Mary Stanek

Mary Stanek

Thanksgiving is coming, already?

By Mary Stanek

Your correspondent in Archer Heights and West Elsdon

3808 W. 57th Place •  (773) 284-7394

I can’t believe I am already wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. I still love a quote from Kevin James: “Thanksgiving man, not a good day to be my pants.”

It was great that Halloween was a mild, nice day. Our afternoon started off quite well. While sitting on the porch, we were able to watch the children from Peck Elementary School parade around the block in their costumes. The costumes were quite nice and even the teachers dressed for the occasion. Trick-or-treating was a hit, too, with respectful families visiting. All my candy went.

MaryStanek 1

Mary Stanek

Sorry I missed you all last week, but I had a small situation that needed a little resolving. It also needed help from my favorite 8th District, beat 822. Please…nothing to be alarmed about at all, but I would like to thank CPD Officer Guerrero for coming out, on his own with no partner. The wait time took a bit, but no complaints from me.

Per the Archer Heights Civic Association newsletter, calling 911 does help. They list some instances were calls made really helped. Examples included eliminating prostitution along some parts of Cicero Avenue and the recent rash of “drifting” (or cars doing donuts), causing extensive damage to pavement and threatening lives. To quote AHCA President Thomas S. Baliga, “Coming together, being persistent and working with the police can bring about positive results for Archer Heights.”

There has been some talk of a cannabis dispensary opening on the 5200 block of South Pulaski, the old bank building. If you have concerns about this type of business opening in West Elsdon, a petition can be signed. For more information, please call 23rd Ward Ald. Silvana Tabares’ office at (773) 582-4444.

I haven’t written about the Archer Heights Branch Library in some time. But I recently heard there will be some winter programs of interest. One is on short notice: “A Beaded Snowflake” craft night for adults, this Monday, Nov. 21 from 6 to 7 p.m. All material will be provided to make the snowflakes.

A CircEsteem workshop will be held on Dec. 3 from 2-3 p.m. for children ages 6 to 16. Two performing artists will be on hand to teach all about the circus arts. Please visit the library or chipublib.org for more information.

Mark your calendars for Dec. 18 because something is happening at Sts. Bruno and Richard School. All I know is that Santa is coming and more details will be revealed soon.

The evening of Dec. 18 also marks the beginning of the Jewish festival Hannukkah. Hanukkah is the winter “festival of lights,” celebrated by nightly candle lighting, special blessings and eating tasty foods.

Local News

Chicago Christian football players celebrate the school's first state championship in a boys sport after defeating Maroa-Forsyth 47-0 on Nov. 29. Photo by Tim Cronin

Kenny Jager, Christian Flutman lead Chicago Christian to Class 2A state title

NORMAL – They’ve been playing football at Chicago Christian since 1968, when the Knights, long a basketball power, kicked off with a sophomore team. The varsity squad began in 1969. The IHSA began the state football playoffs five years later. For a long time, Chicago Christian and football championship games were mutually exclusive concepts. Friday,…

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Southwest Regional Publishing basketball roundup, Nov. 27

Boys Benet 66, De La Salle 47: Charles Barnes had 19 points for the host Meteors (2-1) in the pool-play loss at the De La Salle-St. Ignatius Tournament. De La Salle will play for third place at home at 2:30 p.m. Saturday. Brother Rice 79, Zion-Benton 25: Jack Weigus’ 18 points led the two-time defending…

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Southwest Regional Publishing basketball roundup, Nov. 26

Boys Argo 54, Stagg 50: Kassam Saleh scored 16 points and Syncere Westbrook had 15 as the Argonauts (2-0) edged the host Chargers (0-2) at the McBride Classic. Domas Narcevicius scored a game-high 18 for Stagg. De La Salle 68, King 48: Charles Barnes scored 19 points to help the Meteors move to 2-0 overall…

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Southwest Regional Publishing basketball roundup, Nov. 22-25

Nov. 25 Boys Argo 67, Nazareth 64: Kassam Saleh had a game-high 22 points and Darron Greer Jr. added 15 as the Argonauts edged the Roadrunners in the McBride Classic at Stagg. Matthew Callahan’s 1 points led Nazareth. Brother Rice 67, Thornwood 45: Marcos Gonzales scored a game-high 18 points as the Crusaders opened play…

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Manga artist Sanzaki Kojika to headline Orland Park Library Fan Fest

As an illustrator and writer specializing in manga-style art, Sanzaki Kojika immerses readers in worlds of fantasy and folklore. Her work spans both digital and traditional mediums, with several graphic novels and novels to her credit. This July, Kojika’s longest-running series, Zos Kias, marked its 18th anniversary. She has also contributed to Antarctic Press with…

Kindergarteners and first graders at Lyle Elementary School, 7801 W. 75th St., Bridgeview, voiced their opinions on how long it takes to cook Thanksgiving dinner. (From L to R: Melanie Sanchez, 5, of Bridgeview; Kyren Ponce, 5, of Bridgeview; McKinley Nelson, 6, of Justice; Isaac Yangas, 6, of Bridgeview; Sol Sierra, 6, of Bridgeview; Jaxxon Lamer, 5, of Bridgeview). (Photo by Kelly White)

Five minutes to prepare a feast? School kids serve up Turkey Day hot takes

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and food. But how long does it really take to prepare the iconic meal?  Folks actually responsible for preparing the most American of American meals might factor into calculations the time it takes to go grocery shopping, defrost a 20-pound bird, fix the sweet potatoes just right, bake…

Mount Carmel quarterback Jack Elliott looks for a receiver during a 43-24 Class 7A quarterfinal win over St. Rita on Nov. 23. Photo by Jerrold D. Berry | Alpha Photography

Jack Elliott throws five TD passes as Mount Carmel rolls past St. Rita

It wasn’t that Mount Carmel defeated St. Rita in the Class 7A state semifinal between the two teams that was so surprising. After all, in nine postseason meetings, the Caravan have won eight times. Rather, it’s the dominant way in which Mount Carmel won that was striking. St. Rita – which shut out Quincy in…

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Mike Walsh’s Football Top 10, Week 14

1. MOUNT CARMEL (10-3) Last week: 7A, Beat St. Rita 43-24 This week: vs. Batavia Comment: Mount Carmel defeated Batavia in the state title game in 2022 and the semifinals last season. Caravan looking for 16th state championship. 2. ST. RITA (10-3) Last week: 7A, Lost to Mount Carmel 43-24 This week: Season over Comment: In nine playoff matchups all-time,…

YSV Candles and Gifts, a full-service store, also offers gift baskets, said owner Mildred Rivera. (Photos by Robin Sluzas)

In the holiday spirit, YSV Candles and Gifts nurtures creativity, connection in Garfield Ridge

Mildred Rivera, owner of YSV Candles and Gifts, is more than a businesswoman. She’s a candlemaker and community advocate whose Garfield Ridge store is a hub for artisan wares and creative workshops.  Located at 6623 W. Archer Ave., YSV Candles and Gifts offers handmade candles, natural cosmetics, and unique artisan creations from 20 local makers.…

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Southwest Regional Publishing basketball roundup, Nov. 18

Girls Kelly 43, Schurz 40: Amaranth Rincon scored 12 points and Sasha Arriega-Morales added 10 to help the Trojans win their season opener. Morton 36, Reavis 35: The Mustangs edged the Rams in the opener for both teams. Richards 56, Eisenhower 39: Kelly Moore scored 17 points to lead the Bulldogs past the Cardinals in…

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