New mural may be coming to viaduct

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By Mary Stanek

Your correspondent in Archer Heights and West Elsdon

3808 W. 57th Place •  (773) 517-7796

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We are now half way through May. I hope the month is treating everyone a-May-zing!

The CAPS Beats 822/824 meeting was held on May 7. I did not attend because I had just returned from a visit to Champaign, but my husband, Robert, did attend. After the lowdown on crime statistics and updates on our wards, a special presentation was held. The audience got to meet with the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events team members and some artists that may be creating a mural at 63^rd and Central Park. I did manage to walk Oliver past the meeting and stop in and say hello to both Aldermen Silvana Tabares and Raymond Lopez and to the great staff that runs the meeting.

Later that evening, Robert gave me a rundown of the meeting and our thoughts and memories wandered to 63^rd Street. One of our favorite restaurants which is still there is the Pepe’s near 63^rd and Kedzie. Who remembers back in the day, the Giordano’s Pizza on the lower level, north side of 63rd? An Italian deli was located close to Central Park, (Carmen’s?) where we would buy awesome food for our parties.

Mary Stanek

Back in 1980 our rehearsal dinner was held at none other than Palermo’s on 63^rd. We dined on many a Grecian chicken at the West Lawn restaurant on the corner of Pulaski. Kitty corner from the restaurant was a shoe store. As a young girl, after a visit to Doctor Klabacha, my mother would take me to the J&R Variety store for a small toy reward, usually a Play-Doh. And thanks to Wayne and Garth, the Indian statue is renowned. I hope our memories have served us correctly.

The next CAPS Beats 822/824 meeting will be held on July 2. But this time it will at the 8^th District headquarters, in the community room, since school is out of session.

This Sunday, May 19 a family and alumni Mass will be held at St. Richard Church, 50^th and Kostner, at 9 a.m. Come celebrate the memories of St. Richard School. A small reception will be held immediately after the Mass.

It is St. Vincent de Paul Bundle weekend over at St. Turibius parking lot. Start spring cleaning now to donate your items the weekend of June15-16. Also remember if you think it is junk, it probably is, so try and donate good items. Volunteers will be available after all Masses to help unload the treasures.

Happy Birthday to my Orange Line buddy, Rodrigo Espinoza.