Leadership program open at Marquette Park

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By Kathy Headley

Your correspondent in Chicago Lawn and Marquette Manor

6610 S. Francisco • (773) 776-7778

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Once again it is time for the Sports and Recreational Leadership Program at Marquette Park. This After School Matters program is a great opportunity and filled up quickly last year. Open to current Chicago Public High School students who are Chicago residents, it offers the opportunity to create, implement and lead a variety of recreational activities while collaborating on projects with other teens and working with professional instructors.

This leadership development program also prepares participants for possible summer employment with the Chicago Park District.

The program takes place on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 4 to 6:30 p.m., Feb. 28 to May 11. For more information email Paul at [email protected]

Looking ahead to the 2023-2024 school year, applications are now being taken for enrollment at Catalyst Maria, 6727 S. California. The deadline to be included in the lottery is March 26. The lottery will take place in the auditorium at 9 a.m. on March 28. Catalyst Maria offers a K-8 and high school education. To register, go to Catalystschools.org/maria admissions. For more information, call (773) 993-1774.

On Sunday, Feb. 5, Community Cinema brings an IFC documentary to the Chicago Lawn Branch Library, 6120 S. Kedzie, entitled MLK/FBI. The 2020 film begins at 2 p.m. and is suitable for adults age 18 and older.

Then on Thursday, Feb. 9, it is Family Craft Hour at the library from 6 to 7 p.m. This month’s craft is Creating Valentine’s Day Pop-Up cards. The event is suitable for ages 6 to 13 and their families.

Pre-baptismal classes begin this Sunday, Feb. 5 at St. Adrian Church, 7000 S. Washtenaw, at 9 a.m. For more information, contact the office at (773) 434-3223 or (773) 582-4662.

Monday, Feb. 6 is the AARP Driving Safety Class at the Southwest Regional Senior Center. The fee, which includes a workbook, is $20 for members and $25 for non-members. Once completed, you will receive a certificate good for a discount on your car insurance. AARP instructor Brenda Cook will conduct the class. For more information, call the Center at (312) 747-0440.

Tuesday, Feb. 7, the Local School Council at Marquette School will meet at 3:30 p.m. in the PD Room next to the library. All are welcome to attend. There is always time at the end of each agenda for public participation, where anyone can have two minutes to speak, ask questions, share feedback and enter potential future items for the LSC to address.

While we are on the subject of Marquette School, happy birthday wishes go out to Mr. Doug Johnson, who retired from Marquette a few years back.

Tickets are now on sale for the Valentine’s Day Dinner and Dance at St. Rita of Cascia Parish on Saturday, Feb. 11 in St. Augustine Hall. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with dinner served at 6:30 p.m. Cost of the event is $40. For more information contact the parish office at (773) 434-9600. Or visit the parish website at parishstrita.org.

Healthy Southwest is currently presenting a Virtual Winter Health Education series. Coming up on Tuesday, Feb. 14, the Southwest Organizing Project will sponsor Lifestyle Modifications to Prevent Chronic Disease online from 6 to 7 p.m. as part of this series. For questions call (773) 471-8208. To register in advance visit uso2web.zoom.US/webinar/register/wn.85mmv3uubqfe1hgaor27qca.

For alumni of Hubbard High School, in case you have not heard, Mr. Frank Vogel recently passed away. Mr. Vogel taught history for 30 years. He was 86 at the time of his death.

Now let’s go back 25 years to 1998, when Sister Mary Catherine Spatz IBVM was marking her 50^th anniversary. Three of her former students were there to celebrate with her in a special way. Tommy, Billy and Wes had all been in her eighth-grade class at St. Adrian Grammar School, This question posed last week was pretty much directed toward St. Adrian alumni, and I was pretty surprised how many either recalled this or one of the fellows mentioned. Betty D. identified Tommy as Father Tom McCarthy OSA right away, followed closely by Tom G. and Mary N. Several including Jean K. remembered Sister as a wonderful teacher.

As most of you know, Fr. Tom McCarthy is currently the Director of Community Relations at St. Rita High School and the Director of the St. Rita Shrine. At the time of the celebration Bill Wilkoz was an associate pastor at St. Gall. Wes Benek is currently the SRHS Dean of Curriculum and Instruction.

Now let’s travel back to 1973. As the year opens, we find Governor Richard Ogilvie arguing in favor of the Crosstown Expressway. However, Governor-elect Dan Walker was anti-expressway during his campaign, insisting the Crosstown was dead.

The Valachi Papers was playing at the Marquette Theatre. Maybe we should go see the movie. I always liked Charles Bronson. But let’s eat first. Fifty years ago there was a casual dining restaurant at 3058 W. 63^rd St. and the special was spaghetti or mostaccioli including salad, bread and butter, all-you-can-eat for only $1.45. I don’t think we can beat that price. We could also get a free six-pack of Coke if we ordered a family size pizza. Where are we going? A hint – they also have a place on Archer and California.