Lopez helps officers stay hydrated during Democratic convention

Ald.  Raymond Lopez

I’m guessing many of us watched parts of the Democratic National Convention or perhaps caught some reviews on the local news stations. When it was over, you probably heard some general accolades given, acknowledging departments and their heads for contributing to the outcome. As you know, there are lots of behind-the-scenes people and groups who come up with a thoughtful idea which are never mentioned. One such gesture I wanted to share, was that of Ray Lopez and our 15th Ward office. In their own words they “sent a little something (cases of Gatorade) in preparation for the DNC to help our officers stay hydrated as they work to maintain peace and order around the city.”

Every month, the Southwest Regional Senior Center, 6117 S. Kedzie Avenue, picks a day to celebrate a holiday or group by offering a special “Passport” luncheon. In several cases, it is the first chance participants have to familiarize themselves with a cuisine traditional in some areas of the world yet new in others. That happens this Friday, Aug. 30, when the Center hosts the New Yam Festival. This is an annual celebration in Nigeria and one of their most significant cultural festivals there.

Beginning at 10 a.m. at the Center, the customs that are a part of this festival, will be showcased and include traditional music and a cooking demo with Chef Dozy. For more information, call the Center at 312-747-0440.

This Sunday, Sept. 1, Community Cinema brings the 2024 Paramount Picture film “Arthur the King” to the Chicago Lawn Library, 6120 S. Kedzie Avenue, beginning at 2 p.m.

A reminder that the Senior Center and, of course, the library will be closed on Monday, Sept. 2, for the observance of Labor Day.

Over at the St. Rita of Cascia Shrine, 7740 S. Western Avenue, the monthly perpetual novena to St. Rita takes place on Thursday, Sept. 5, at 7 p.m. All are invited to stay after and enjoy a piece of the popular Kringle brought in fresh from Wisconsin.

This is the last week to purchase your tickets if you want to take part in the Football Mania game as it returns once again to St. Thomas More. Tickets will be available after weekend Masses through Sept. 7. They can also be purchased at the rectory, 2825 W. 81st Street, or online at www.charitymania.com/give/AEOF5. A $20 donation gives you access to free music downloads and a chance to win 1 of 18 weekly prizes during 18 weeks of professional football.

Next Saturday, Sept. 7, 18th Ward Alderman Derrick Curtis will host a Shred-a-Thon in the parking lot of Oak Street Health, 3348 W. 87th Street from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Next weekend will also be the annual Gran Fiesta Mexicana hosted by St. Rita of Casia Parish. Taking place at the St. Clare of Montefalco campus, 5443 S. Washtenaw, it will run on Saturday, Sept. 7, from 3 to 11 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 8, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, call the parish office at 773- 434-9600.

And now for Maria High School alums, many of you will fondly remember Frances Tenbroeck I’m sure. She taught English and Journalism at Maria for 32 years. My daughter referred to her as our school newspaper lady. Then, in her retirement, she volunteered for the next 12 years for the Sisters of St. Casimir. Fran passed away recently at the age of 80.

Last week, we started the column out with a question from Mary Lou B. asking if anyone remembered a company named GRAGG. She suspected it may have been located not far away as the item she found with its name embossed was kept with some of her Dad’s things in his tool bench on 62nd and Campbell.

Brad S. found a matchbook cover from the 1940s identifying the company as GRAGG Certified Cleaners, located at 75th and Cottage Grove, and established in 1910 with a phone number of Triangle 3640. Interestingly, Nancy L. found an advertisement from 20 years later listing the company as GRAGG Rug Cleaners, established the same year and at the same location but with the phone number Hudson 3-8200.

Now back to 1964. When we left last week, we were going to join Mayor Richard Daley for an event geared toward kids and their parents. In its second year, it attracted thousands to Marquette Park and included events such as bike races, horseshoe tournaments and more. Rich P. guessed that it must have been the Jamboree and he was right. He said he thought all of the parks in the area came together at Marquette and each one set up games with loads of prizes. He remembered the park being packed with kids taking part in the games when there was a Jamboree.

Sixty years ago, troll dolls were popular. Remember those? A local business with locations at 6025 S. Kedzie and 2559 W. 51st were offering a doll for just 79 cents with any order. This business always had a great promotion it seemed. Which business do you think it was?