Icy spill yielded plenty of good will

By Mary Stanek

Your correspondent in Archer Heights and West Elsdon

3808 W. 57th Place • (773) 284-7394

Here is a giant shout out to our first responders in the community. On Jan. 9, when a sheet of ice descended on Chicago, I was walking the dog. Walking around Peck School was great. Their snow patrol does a wonderful job with the sidewalks. There was probably enough salt to garnish all the neighbors’ margaritas.

But I made the decision to cross the street and walk on the residential side—a decision I regret every day. Yes, I took a tumble. I had fallen, and there was no way I could get up.

Hence the thank you to Fire Engine 88 on 59th Street and the paramedics who came to my rescue. In fact one of the paramedics fell on the same spot of ice I did; but thankfully, with her being younger and stronger, she did not hurt herself.

I don’t remember the ambulance number, but I will always remember the kind and strong women who hoisted me up and whisked me to Holy Cross.

I also give a shout out to the emergency room staff at Holy Cross. Everyone was as nice as can be. That particular evening, one of the staff told me that most patients were fall victims.

As I sat in triage I, met 3 fellows, all who had fallen. We called ourselves the Faller Club. Those fellows were great and I hope they are doing well.

I also want to thank an unknown stranger who stopped his car at Springfield, got out in the ice and cold to try to help me up. All I remember is he was a young black male. To him I give my thanks.

Yes, West Elsdon is not a bad place to be if you are in trouble, not at all.

I’ll find out more details about my knee. As I write this, I am still writing from bed. So homeowners, please please please just throw some salt on your parkways during these winter months.

Every owner, lessee, tenant occupant or other person having charge of any building or lot of ground abutting upon any public way or public space shall remove the snow and ice from the sidewalk–from Sidewalk Snow Removal Guide for Chicago Residents.

Thank you to 23rd Ward Ald. Silvana Tabares for providing KN95 masks at her office, while supplies last. Proof of residency is required.

On the next few Wednesdays, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. concessions job interviews will be held at Midway Airport on the second-floor mezzanine. Future dates are Feb. 16 and March 16. Bring your resume, identification, Social Security card or birth certificate.

Happy Birthday to Laurie Varnagis on the 25th. Happy Birthday to Samuel Casey on the 30th.