Veterans deserve our thanks

By Joan Hadac

Your correspondent in Clearing and Garfield Ridge

(708) 496-0265 • [email protected]

Seeing the valor displayed by Ukrainian troops this year, fighting back against an invasion by a military superpower, defending their nation against overwhelming odds, reminds me to reflect with gratitude as we approach Veterans Day.

I never served in the military, although one of my sisters is a U.S. Navy veteran and my brother-in-law is a U.S. Army veteran who served in Vietnam. Like most veterans, they are not at all boastful about their service or even bring it up in conversation. But if you ask them, they’ll tell you about it in a straightforward and modest manner. Again, like most veterans.

We enjoy so much in this great country of ours, and much of it is due to the sacrifices made by the men and women who wore the uniform of the nation.

This Friday, Nov. 11 is Veterans Day, a day to honor and thank those who served in the Armed Forces.

To that end, you are welcome to attend a brief ceremony at 11 a.m. at the Rhine VFW Post 2729, 5858 S. Archer. It’s worth attending. Refreshments will be served afterwards.

At 2 p.m., Rhine Post members will participate in a dedication of a new set of commemorative bricks at the triangle at 55^th, Archer and Narragansett. All are invited to attend. The ceremony is sponsored by the Midway Chamber of Commerce.

Speaking of the Rhine Post, I want to add my congratulations to longtime Commander Charlie Johnson and crew on the 90^th anniversary of the post.

With so many VFW posts folding over the last few decades, as so many World II and Korean War vets grow old and pass away, the Rhine Post continues to survive and even thrive. That’s all thanks to the hard work and dedication of the post’s officers, committee chairs and frontline volunteers.

It’s also thanks to the post’s auxiliary, truly one of the best you’ll find anywhere.

The Rhine Post is always looking for volunteers, and its auxiliary welcomes new members (women and men). So what about it? Are you willing to donate a bit of your time to help the post? If yes, call (773) 284-9025 and leave a message saying you are interested in helping. Post members are good about getting back to callers who leave messages,

Mark your calendar

• The community’s annual winter coat drive, sponsored by the Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch and 23^rd Ward Ald. Silvana Tabares, is set for 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 26 in the parking lot of the Archer Heights Credit Union, 6554 W. Archer.

If you have a new or slightly used winter coat or jacket, please consider donating. All donations will be forwarded to the Chicago Archdiocesan Chapter of the Knights of Columbus.

If you are unable to make it on Nov. 26, you may bring your donation to either of the alderman’s ward offices: 6247 S. Archer or 3954 W. 63^rd St., from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

• Estate planning attorney Nick Villa will be the featured speaker of the Midway Chamber of Commerce’s next Lunch & Learn event, set for noon Wednesday, Nov. 16 at the Garfield Ridge Branch Library, 6348 S. Archer.

Villa will discuss things business owners and others need to know about protecting themselves, their families and their assets.

Lunch will be provided by the Chamber.

There is no admission charge for MCC members, $10 for all others.

To register for the event, visit garfieldridgecc.com/event-5022291.

• Join the Clear-Ridge Historical Society for their next program, “How Chicago Shaped America’s Aviation Industry,” at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 14 at the Clearing Branch Library, 6423 W. 63rd Place.

Aviation expert and author Michael Haupt will explore the long overlooked role Chicago played in the national aviation industry. Learn the critical role Chicago’s airport played as an aviation hub even prior to World War I. Find out the Chicagoans who played key roles in aviation manufacturing, establishing safety regulations and creating the airline industry as we know it today.

There is no admission charge, but the non-profit CRHS always accepts donations. My thanks to CRHS President Rob Bitunjac for sharing this information.

• Men and women age 60 and up are welcome to attend physical conditioning classes from 1:15 to 2 p.m. Fridays at Wentworth Park, 5625 S. Mobile. There is no charge. For details, call (312) 747-6993.
• Children age 7 and under are invited to attend Hot Cocoa With Santa, set for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 12 at Valley Forge Park, 7001 W. 59^th St.

There will include Christmas craft making, games, cookies and hot cocoa, arm painting and a photo opportunity with Santa Claus.

Fee is $10. For details, call (773) 229-0812.

• A Polish Independence Celebration is set for Saturday, Nov. 19, in Brennan Hall at St. Daniel the Prophet School, 54^th and Natoma. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $45 per person and may be purchased at the parish rectory. For details, call (773) 586-1223.
• Two Holy Martyrs Parish is still looking for crafters and vendors to sell their wares at their annual Holiday Extravaganza, set for 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20 at the Sharp Center, 5940 W. 62^nd St. Booth fee is $40 (no chairs). Table fee is $45 (two chairs). An electricity hookup cost an additional $5.

To reserve your space, contact Taura Basulto at (708) 634-6748 or email [email protected]

• Congratulations to everyone who made the recent Oktoberfest celebration a success at Blessed Martyrs of Chimbote Parish. The event was held in Centennial Hall at the old St. Joseph School, and more than 200 people attended.

Special recognition goes to Tom Koran for leading the kitchen, whipping up both German and American food favorites.

Thanks to the parish Ladies of the Rosary and Holy Name Society for hosting such a wonderful event. (Photos below.)

Those two groups are already planning Christmas events. If you’d like to join either group, contact Dee Kountis at (773) 586-6851 or Steve Spanski at (708) 571-3614.

That’s all for this week. Don’t know about you, but I’m looking forward to Thanksgiving, my favorite holiday. Have a great week.