‘Safety zones’ pop up on 63rd Street

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By Kathy Headley

Your correspondent in Chicago Lawn and Marquette Manor

6610 S. Francisco • (773) 776-7778

If you have driven down 63^rd Street between California and Kedzie in the past week, you definitely noticed work crews digging midway between the north and south sides of the street, near each corner. The Department of Transportation is installing pedestrian refuge islands at the following intersections on 63^rd: Albany, Whipple, Sacramento, Richmond, Francisco and Mozart.

While I was hoping for something a little more environmentally friendly that would also serve to beautify the spots–like maybe including a tree and perennials perhaps–the raised concrete islands will serve the purpose intended. I must say I have noticed that with less cars parking on 63^rd since the new meters that only take credit cards were installed, 63^rd Street does seem a lot wider when you are trying to cross on foot. And it’s not like every car slows down when they spot a pedestrian, right? So it will be nice to have a spot in the middle that serves as a safety zone.

Kathy Headley

Even though the temperatures have dropped a bit, meteorologists tell us not to count on the 90-degree days leaving for the year. So, remember, the Chicago Park District is leaving the sprinkler at Marquette Park on for families through Sept. 30.

If you know of anyone with a preschool-age child looking for a class in which to enroll, Talman Elementary School, 2629 W. 55^th St. (in the former St. Clare of Montefalco School building) has spaces available as of this writing. For more information, call (773) 535-7850.

The annual Our Lady of Siluva novena at Nativity BVM Parish ends this Sunday, Sept. 17 when the parish will celebrate their 96^th anniversary. All parishioners, former parishioners and friends of Nativity are invited to attend the 11 a.m. Mass, which will be celebrated by Rev. Gintaras Jonikas. For more information call the parish office at (773) 776-4600.

This Sunday, Sept. 17, Community Cinema brings the 2023 MGM film Creed III to the Chicago Lawn Branch Library, 6120 S. Kedzie, beginning at 2 p.m.

In celebration of the Chicago Public Library’s 150^th birthday, the Chicago Lawn Historical Society has been featuring different eras of our local branch in story and photos in the CLHS glass case located in the Adult Reading Room. Last month it featured the library’s former location at 62^nd and Kedzie, and this month it’s the opening of the current location in 1960. The display features a few events in years past taking place here. By chance were you there for a pumpkin carving event? Maybe your picture is in there.

Seniors, mark your calendars for next Friday, Sept. 22, when the Southwest Regional Senior Center, 6117 S. Kedzie, holds its annual Health Fair and Vaccination Clinic from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lots of vendors will be on hand and Jewel Osco will be providing flu, COVID, pneumonia and RSV vaccine shots. Bring your insurance card. And there’s a chance to get a coupon for 10% off your next grocery purchase up to $200. For more information on the fair, contact the Center at (312) 747-0440.

Next Friday evening, Sept. 22, the St. Rita Mustangs will take on Marmion Academy for their homecoming game at St. Rita High School, 7740 S. Western. All St. Rita families, friends and alumni are invited to come celebrate beginning with the pregame tailgate party on the patio from 6 to 7 p.m.

The following Monday, Sept. 25, is the 4th Annual St Rita Memorial Classic Golf Outing at Ridge Country Club, 10522 S. California. Registration and breakfast begin at 8:30 a.m. The event honors the lives of Ritamen who have passed away and supports the school’s tuition assistance program. Register at stritahs.com/alumni-events/4th-annual-memorial-classic-golf-outing.

Now back to 1981. When we left last week, we were venturing a bit north to 47^th and Kedzie because a new grocery store was holding a grand opening in what would be Kedzie Plaza. The site formerly housed the abandoned Milano Furniture Building. Next would be the acquisition of the Jakter Hotel, east of Kedzie.

This gala event sounded like it was going to be a big deal with plenty of giveaways and special sales. Then-Mayor Jane Byrne was going to cut the ribbon at the grand opening ceremony. Other stores bearing the same name as this one were in the area and throughout Chicagoland. They would all later close their doors as the company went out of business. So what was the name of the store we were headed to? John B. was the first to recognize Dominick’s Finer Foods as the new grocery store attracting all the attention.

Now let’s zip back to the home front for another grand opening. This restaurant promised to serve the finest Lithuanian-American Cuisine. They’d be open for lunch and dinner six days a week, closed on Mondays. The address was 2656 W. 71^st St. And during the grand opening celebration in 1981, we’d be enjoying free coffee and cake with our meal. So, 42 years ago, where were we planning on going for dinner?