Weather, and fishing, are just fine

By Kathy Headley

Your correspondent in Chicago Lawn and Marquette Manor

6610 S. Francisco • (773) 776-7778

The weather has been perfect lately for spending time at Marquette Park, hasn’t it? Whether fishing, golfing, playing tennis or just going for a leisurely walk, folks have been taking advantage of how lucky we are to have this beautiful expanse of nature right here in our neighborhood. This past week I met Peter, who was fishing off the bridge on the Marquette Road side. Peter caught a pretty good-sized channel catfish.

I read that the average size of this fish is 12 inches, but the one Peter caught was much longer at 18 to 20 inches. I also read that this fish can live to be 15 years old, so that made me wonder how long Peter’s catch has been living in our lagoon. As you probably know, the lagoon is restocked on a regular basis, so I guess we’d never know if this big fellow was born here or came as a young adult.

You may recall that at least 10 years ago, if not a bit longer, a major restoration was undertaken by the Chicago Park District to ensure that the lagoon stays healthy for its “residents.” The treated city water that fed the lagoon had phosphorus in it, which created the perfect environment for algae. So, the CPD initiated a new and pretty innovative two-part solution.

There is a system that traps rainwater flowing off the roof of Tarkington School; and as it feeds the lagoon, it helps dilute the phosphorus. In addition to that, even more phosphorus is removed by a “prairie scrubber.” This system filters the water underground through a gravel bed. Guess where the gravel bed is. It is under the large expanse of prairie plants along Kedzie.

Perhaps some of you will remember Jason Malave. He grew up in the neighborhood and was a 1984 graduate of Nativity BVM Grammar School. He is now a priest most recently serving as the cardinal’s liaison for Renew My Church. The Rev. Malave is celebrating 25 years in the priesthood this year.

St. Thomas More Church welcomes their new receptionist, Joyce Fitzgibbons. Thanks to Joyce’s presence, the rectory office hours will now be extended from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Remember this Thursday, Sept. 29 is the celebration of the 42^nd anniversary of our Southwest Regional Senior Center, 6117 S. Kedzie. Festivities begin at 11:30 a.m. The International Music Foundation will be on hand, as well as, an Acrylic Pour Art Exhibit, among other surprises.

This Saturday, Oct. 1, Community Cinema brings the 2022 Walt Disney film Lightyear to the Chicago Lawn Branch Library, 6120 S. Kedzie. If you haven’t followed Buzz Lightyear’s recent adventures, this is the day to do it. The film begins at 2:30 p.m.

This Saturday, Oct. 1, Southwest Chicago Homeless Services (formerly known as Southwest PADS at 3121 W. 71^st St.) will hosts their annual Trivia Night fundraiser at St. Rita High School, 7740 S. Western. In addition to trivia competition, the admission donation of $45 includes dinner, cash bar, silent auction and cash raffle. For ticket information, contact Karyn Perkins, Executive Director, at (773) 737-7070.

Coming up on Saturday, Oct. 15, 18^th Ward Ald. Derrick Curtis will be holding a “Drive-Thru Community Shred-a-Thon” from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot of Oak Street Health, 3348 W. 87^th St. This event is for 18^th Ward residents only. Some electronics will be accepted. Feel free to contact the alderman’s office at (773) 284-5057.

Good news for seniors who need to renew their state ID cards or driver’s license. The Illinois Secretary of State’s office will visit the Southwest Regional Senior Center on Wednesday, Oct. 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Make sure to bring appropriate documents needed. If you are not sure, stop by the Senior Center and pick up a list of accepted documents ahead of time.

Recently on our trip back to 1978, we thought about attending the 20^th anniversary celebration taking place at a favorite Italian restaurant here on 63^rd Street. So where were we going? As I mentioned last week, the top guess overwhelmingly was El Bianco, followed by several guesses of Palermo’s and also Orlando’s, Italian Villa and Giordano’s. There was only one Italian restaurant left that I could think of, but no one had guessed it.

The day after my column was due, Brad O. called with the correct answer of Little Joe’s. He was followed closely by Dennis D. and Miami Joe.

Little Joe’s, of course, was at 2921 W. 63^rd St. For their anniversary celebration, Pat and Joe were giving a free pitcher of beer or pop with a $5 or more food purchase and free flowers to the first 300 ladies to come in.

Also having an anniversary in September of 1978, this nearby popular place was celebrating 13 years in business. It is in Ashburn and it is still there. It is not a restaurant per se, but you could eat there. There are plenty of options available to spend time there. I’d better not say any more or I will give it away. What do you think?