Fat Johnnie’s to be in the TV spotlight

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By Kathy Headley

Your correspondent in Chicago Lawn and Marquette Manor

6610 S. Francisco • (773) 776-7778

I am reasonably sure that most of us watch a little bit of television from time to time. If that is true for you, and if you have had WGN on recently, you may have heard about the new show that will debut this month. It is called Spotlight Chicago. The new show hosted by Sarah Jindra and Ji Suk Yi, will air weekdays at 3 p.m. and plans to do just what its name says, put a spotlight on individuals, organizations, local attractions and such.

So why does this pertain to us? As you may have noticed in the introductory commercial, Ji Suk Yi has visited Fat Johnnie’s here on Western. Her visit will air in the coming weeks. The exact date has not been publicized yet but it will be something to watch out for, won’t it?

While we are on the subject of food, let’s welcome business owner Alicia Duerson and her new Harold’s Chicken Shack on the northwest corner of 63^rd and Francisco. Fifteenth Ward Ald. Raymond Lopez was on hand for the ribbon cutting at the end of August. As you may know, anytime Harold’s has opened a restaurant, the name also features which number it is. This one is number 17. I am looking forward to stopping in.

Park District officials have decided that with the 90-degree temperatures that surface in September, the sprinkler at Marquette Park will stay open for families through Sept. 30.

The annual Our Lady of Siluva novena begins at Nativity BVM Parish this Friday, Sept. 8 with an 11 a.m. Mass and novena. Mass and novenas continue from Monday, Sept. 11, to Sunday, Sept. 17.

This Sunday, Sept. 10, Community Cinema brings the 2022 Twentieth Century Fox film Avatar: The Way of the Water to the Chicago Lawn Branch Library, 6120 S. Kedzie. The PG-13 movie begins at 2 p.m.

Remember the CARA Run Crew meets at Marquette Park by the running track every Tuesday at 5 p.m. for a group run/walk. All paces are welcome, including walkers. Any questions, contact [email protected].

Over at the Southwest Regional Senior Center, 6117 S. Kedzie, a jewelry making class with Mrs. Lorraine takes place on Wednesday, Sept. 13 at 10 a.m. Pre-registration is required either at the front desk or by calling (312) 747-0440.

All parishioners, former parishioners and friends of Nativity BVM are invited to join in the celebration of the parish’s 96^th anniversary on Sunday, Sept. 17. Festivities begin with a Mass at 11 a.m. celebrated by Rev. Gintaras Jonikas, followed by a celebration banquet in the parish hall at 12:30 p.m. Tickets are $60 for adults and $30 for children under 12 years of age. Call the parish office to reserve a seat or a table (10 people) at (773) 776-4600.

The Gage Park High School Class of 1970 is planning a reunion set for Saturday, Oct. 7, from 3 to 8 p.m. at the Lemont VFW Post 5819. The cost is $20. Pay at the door. Food will be catered and a cash bar will be available. Cutoff date for reservations is Sept. 22. If you are planning on attending, email [email protected].

Condolences to the Sisters of St. Casimir on the passing of Sister Grace Ann (M. Patrick) Kalafut. Sister was the oldest of four children, attending St. Simon Elementary School and then St. Rita Elementary School before enrolling at St. Casimir Academy. She attended St. Casimir during the time it transitioned into Maria High School and was part of the first graduating class in 1953.

For 18 years she taught the primary grades in several states before coming back to Maria in 1983 as assistant principal and then principal.

Sister was elected to congregational leadership, serving as Councilor and then General Treasurer. A familiar face in the community, she was active in the actions and events of the Southwest Organizing Project, and for many years chaired the SSC Annual Summerfest and Founder’s Day Mini Fests.

Now back to 1981. When we left last week. we were on our way to the nearest Kentucky Fried Chicken. Brad S. was the first to identify the location as 63^rd and Richmond. He also reminded us of Brown’s Chicken which is getting harder and harder to find. He mentioned our closest location back then, which was on Western Avenue.

Now let’s travel north a little bit, because in 1981 this store was holding a grand opening in the Kedzie Plaza at 47^th and Kedzie. This was a big deal at the time. City and federal officials were at the ribbon cutting ceremony and who cut the ribbon? It was Mayor Jane Byrne. All of the stores bearing this name have been closed for several years now. Where do you think we were going?