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 quite a price for their dedication: becoming infected, suffering through COVID-19 and even dying.

But in 2023, those banners are often gone or at least faded quite a bit.

Today I’d like to freshen up that banner, in a manner of speaking, and say a few words of thanks to the nurses and others who have cared for my husband since he was rushed to MacNeal Hospital on Dec. 31, and later transferred to Loyola University Medical Center (both hospitals are part of the same system).

Tim is an extremely private man, so he’s not the type to tell of his troubles or even have me tell of them, especially in a public forum like this. But I need to say this word of thanks, so I’ll just say he suffered an extremely painful and debilitating injury, was hospitalized for 15 days (entirely off his feet) and then was transferred to a rehabilitation center, where he is building strength and basically learning to walk again.

All the while and almost without exception, the nurses and assistants have delivered healing care, with good cheer. Truly, they breathed life into the Loyola University Health System motto: We also treat the human spirit.

So thank you. I’ll never forget how, in some ways, you gave me back my husband, the love of my life.

Whether during a pandemic or not, health care workers routinely save lives and make the world a better place. –Supplied photo

Mark your calendar

• The Garfield Ridge Civic League’s next public meeting is set for 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 28 at Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church, 5550 S. Merrimac.

A word of praise to GRCL President Jason Huff for scheduling an event that’s something other than the usual weeknight meeting. This will expand the opportunities for folks with different schedules to attend. All are invited. Scheduled guest speaker is from the Chicago Department of Water Management.

A strong, independent, non-partisan civic association is an important part of any good city neighborhood or suburban town, and the GRCL has served in that capacity since 1939. So please consider stopping by.

• Bingo is back from its holiday break at the Rhine VFW Post 2729, 5858 S. Archer. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Thursdays, with games starting at 6:45. Volunteers are always welcome to stop by help the games run smoothly. For details, call the post at (773) 284-9025.
• Next week will be busy at the Garfield Ridge Satellite Senior Center, 5674-B S. Archer (immediately west of Archer and Laramie). Here are just a few highlights:

A “cardio chair exercise” class is set for 9 to 9:45 a.m. Monday, Jan. 23. A $1 donation is requested to join this class. At 10 a.m., a dietitian from the White Crane Wellness Center will be on hand to discuss healthier eating.

Joan Hadac

Cards and games will be played and 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24. Bingo will be played at 1:30 p.m.

Cardio chair exercise returns from 9 to 9:45 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25.

A nurse from White Crane will be on hand from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26, to offer blood pressure screenings and individual consultations. An exercise class for those with arthritis is set for 1 to 2 p.m.

Bingo is set for 9:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 27. The 2022 comedy “Father of the Bride” will be shown at 1 p.m. With a run time of 1 hour, 35 minutes, the film stars Andy Garcia and Gloria Estefan.

For details on the center, it events and services, call (312) 745-4255.

• If you like to have a good laugh, mark your calendar for Friday, Feb. 10. The Midway Chamber is hosting its Valentine’s Comedy Jam at Magoo’s Bar & Grille, 6550 S. Menard, Bedford Park. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. and is set to run three hours, with some great stand-up comics and a cash bar.

Tickets are $35 in advance, $40 at the door (but this may sell out in ahead of time). VIP tables of 10 are available for $300. For details, visit midwaychamber.org.

• The St. Symphorosa School Advisory Board asks that you save March 18 on your calendar for their Casino Night. Sounds like fun.

That’s all for now. Patti Tyznik will write this column next week, as she does at the end of each month. As always and like you, I look forward to reading what she writes.