Kudos to Jewell Wilson and Narcisa Pena

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By Kathy Headley

Your correspondent in Chicago Lawn and Marquette Manor

6610 S. Francisco • (773) 776-7778

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Last week, I wrote a front-page story about a meeting held at Marquette Park. It addressed a new project planned at the park, which would be erected between the fieldhouse and the lagoon incorporating the site of the water retention walls. Present at the meeting were Jewell Wilson, Director of the Southwest Regional Senior Center, and Narcisa Pena, a Chicago Lawn resident and volunteer at the Center.

Both were there, on their regular day off mind you, to represent the seniors of the area. When various plans were presented, Pena expressed concern about the accessibility to seniors. She was assured by the non-profit group Human Scale, which was hired to design the project, that they have previous experience with seniors and would be able to incorporate some items to address mobility issues that may come up.

Well, before last week came to a close, the Chicago Park District itself sent out a notification that a new walkway for seniors will indeed be built next to the project. I think kudos are in order for Wilson and Pena for watching out for the seniors’ interests and speaking up for them. And certainly, kudos also to the Chicago Park District for the quick response showing concern for our seniors.

Kathy Headley

Now let’s check out some upcoming events in the area you might enjoy.

The annual Valentine’s Day Dinner Dance at St. Rita of Cascia Parish is this Saturday, Feb. 10, in St. Augustine Hall, 6201 S. Fairfield, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Your $40 ticket includes dinner and musical entertainment. For more information, go to parishstrita.org or call the parish office at (773) 434-9600.

Family Craft Day will take place at the Chicago Lawn Branch Library, 6120 S. Kedzie, this Saturday, Feb. 10, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. This month’s craft is a heart-shaped wreath out of tissue. Register by 4 p.m. on Feb. 9 by calling (312) 747-0639.

Then on Sunday, Feb. 11, Community Cinema brings the 2023 Walt Disney film The Little Mermaid beginning at 2 p.m.

Over at St. Thomas More, 2825 W. 81^st St, a reception with light snacks will take place after the 10 a.m. Mass this Sunday, Feb. 11. And beginning Friday, Feb. 16, Stations of the Cross will be prayed in the church every week on Friday at 3 p.m.

Remember Hope Church offers a free community dinner at Marquette Park, 6734 S. Kedzie, on Tuesdays beginning at 6 p.m.

For seniors, a Fat Tuesday celebration will take place at the Southwest Regional Senior Center, 6117 S. Kedzie, at 10 a.m. Tuesday Feb. 13 and will feature music and dancing. Then on Wednesday, Feb. 14, the Center will host a Valentine’s Day dance beginning at 10 a.m. The cost for the Valentine’s dance is $5 and the event will feature the crowning of Mr. and Mrs. Southwest.

Next Thursday, Feb. 15, the Kid’s Chess Club meets at the Chicago Lawn Library from 5 to 6 p.m. Recommended for ages 6 to 13, all skill levels are welcome, from those who want to learn how to play, to those who would like to sharpen their skills.

During Lent this year, the St. Augustine Young Adults invite anyone ages 18 to 39 to join them for the first of two Lenten reflections on Wednesday, Feb. 28, in the gym at St. Clare of Montefalco Chapel, 5443 S. Washtenaw, from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Coming up on Saturday, March, 2, Teatro Tariakuri, 3117 W. 63^rd St., will present a Saturday Night Variety Show which is promised to be a spectacular display of glamour, talent and fierce comedic performances. Doors open at 7 and show starts at 8 p.m. For more information call (312) 532-2774. To purchase tickets, go to teatrotariakuri.org.

In case you are interested in making a little extra cash, the Chicago Board of Elections has sent out an email saying they are in need of election judges in our wards for the March 19 Presidential Primary Election. Judges can make up to $230 for completing training and serving on Election Day.

There is also an opportunity to earn more if given additional tasks to complete before or on Election Day. Judges must be a U.S. citizen age 18 and older, a registered voter in Cook County and able to speak, read and write English. For more information call (312) 269-7984 or email electionjudge@chicagoelections.gov.

Like myself, I know many of you love bacon buns. How would you like to learn how to make them from an old family recipe? Check back here next week for details on that upcoming event.

Now let’s return to 1978. Last week we were planning to stop at a new restaurant on the northwest corner of 65^th and Kedzie and see how things were coming along as they put the finishing touches on the building before its grand opening. Brad O was the first to know we were going to Arthur Treacher’s.

As we were discussing why this restaurant might have closed, Brad mentioned some close competition in the Greater Lawn area, a little further south to 71^st and then west. The exact location would be where the Walgreens is now. Anyone remember what place we were talking about?