Cook County mailboxes over the coming days, businesses and homeowners will likely find higher bills with some gentrifying Latino neighborhoods in Chicago seeing increases of nearly 46%, according to an analysis of 1.8 million tax bills, conducting by the office of Cook County Treasurer…
Kaegi touts new tax tool
Spread the loveFrom staff reports More than $180 billion in property taxes collected from every property in Cook County – from Ford Heights to Chicago to Winnetka – can now be analyzed with software code created by the Cook County Assessor’s Office. The Property Tax Simulator, or PTAXSIM, is a software code package implemented in…
Dems amend SAFE-T Act to address cash bail
Spread the loveSW Side voters rip GOP for ‘fear mongering’ By Jerry Nowicki Capitol News Illinois and Tim Hadac Lawmakers last week passed a long-awaited amendment to the SAFE-T Act criminal justice reform’s provisions that will eliminate cash bail when the calendar hits 2023. The measure expands the list of crimes for which a judge…
Neighbors
House GOP advances 2 human trafficking victim protection bills as others remain in limbo
By COLE LONGCOR Capitol News Illinois clongcor@capitolnewsillinois.com After Illinois received another failing grade from a national advocacy group, state House Republicans have introduced legislation aimed at further protecting victims and prosecuting perpetrators of human trafficking. Shared Hope International, an advocacy organization that works to prevent sex trafficking, said in its 2023 Illinois report card that…
Remembering Lee Milner
NEWS TEAM Capitol News Illinois news@capitolnewsillinois.com On Wednesday, April 17, the Springfield, Illinois Capitol and journalism communities lost a devoted friend and advocate when Lee Milner passed away. As Dean Olsen wrote in his piece in the Illinois Times earlier this month, “Readers of Illinois Times often have seen Milner’s work as a freelance photojournalist. But…
Former state trooper who caused fatal crash halts effort to get driving privileges restored
By BETH HUNDSDORFER Capitol News Illinois bhundsdorfer@capitolnewsillinois.com The former Illinois State Trooper who pleaded guilty to vehicular manslaughter of two sisters in 2007 has abandoned his efforts to have a hearing into the restoration of his driving privileges – for now. Matt Mitchell, 45, requested at least two delays in the hearing after he failed…
Flooding is Illinois’ Most Threatening Natural Disaster. Are We Prepared?
by Meredith Newman, Illinois Answers Project April 16, 2024 This story was originally published by the Illinois Answers Project. The electricity in Mary Buchanan’s home in West Garfield Park was not working – again. The outage lasted four days, starting just after a crew dug up her front lawn to install a check valve in…
Lawmakers pitch sweeping changes to energy industry and Chicagoland transit system
By ANDREW ADAMS Capitol News Illinois aadams@capitolnewsillinois.com A group of lawmakers and influential environmental advocates are calling for broad changes to the state’s energy industry and a massive increase in state oversight of Chicagoland’s transit system – which faces a projected $730 million budget shortfall. Advocates for the policy platform, which is broken up into…
Democrats flex muscle to kick off final month of session as revenues remain on track
By JERRY NOWICKI Capitol News Illinois jnowicki@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – With about three weeks to go before the Illinois General Assembly is scheduled to adjourn its spring legislative session, supermajority Democrats showed their strength this week as fiscal forecasters noted state revenues remain on track. April is typically a make-or-break month for state coffers, as income…
Former state trooper who caused fatal crash halts effort to get driving privileges restored
By BETH HUNDSDORFER Capitol News Illinois bhundsdorfer@capitolnewsillinois.com The former Illinois State Trooper who pleaded guilty to vehicular manslaughter of two sisters in 2007 has abandoned his efforts to have a hearing into the restoration of his driving privileges – for now. Matt Mitchell, 45, requested at least two delays in the hearing after he failed…
Capitol Briefs: Senate advances elections bill, measure targeting ‘predatory’ lending
By PETER HANCOCK & HANNAH MEISEL Capitol News Illinois news@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – A bill that would put more controls on certain kinds of high-cost loans to small businesses cleared the Illinois Senate Thursday. Senate Bill 2234, known as the Small Business Financial Transparency Act, targets a relatively new kind of nontraditional lender in the credit…
Law enforcement community honors fallen officers at Illinois Capitol
By COLE LONGCOR Capitol News Illinois clongcor@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – Six fallen police officers were honored at an annual memorial service outside the State Capitol Thursday. The Illinois Police Officers Memorial occurs annually on the first Thursday of May to honor officers who died in the line of duty and to support their families. “No one…
Democrats muscle through changes to ballot access, advisory questions
By JERRY NOWICKI HANNAH MEISEL & PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois news@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – Supermajority Democrats in the Illinois House moved quickly Wednesday to push through a change to state election laws that partially limits ballot access and adds three nonbinding referendums to the 2024 general election ballot. It’s a move that caused minority party…