Peggy Zabicki

Peggy Zabicki

There’s lots to be thankful for

.

By Peggy Zabicki

Your correspondent in West Lawn

3633 W. 60th Place •  (773) 504-9327

.

Happy Thanksgiving. I’m thankful for the food I eat. I’m thankful for the food shared with me and the food I share with others. I’m thankful I do not have to go to bed hungry.

I’m thankful that the West Lawn neighborhood still has the Love Fridge (also known as Stuffed Love), which continues to provide free food for all who need it. It is located at 6601 S. Pulaski and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Thank you to all who donate food anonymously, quietly and humbly. Your kindness is truly appreciated by all who visit. Leave what you can. Take what you need.

PeggyZabicki

Peggy Zabicki

The Marquette Bank branch at 6155 S. Pulaski will be collecting new, unwrapped toys to be distributed to local children for Christmas. Their donation bin will be set up on Nov. 27 in the bank lobby. Donation suggestions are board games, craft kits, footballs, basketballs, dolls and stuffed animals.

Chicago Lawn (8th) District Police are also collecting new toys. They will be accepting donations until Friday, Dec. 1 at the station, 3420 W. 63rd St. For more information, call Officer Jim McAndrews at (312) 747-8227.

Los Youth Center, 3919 W. 63rd St., is hosting a Breakfast With Santa event on Saturday, Dec. 16 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pancakes and sausages will be served and photos with Santa are included in the price of $5 per person. RSVP in advance by calling (773) 424-5294 or email them at losyouthcenteryc@gmail.com.

Midway Airport currently has job opportunities in concessions. For more information, stop by their Human Resources Department–located at pre-security, which is across from baggage claim number 6. You can also visit their website at midwaypartnership.com/jobs.

I recently got some very nice phone calls from readers of my column who asked about the drum circle event now taking place once a week at the Southwest Regional Senior Center, 6117 S. Kedzie. My hubby, Roman, continues to lead seniors through a fun percussion journey every Tuesday. The time has been changed to noon. All seniors are invited.

One reader asked if Roman could visit the Garfield Ridge Satellite Senior Center or perhaps the Archer Heights Branch Library and lead a drum circle. As of this writing, Roman can’t fit another event in his schedule. Perhaps he can do some “one time only” drum events in the future. Right now he plays in a band and has a lot of gigs and rehearsals. In addition, he participates in an open jam every Monday night at Clancy’s Pub, 5763 W. 95th St., Oak Lawn. I know this is a bit far from West Lawn, but you should visit. Have a drink and enjoy listening to some of the finest musicians around. Maybe I’ll see you there.

My condolences to the family of Thomas Fitzgerald, who passed away on Nov. 14. He was a long-time resident of West Lawn, manager of the Archer & Central Coin Laundry and very active in our community.

I Corinthians 13:4 states that love is patient and kind. Thomas was certainly all that. He was helpful and cheerful and always had a kind word. From the minute you met Tommy, you were his friend. All of his friends became members of his family. So I extend my deepest sympathy to his entire family. Tom made a difference in the lives of so many. May the Lord hold you in the palm of His hand.

Local News

Mount Carmel was named the No. 1 football program in the IHSA over the 50 years the sport has had a state series. Photo by Jeff Vorva

Mount Carmel named top football program in IHSA since 1974

Mount Carmel’s football team edged out Joliet Catholic for the No. 1 spot in the Illinois High School Association’s top 50 teams in the first 50 years the organization sponsored state championships in the sport. Before the poll was released, the Caravan and Joliet Catholic had each won 15 state championships. After the poll was…

Andrew Bowman and Sydney Devore-Bowman show off the frozen turkeys they won for finishing first in their respective divisions at the Orland Park Turkey Trot. Photo by Jeff Vorva

Running couple races to victories at Orland Park Turkey Trot

The husband-and-wife team of Andrew Bowman and Sydney Devore-Bowman won their first race together at the Detroit Free Press Marathon in October. “Before that, it never happened,” Bowman said. “We both won the marathon in Pittsburgh, but in different years.” They enjoyed winning together so much, they did it again. The Ferndale, Mich., couple won…

Mount Carmel quarterback Jack Elliott runs against Batavia during the Class 7A championship game on Nov. 30. Photo by Jeff Vorva

Jack Elliott’s seven touchdowns help Mount Carmel win 16th state title

NORMAL — Mount Carmel has won state titles in several different decades under several different coaches and running several different offenses. But maybe never have the Caravan won a championship quite like this, overcoming so many hurdles. “The big challenge for us (is) no Mount Carmel team has won state (after) losing three games,” coach…

Nazareth football players hoist the six state championship in school history Saturday in Normal. Photo by Jeff Vorva

Logan Malachuk, Nazareth win third straight Class 5A state title

NORMAL — When the pandemic came, the players left Nazareth. With no prep football in Illinois in fall 2020 because of COVID, star quarterback JJ McCarthy transferred to national power IMG Academy in Florida. Other players moved elsewhere, including Iowa and Indiana, in order to continue their careers. When the football calendar returned to normal…

Brother Rice graduate and Kansas City Royals second baseman Michael Massey (right) chats with then-Crusaders athletic director Michael Fahey at a basketball game in January. Photo by Xavier Sanchez

Life is good for Kansas City Royals mainstay Michael Massey

It’s been a busy and happy couple of months for Michael Massey. In the span of a few weeks, the Brother Rice graduate and Kansas City Royals second baseman had a successful postseason debut, came home to help his brother, Evergreen Park coach Andrew Massey, with a youth camp and married his fiancee, Jane. Just…

As part of the 50th anniversary of IHSA girls volleyball, Mother McAuley has been named the state’s top program. Photo by Jeff Vorva

Area roundup: Mother McAuley named No. 1 in IHSA volleyball

To almost no one’s surprise, Mother McAuley was named as the state’s top girls volleyball program in the first 50 years the Illinois High School Association sponsored the sport.  The IHSA compiled the list and for McAuley, the numbers have been staggering: 26 state trophies, including 17 state championships. The Mighty Macs have enjoyed four…

Sophomore Olivia Barsch helped Marist girls basketball start 4-0 and win the Bobby Bolton Tip-Off Classic. Photo by Mike Clark

Girls basketball notebook: Olivia Barsch, Marist flip script

Last season was something of a trial by fire for Olivia Barsch and several of her Marist teammates. Playing a demanding schedule with a roster that featured four freshmen and only one senior, the RedHawks finished 10-22. But one week into this season, they’re almost halfway to that win total after going 4-0 to win…

Jake Cestone (from left), Logan Malachuk and Trenton Walker played key roles in Nazareth’s 40-21 win over St. Francis in a Class 5A semifinal on Nov. 23. Photo by Mike Walsh

Logan Malachuk, Jake Cestone lead Nazareth back to state

As Nazareth quarterback Logan Malachuk took a knee on the final snap, wide receiver Jake Cestone was lined up near midfield just in case something happened. Once Cestone saw that everything was indeed fine, he celebrated the Roadrunners’ 40-21 Class 5A semifinal victory over St. Francis on Nov. 23 in memorable fashion: with a well-executed…

Logo-Chicago Christian

Kenny Jager’s running powers Chicago Christian to semifinal win

At 5-foot-7, height isn’t something that Chicago Christian running back Kenny Jager has much of. In terms of heart, however, the senior running back possesses that in abundant amounts. Last Saturday afternoon, Jager carried 37 times for 217 yards and three touchdowns as the Knights defeated host Farmington 34-20 to earn Chicago Christian’s first trip…

Several Worth-Ridge Panthers youth players wrapped up their Richards career on Nov. 23. They are (standing from left): Seamus Doyle, Austin Synoga, Chase Dryier, Nathan Cole, Robert Humbles and (kneeling) Khalil Lavalle. Photo by Tim Cronin

Richards’ season ends with semifinal loss to East St. Louis

EAST ST. LOUIS – Often the end is sudden, unexpected. Great plans are made and then upended. So it was on Saturday for Richards. The Bulldogs walked into Clyde C. Jordan Memorial Stadium hopeful, knowing they were playing a fleet favorite in the East St. Louis Flyers, but believing they had a chance in the…

Neighbors

‘There’s something fishy here, don’t you think?’: Wiretapped calls detail Madigan confidant’s confoundment over complicated land deal

‘There’s something fishy here, don’t you think?’: Wiretapped calls detail Madigan confidant’s confoundment over complicated land deal

Capitol News Illinois CHICAGO – It was the last day of the General Assembly’s spring legislative session in 2018 when veteran Statehouse lobbyist Mike McClain realized his bill wasn’t going anywhere. McClain was officially retired but still took on “assignments” from his longtime friend Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. But one particular project he took…

Illinois American Water will increase water rates

Illinois American Water will increase water rates

Capitol News Illinois CHICAGO — The state’s largest private water utility, Illinois American Water, will increase customer bills in the new year. The move comes after state regulators at the Illinois Commerce Commission approved the requested increase on Thursday. The five-member board approved a $110 million increase for the company, a 30% reduction from the…

Jurors see list of Madigan’s job recommendations given to newly elected Gov. Pritzker

Jurors see list of Madigan’s job recommendations given to newly elected Gov. Pritzker

Capitol News Illinois CHICAGO – In the weeks following now-Gov. JB Pritzker’s November 2018 victory over one-term Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner, powerful Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan busied himself preparing for a brand new administration after years of conflict with governors of both parties. One of his first priorities was finding jobs for his political…

How RFK Jr.’s health proposals could affect Illinois

How RFK Jr.’s health proposals could affect Illinois

Capitol News Illinois Every new presidential administration comes with policy changes, but the incoming second administration of President-elect Donald Trump and his proposed secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., could dramatically reshape the public health landscape. Kennedy, a former political rival of Trump, became a close ally of Trump over the…

‘You won’t spend a day in jail’: Madigan attorney hammers Solis’ agreement with feds

‘You won’t spend a day in jail’: Madigan attorney hammers Solis’ agreement with feds

Capitol News Illinois CHICAGO – The day after Christmas 2018, then-Chicago Ald. Danny Solis signed an agreement with federal prosecutors, with whom he’d spent the last 2 ½ years working as a secret cooperating witness in a sprawling corruption investigation. Solis’ undercover work helped bring down two of Illinois’ biggest and longest-serving Democratic powerbrokers. Former…

Pritkzer education policy advisor named to head new Department of Early Childhood

Pritkzer education policy advisor named to head new Department of Early Childhood

Capitol News Illinois SPRINGFIELD – Gov. JB Pritzker on Monday appointed Teresa Ramos to be the first permanent secretary of the newly-formed Illinois Department of Early Childhood. “I’m eager to get started working with an incredible team of state employees, parents and families, advocates, and early childhood providers to create something exceptional that will give…

Semi driver involved in fatal crash of deputy had previous unreported DUI conviction, prompting call for federal audit

Semi driver involved in fatal crash of deputy had previous unreported DUI conviction, prompting call for federal audit

Capitol News Illinois Four years before police said he caused a crash that killed a DeKalb County sheriff’s deputy, Nathan Sweeney pleaded guilty to driving under the influence and having 44 grams of heroin in his car – an offense that, if properly reported to the secretary of state, should have led to the revocation…

Madigan attorney accuses Solis of not telling feds ‘all the crimes you committed’

Madigan attorney accuses Solis of not telling feds ‘all the crimes you committed’

Capitol News Illinois CHICAGO – Former Chicago Ald. Danny Solis spent more than 2 ½ years living a double life as an FBI cooperating witness after agents approached him in 2016, asking him to wear a wire on his colleagues or risk being charged for multiple bribes he’d taken while in office. Solis’ extraordinary cooperation…

State Board of Elections certifies election results showing decline in turnout

State Board of Elections certifies election results showing decline in turnout

Capitol News Illinois SPRINGFIELD — Vice President Kamala Harris won Illinois by nearly 11 points as turnout dipped in 2024, according to official election results certified by the State Board of Elections. The board met Monday to certify the results of the 2024 election and released final vote totals for races around the state, including…

Appellate Court finds former Sangamon County deputy Sean Grayson should be released until trial

Appellate Court finds former Sangamon County deputy Sean Grayson should be released until trial

Capitol News Illinois Prosecutors will ask the Illinois Supreme Court to review an appellate court ruling that found former Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy Sean Grayson should be released from jail pending trial on charges related to the July 6 shooting death of Sonya Massey. On Wednesday, Nov. 27, the 4th District Court of Appeals ordered…