St. Catherine Carnival goes off without a hitch, trustee says

By Joe Boyle

The St. Catherine of Alexandria Carnival in Oak Lawn was not only considered a success last weekend, it may prove to be beacon of hope to other communities.

The carnival drew large crowds and went off with few hiccups, according to Trustee Ralph Soch, whose 6th District includes St. Catherine at 10621 S. Kedvale Ave.

“I want to congratulate the people of St. Catherine for a successful carnival,” said Soch during the Oak Lawn Village Board meeting Tuesday night. “It was well attended and everyone had a great time.”

Soch, who said he attended all four days of the event, applauded the efforts of Village Clerk Claire Henning and her husband, who were instrumental in putting the carnival together.

But what pleased the trustee the most was the carnival had few disturbances. He thanked Police Chief Dan Vittorio for his preparation. The police had cameras stationed at locations throughout the carnival. Vittorio could observe everything going on at the carnival from his home.

“We just had one minor juvenile disturbance,” Soch said. “That was it.”

He also mentioned that fire department paramedics responded to assist a youth who had a seizure.

Soch and other trustees pointed out that with the success of the St. Catherine Carnival, this should send a positive message to other villages that they too can host a festival if they prepare ahead of time.

The annual Most Holy Redeemer Carnival was canceled after a flash mob marred the Tinley Park Armed Forces Carnival last month. Due to the unruly behavior on the second day of the event, the last day of the Tinley Park Carnival was canceled.

RidgeFest, an annual staple of summer in Chicago Ridge, was also canceled by their board due to concerns about unruly behavior by flash mobs.

However, the Oak Lawn Police Department and village officials said even after the Tinley Park incident they never considered not holding the St. Catherine Carnival.

“This is a case where everyone works together,” Soch added. “We partner with the Oak Lawn Police Department and we collaborate. Everyone was watching us and I think we got their attention. Now I think they know they can do this, too.

“When they say it takes a village, they are right. The village of Oak Lawn came through,” Soch said.

Police honor scholars

The Oak Lawn Police Department Scholarships were presented to Connor Clancy and Elizabeth Schmidt. The scholarships are presented in memory of Ruben Flores, who was an Oak Lawn police officer who died of cancer in 2021.

Clancy is the son of Oak Lawn Police Cmdr. Bud Clancy. Schmidt is the daughter of Lt. Joe Schmidt.

Vittorio mentioned that the Oak Lawn Police Club has been selling yard signs to support the police. The proceeds go to the scholarship fund for police department dependents.

Both Clancy and Schmidt successfully completed the requirements for the memorial scholarship.

The board also honored Harrison A. Brandt for attaining Eagle Scout recognition. Mayor Terry Vorderer presented a plaque to the Eagle Scout. Brandt’s parents were on hand to see their son receive the award.

Sewer inspections

Vector Services, who is working for Nicor, are performing sewer inspections on sanitary sewer mains and laterals using a sewer CCTV camera. Vector Services have been contacting residents in the 2nd District in the vicinity of the Lynnwood Subdivision that include streets along 91st to 93rd streets, roughly from Austin Avenue west to Menard Avenue east.

Company officials said that most homeowners will not have to be notified, but in rare instances, some work may have to be completed inside. Impingements, or cross bores, are at the intersection of sewer and gas lines.

Alex Goss, superintendent of sewers for Vector Services, said that if an impingement is found, a Nicor emergency crew will be contacted and will examine the location through video.

Trustee Alex Olejniczak (2nd) pointed out to Goss that many seniors live in that area and they need to be careful when approaching homeowners.

“If someone knocks on your door and want to come in your house, don’t let them in,” said Olejniczak, unless they provide specific credentials.

“But if you don’t feel comfortable, you don’t have to let them in,” Olejniczak added.

New restaurants in village

New restaurants are on the horizon, while others are expanding their menus in Oak Lawn.

The long-awaited Blueberry Hill restaurant will open soon at 5769 W. 95th St., the former site of the Oak Lawn Restaurant.

“They were supposed to open in January but were delayed,” Vorderer said. “But they are working hard to open. It will be a nice place.”

The Oak Lawn Board of Trustees approved a Class HV liquor license for the new owners of Blueberry Hill. The owner of Blueberry Hill said the restaurant should open by July 4.

A new restaurant will open in the former location of Frankie’s Beef and Pasta, which recently closed its doors. La Cocina de Mama will open at 5721 W. 95th St. Ownership has indicated they will open their doors on Friday, June 30.

Ownership stated that they will not only offer standard Mexican food, but will be a more upscale eatery. The signature dish will be a skirt steak with a variety of spices. Margaritas are “made from scratch,” the owner said.

The Oak Lawn Diner, 4002 W. 111th St., has become a popular breakfast stop for residents. However, ownership stated that they have received requests to expand their hours and offer dinner. The board approved the dinner hours.

Both La Cocina de Mama and Oak Lawn Diner were approved for liquor licenses.

A Class BV liquor license was granted to Oak Lawn Wine & Spirits, 10329 Central Ave.