Moore shows concern for constituents

By Kathy Headley

Your correspondent in Chicago Lawn and Marquette Manor

6610 S. Francisco • (773) 776-7778

Last Thursday, 17^th Ward Ald. David Moore met with some of his constituents that will no longer be a part of the 17^th Ward due to the city remapping. The meeting took place at the Marquette Park fieldhouse.

As usual, the wards run in a zigzag pattern. Those affected by the change can be anywhere from 63^rd and Rockwell to 68^th Street to Central Park. If you are not sure where you will be come January, check the city website for the updated map.

Better yet, if you picked up the paper as soon as it hit the newsstand, or subscribe online and are reading this in time, the alderman will be having one more meeting this Thursday, Aug. 4, at the Chicago Lawn Branch Library, 6120 S. Kedzie, at 6:30 p.m.

“I am committed to the people of the 17^th Ward,” he explained. “And the purpose of these meetings is to let you know what is going on.”

Moore went on to say that he will still take care of any concerns folks have until the February election. He also confirmed that anything already on the menu for 2023 will be done. And that would be things like tree trimming, pothole filling etc.

The alderman stated that an official letter will be coming out in October from the Board of Elections which will identify everyone’s ward and precinct.

I think this is a wonderful way of showing constituents that you care about their concerns. This is also a chance to bring up any questions you may have directly with Alderman Moore.

Back in the June 24 edition of this newspaper, I shared the Open Gym Program Brother Chuck began at the former St. Clare of Montefalco school. This Wednesday and Thursday Aug. 3 and 4, Brother Chuck has a special program taking place called Gloves Up, Guns Down. Beginning at 4 p.m. and running until 8, there will be a display of martial arts geared toward adolescents ages 14 to 24. The evening will include participation as well as demonstration. The program was obtained through the Southwest Organizing Project, and SWOP will also provide food for everyone participating.

The CircEsteem “Around Chicago Summer Tour” is stopping at Marquette Park on Thursday, Aug. 4, at 6 p.m. Young circus artists ages 12 to 22 will perform acts of aerial skills, trapeze, tight wire and more. Audience members will be invited into the circus ring to try some of the skills they see performed.

Boy, Thursday, Aug. 4, is a busy day in the neighborhood. Remember this Thursday is also the monthly novena Mass at St. Rita of Cascia Shrine, 7740 S. Western, at 7 p.m.

Hope Community Church Chicago is serving dinner at the Marquette Park Fieldhouse on Tuesday evenings at 6 p.m. Pastors Ben and Jordan remind everyone not to cook on Tuesdays.

On Wednesdays, it’s YaYa’s Paint Party for Kids at the Monarca Event Room, 3300 W. 63^rd St. Sessions begin at 2 and 4 p.m. The $15 fee includes all materials and snacks as well. Call ahead to save a spot at (773) 677-2149.

Next Thursday, Aug. 11, Movies in the Parks comes to Marquette Park. The 2021 movie Encanto will begin at approximately 8:15 p.m.

On Fridays it is Chicago Lawn Field Day at Marquette Park from 5 to 8 p.m. This event, which is part of the My CHI/My Future #summerkickback2022 program, features sports, obstacle courses, lawn games, sports, food and drinks. It takes place at 6800 S. California. Join your neighbors every Friday.

Condolences are sent to Brad O’Connor and his family on the passing of his mom, Kay. A Gage Park native, Mrs. O’Connor was a faithful Greater Southwest News-Herald reader.

Now back to the hobby shop on 59^th Street. John O, who grew up on 58^th and Sacramento and attended St. Rita Grammar School, was the first to remember Joe’s Hobby Shop. He tells us it was just east of Fairfield, and that’s where he went to buy model cars.

“It was an interesting place,” John said. “We’d go in just to look around.” He said Joe also sold candy there.

Bill Z said Joe lived in the back of the shop in the 60s. While Al F. hadn’t recalled the name of the shop, he did remember saving up his allowance and going in to buy monster models, in particular Dracula and Frankenstein.

As for the other restaurant we were thinking about on 63^rd Street in the 3800 block, Brad O tells us if it had a canopy and little white lion heads, he thinks it must be Royalty. He is also thinking there was a short-lived restaurant at 3843 after Steinberg Baum and before Rustler Steak House?

Now returning to Joe’s Hobby Shop, John O gave us our question for next week. Just west of Joe’s was a vacant lot and a parking lot and then right on the southeast corner of 59^th and Fairfield sat a special place in the summer. I can picture it. Can you?