Years later, he still takes the cake

By Kathy Headley

Your correspondent in Chicago Lawn and Marquette Manor

6610 S. Francisco • (773) 776-7778

In the past I’ve started columns dated Feb. 25 by giving a shout out to former Beatle George Harrison, who would have celebrated his 79^th birthday today.

Today is no different. He was my favorite of the Fab Four. I remember baking birthday cakes in celebration on this date with my friends, back when I was a little fan in the early days of grammar school.

We were too young to use a real oven, so we had to make our batter and then wait until the light bulb inside the Easy Bake oven went off. As any of you that did your early baking in this Kenner oven know, it was not a quick process but I think we had the patience as kids. The wait made it more special.

Now let’s get to the heart of the column by welcoming Sister My Huong Pham as she takes over as Director of Spiritual Care at Holy Cross Hospital. A Sister of Providence, she has previously worked in patient care, especially serving hospice patients across Cook, Will and DuPage counties.

“I love patient care,” she told me. “It gives me joy to be able to do what I can do to lift the spirits of the patients and hospital workers.”

Prior to the pandemic, I was going over to Holy Cross once or twice a week to visit patients; so while I am pleased to welcome Sister Hy Huong, I am also sad to see her predecessor go.

That would be Sister Laura Parker, whom I worked with for the years prior. Sister Laura was recently elected as a General Officer and just began her first term in leadership for the order on Jan. 23. At one point she summed up the hospital chaplain’s ministry in one word: presence. That translates to patience, sincerity, assistance and so much more.

So welcome to Sister Hy Huong. To Sister Laura, a thank you for her time spent here and best wishes in her newest undertaking.

The glass case belonging to the Chicago Lawn Historical Society at the Chicago Lawn Branch Library, 6120 S. Kedzie, features a display of winter street scenes and more from the early days of the neighborhood. The display will remain for a few more weeks for your viewing pleasure. Our branch is open on Sunday afternoons for your convenience.

Across the street at our Southwest Regional Senior Center, 6117 S. Kedzie, the staff continues to offer bingo on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. and Chair Fitness on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 1 p.m. As they have been doing throughout the pandemic, box lunches for seniors are available for pick up every weekday morning for a nominal fee.

A shout out goes to Larry O’Connell. With the pandemic I haven’t seen Larry in a long time, but we were both walking past the Senior Center the other day when we bumped into each other. Nice chatting with you, Larry.

If you are the owner of a local beauty salon, spa or barbershop, you may be eligible to receive an Inclusive Backing Grant. The Greater Southwest Development Corporation can assist you in applying; but don’t wait, as the application window closes on March 1. For help or more information, call (773) 362-3406.

This Wednesday, March 2, Chicago Lawn United Methodist Church, 3500 W. 63^rd Place, will offer free rapid COVID-19 tests from 9 a.m. to noon. Just follow the signs outside the church. Results will be given in 10 minutes.

Next Thursday, March 3 is the monthly St. Rita Novena Mass in the St. Rita Shrine Chapel, 7740 S. Western. It will be held at 7 p.m. If you would like to attend but cannot be there in person, the liturgy can be viewed through stritashrinechicago.com.

When we left 1992 last week, we were going over to a popular restaurant on 71^st Street to pick up dinner. Joyce M. knew right away we were headed for Seklycia, 2711 W. 71^st St. She said, “I just assumed you would want to order some kugelis, as I know you have mentioned having it before in your column.” She is right. I was introduced to kugelis by the Sisters of St. Casimir, and I think I always mentioned looking forward to it whenever I advertised SSC events in the column.

As the new year began 30 years ago, we read of the loss of a longtime businessman who was a popular barber. He had opened his shop back in 1930 and built up quite a following. He lived most of his life about a block away from the shop, which was at 3312 W. 63^rd Street for decades. One son joined him in the barber business, and the other opened his business next door. Do you remember who I am talking about?