Keeping kids in the gym, off the streets

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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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A while back I wrote a story about a man working in South America, reading a newspaper from back home; and saddened by what he read about youth violence, vowed that when he came back, he would look for an opportunity to help.

When he returned to Chicago, all of the youth programs were shut down due to the pandemic, so he started to work on a plan.

Fast-forward to 2022 and that same man was and still is, holding the door open for young people, welcoming them to the open gym he has created at the former St. Clare of Montefalco School at 55^th and Washtenaw.

We are talking about Brother Chuck Fitzsimmons. Upon his return from South America, he contacted Archdiocesan officials, who put him in contact with St. Rita Parish. He organized a plan, passed out flyers and waited. On the first night, kids came; and then more came, and they have kept coming ever since.

His goal was to have a place for teens and young adults to unwind and have fun. But he has said as long as there’s room, he’s not turning anyone away no matter their age. Brother Chuck’s open gym continues to attract kids, especially for basketball and volleyball. He has volunteers that alternate days. I have stopped in and it is a fun atmosphere he has created.

Kathy Headley

Open gym takes place on Tuesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays beginning at 9 a.m. Everyone interested in checking it out, stop in. Enter Door #8 off the parking lot at 55^th and Talman. If any parents would like to talk to Brother Chuck ahead of time, he can be contacted at the St. Rita Parish office at (773) 434-9600.

This month’s Perpetual Novena to St. Rita of Cascia at the St. Rita Shrine Chapel, 7740 S. Western, is on Thursday, March 7 at 7 p.m. As always, everyone is invited to stay after to enjoy a slice of the famous Racine Danish Kringle.

Family Craft Day is this Saturday, March 9, at the Chicago Lawn Branch Library, 6120 S. Kedzie, from 2 to 3 p.m. This week, kids ages 6 to 13 will be making watercolor flowers.

Then on Sunday, March 10 at the library, Community Cinema will feature the film Life and Times of Frida Kahlo beginning at 2 p.m. I remember seeing this film at the former cinema behind Sears on 62^nd and Western. Very interesting show.

This Sunday, March 10, St. Thomas More will be hosting a celebration in honor of St. Patrick and St. Joseph in Donlan Hall after the 10 a.m. Mass. Coffee, juice and sweets will be served and a raffle will also be held.

Father Ray Flores OSA returns to St. Rita Parish to host a three-day mission on Sunday, March 10 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and Monday and Tuesday, March 11 and 12 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. for more information contact the parish office at (773) 434-9600.

Seniors, remember an AARP Tax-Aide will be at the Southwest Regional Senior Center, 6117 S. Kedzie, on Mondays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Seniors wishing to partake of this service will need to get an appointment ahead of time by calling (312) 747-0440.

This Tuesday, March 12, is a free day at the Chicago History Museum. If you have questions, call them at (312) 642-4600.

This Wednesday, March 13, is Open Nature Play at the Dan Ryan Woods Visitor Center, 87^th and Western. Bring the little ones out to enjoy connecting with nature by enjoying stories, art and exploration. Suitable for ages 3 to 10 years with an adult, meet at the Visitor Center at 10 a.m.

Last week we learned that John C. Reilly worked a part-time job at Meyers Super Foods. Thinking about how large the store with its parking lot really was, I wondered if you knew of the businesses that were on that property before Meyers. Chris P. remembers a former office of the Southwest News-Herald on part of the property. Dennis D, who was a paperboy for the SWNH in the late 1970s, tells us Bozo’s Pizza was on the corner and Doug Lane tavern was next door. “I don’t think I ever had a pizza at Bozo’s,” he laughed. “But we spent a lot of time there playing the arcade games.”

Now let’s spend a few weeks visiting 1979. The year had barely started when we were plummeted with major snowfall on January 13-14. I remember, in an effort to clear the side streets, everyone had to move their cars off the street or they would be towed away. Ours had to be moved to Marquette School for the night. Do you remember the T-shirts they sold at the stores that year saying I Survived the Blizzard of ’79? I still have mine put away as a souvenir. Anybody else?

Since we started out today on 55^th Street and Washtenaw, let’s go a few blocks down 55^th for this week’s question. In 1979 there was a health food store just a bit west of Kedzie. They also had another location on 83^rd and Kedzie just off the corner. Do you remember the name of the place?