On a recent Thursday evening, I was headed south down Western Avenue toward the St. Rita Shrine when all of a sudden, and for no apparent reason, the two lanes of traffic slowed to a crawl. We had just passed Columbus and were about at 75th Street as we continued to crawl, but even slower now.
A few minutes later, traffic going in the opposite direction came to a halt. To our surprise two geese had been leading us down Western in the southbound lanes and were now making a leisurely left turn while waddling into the northbound lanes.
I can easily say I have never seen geese on Western Avenue before, especially leading traffic.
Outstanding principal at Queen of the Universe School
Congratulations to Principal Linda Kelly of Queen of the Universe School who was awarded the Gretchen Ludwig Outstanding Principal Award. The Big Shoulders Fund presents this award to “an exceptional school leader who embodies excellence, integrity, and commitment to providing children with a path to success.”
Things to do: Swap-O-Rama, fishing, paint in the dark
Friday, June 12, is the Swap-O-Rama at the Southwest Regional Senior Center, 6117 S. Kedzie Ave., 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sponsored by the Southwest Multi-Purpose Auxiliary Council, the event offers vintage finds to unique crafts. There will be a suggested contribution for hot dogs.
Tuesday, June 16, is the Southwest Regional Senior Center Fishing for Fun event at Marquette Park from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. This activity is not a field trip sponsored by the Center but rather a partnership between the Senior Center and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Meet on the benches on the south side of the fieldhouse. No fishing license will be needed to participate on Tuesday. Fishing rods and bait will be provided. For more information call (312) 747-0440.
And it’s not too soon to sign up for the June 22 Pool Tournament at the Senior Center. Registration fee is $10. First and second-place prizes will be awarded. Tournament begins at 10 a.m. Stop in to register.
Kids ages up to 13 years of age can join in the Father’s Day Celebration at the Chicago Lawn Library, 6120 S. Kedzie Ave., on Saturday, June 13, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Stories, crafts and games are planned.
Then on Tuesday, June 16, kids ages 3 and up are invited to enjoy a visit from JG’s Road Show from 1 to 2 p.m. This is a hands-on learning experience with live reptiles that the kids are sure to enjoy.
Also on Tuesday, June 16, the Adult Book Club meets from 6 to 7 p.m. to discuss The Cliffs by J. Courtney Sullivan.
Then on Thursday, June 18, it’s Teens Relax and Paint in the Dark from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Ages 10 and up are invited for a fun glow-in-the-dark paint by numbers craft. All materials will be provided and a light snack as well.
At the Ashburn-Wrightwood Library, 8530 S. Kedzie Ave., Monday, June 15, is Flowerpot Painting for ages 3 and up, Register ahead of time at www.chipublib.org.
Then on Wednesday, June 17, teens ages 13 to 19 are invited to come in and create bath bombs and soaps from 2 to 4 p.m. Registration is also required ahead of time.
On Wednesday, June 17, there will be two concerts in Marquette Park, 6746 S. Kedzie Ave. Beginning at 6 p.m., the Junior Quintet will play Bebop. As part of the Marquette Park Music Program, this is a chance to watch musicians of tomorrow perform the music of the future.
Then the Marquette Park Quartet will perform a free jazz concert featuring musicians Yari Rodriguez: trumpet; Dylan Rojo: alto saxophone; William Rodriguez: guitar; Matt Riggen: upright bass; Victoria Loarca: drums.
Another chapter from 1976
Now back to 1976. When we left last week, we were headed over to 2508 W 63rd St. because King Brothers Funeral Home had purchased the building next door and was getting ready to have it demolished to make a parking lot for their customers.
The building that was in the process of demolition 50 years ago housed a business that was in the community for a long time and could be considered a gathering place for the customers that frequented its services. We have talked about this business before, a few times in the past 30 years, so perhaps it will ring a bell. No one came up with the correct answer last week so we’ll let it ride for another week. What do you suppose the business was?
Lastly, something I’ve always found interesting is learning about a building’s past or at least what had been in its place in prior years. Recently I came across a couple of advertisements from 1947 from stores I had not heard of and also a picture of the inside of Matusek’s Academy on 63rd Street from 1947.
One store is called Gram’s Super Mart and the address was 2809 W. 55th St.. Another was called New City Food Mart at 2534-36 W. 59th St. I’ve posted both advertisements and the photo of Matusek’s on the Chicago Lawn Historical Society Facebook page for anyone interested in seeing them.
Chicago Lawn and Marquette Manor correspondent Kathy Headley can be reached at 773-776-7778.