Thursday, May 29, 2014

"Walk It Out For Andrew" Fundraiser Set at West Lawn Park; Everyone Welcome

Men, women and children from the Southwest Side are invited to join a growing group of friends at the Fifth Annual “Walk It OutFor Andrew” (WIOFA) fundraiser, set for Saturday, June 7 at West Lawn Park, 4233 West 65th Street.

The event’s purpose is twofold: first, to honor the memory of Andrew Smialek, a Southwest Sider and St. Rita High School alumnus who was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2004, barely a month after graduating from St. Mary Star of the Sea School. Andrew bravely fought the disease all through his years as an active student at St. Rita High School, finally succumbing in November of 2009, while he was a freshman at DePaul University.

His family and friends say that Andrew will always be remembered for his strength, courage
Andrew Smialek
and, above all, love for life. Andrew never let his struggles bring him down and consistently brought joy to all that knew him. His selflessness and determination to fight against cancer will forever live on as inspiration for Walk It Out For Andrew.

The event's other import goal is to raise funds to support pediatric oncology services at Advocate Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn. Within the hospital is the Keyser FamilyPediatric Cancer Center. This center is an 8,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility developed to deliver high quality outpatient care in a comfortable and healing environment. With the mission of treating all children with pediatric cancer and hematologic diseases, the Keyser Center assures that all children, their families and loved ones are cared for from the moment they enter the hospital and throughout the transition to adult medical care.

Starting with just a handful of dedicated family and friends, the event has grown in size every year and has raised tens of thousands of dollars for pediatric oncology services.

“Walk It Out For Andrew” check-in starts at 1 p.m., and the 5K walk itself steps off at 2 p.m. The family-focused event will include food, prize drawings, entertainment and more.

Commemorative T-shirts will be sold at the event for $10 each.

For those participating in the walk, registration fee is $15 at the event, $10 in advance for those who signup online at wiofa.org.

Sponsors of the 2014 WIOFA include Saint Rita of Cascia High School, the Bandmans
Company, M. De Masi Designs, Twisted Shamrock Pub, the Chicago Bears, the Chicago White Sox, the Chicago Bulls/White Sox Academy, the Windy City Thunderbolts, Charter Fitness, Chicago Glass Blocks, and Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant.

Andrew's friends--talented, dynamic and big-hearted--have produced videos in recent years about the "Walk It Out" effort. Here are a few of them:








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Wednesday, May 28, 2014

FBI Releases Photo of Man Who Robbed TCF Bank at 55th/Mulligan; $$$ Reward

Just released to the press this afternoon by the Chicago office of the FBI:



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Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Lipinski Says 'No' to 63rd/Harlem Underpass; 65th Street a Better Idea, He Says; But No Funds Yet.

(Editor's Note: We Southwest Siders--especially those of us in the Clearing neighborhood--have long been fed up with traffic tie-ups caused by trains---and are sometimes understandably cynical after hearing literally decades' worth of promises broken by local politicians. So while we certainly hope we can believe the latest promise by an elected official, we remain tempted to sing another round of "I've Heard That Song Before." In other words, we'll believe it when we see it.)

That said, here is a press release put out today by Congressman Daniel W. Lipinski (D-3rd).

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Congressman Dan Lipinski (IL-3) is making it a top priority to secure funding for a railroad grade
separation at 65th Street and Harlem Avenue. The project – either an underpass or overpass that would eliminate train blockage of 65th Street – would have a significant positive impact on the surrounding area, specifically the southwest side of Chicago, Bedford Park, and Summit. With the possibility this year of a new federal road construction bill and a state capital construction bill, there are new opportunities to move the project forward. 

“Back in 2003, the CREATE program was announced with great fanfare at a press conference at 63rd and Harlem,” said Rep. Lipinski.  “This program will invest billions to increase the efficiency of our region's passenger and freight rail, and enhance the quality of life for residents.  A significant part of this quality of life enhancement is the construction of two dozen grade separations.  These are underpasses or overpasses that move roads over or under rail lines.  One of these has been slated for 63rd and Harlem.  But while CREATE has moved forward over the years, starting with $100 million that I was able to secure for it, progress on the grade separations has lagged, largely because of the cost.”

While 63rd Street was the location originally chosen for the grade separation, Congressman Lipinski now believes if the engineering is feasible, 65th Street would be a better choice.  65th is a four lane road on a largely commercial street and 63rd is a two lane road on a largely residential street.  Hundreds of trucks every day travel to and from businesses in the Clearing Industrial District and a grade separation on 63rd would bring many of those trucks up residential side streets to 63rd.

Over the years, Lipinski has spoken with many local residents, elected officials, businesses, and employees about this project and what it would mean for the area.  The benefits would include fewer delays getting to work, school, church, or shopping.  Also, less gas wasted waiting for a train to pass, increased safety, economic development, and the potential for more jobs in the area.
“There is new hope for getting this project going this year,” stated Rep. Lipinski.  “Both the federal government and the state of Illinois may be passing new bills that will help ease the congestion on our roads.  The most recent federal bill to fund highway and transit projects expires at the end of September.  I am Illinois' most senior member on the House Transportation Committee and we will soon be working on a new bill.  I’ll be pushing to pass a robust, long-term bill that will provide federal support for projects that would alleviate problems like the one many of us face every day at Harlem Avenue.”  

In addition, Lipinski is hopeful that Illinois will pass a new capital bill that would provide funding for all types of construction projects including road construction.  The last capital bill passed in Springfield is winding down and a new one may be done this year.  He has met with Governor Quinn to tell him about the need for the Clearing grade separation, and he has worked with all the local state legislators to build support for this project.  The estimated cost of the entire grade separation project is about $95 million dollars. 

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Monday, May 26, 2014

A Sweet Little Girl Needs Your Help

Passing along information about an important fundraiser for a sweet little girl whose parents are originally from the Southwest Side.

Alexandra's mom attended St. Rene and St. Symphorosa schools, and then went on to Mt. Assisi Academy. Dad attended Hale School and went on to St. Rita High School.

Please help if you are able. Thanks!


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Free Fun Fair Set at St. Richard School

Just sharing some news from our friends at St. Richard Parish. Please mark your calendars!


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Crime News Update

Editor's note: The crime news reported by the Southwest Chicago Post---taken directly from Chicago Police Department incident reports---is not by any means an exhaustive catalogue of all crime reported in the Chicago Lawn (8th) District. For example, it typically does not include news of crimes committed in the eastern and southern sectors of the district---because the Southwest Chicago Post's coverage area is primarily the neighborhoods that border Midway Airport and secondarily because including the relatively large volume of crime news from elsewhere in the district would be a logistical challenge. We make this note to offer a little helpful perspective and remind everyone that while crime is definitely a concern in all parts of the district (as it always has been), crime remains relatively low overall in Sector 1. May all of us work together diligently to keep it that way. May all of us also remember that a person charged with a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. 

* * *

   A pair of robbers hit the T-Mobile store at 4317 S. Pulaski, making off with 32 cell phones,
4317 South Pulaski
a surveillance monitor and $800 cash. The crime occurred at 7:54 p.m. Friday, May 23. One of the two robbers brandished a dark green handgun and ordered the three employees (a 23-year-old Gage Park man, a 20-year-old West Lawn woman, and a 20-year-old Back of the Yards woman) to the back of the store. They then ordered the male employee to open the safe and cash registers, which he did. They fled out the back door and are described as black men age 20-25. One is 6’1 to 6’3 and 170-180 pounds, and the other is 5’7 to 5’9 and 140-160 pounds, both wearing hoodies.

* * *

   A technician installing a security system at the 123 Wireless store at 3920 W. 71st St. was robbed in the parking lot adjacent to the building. The crime occurred at 11:55 p.m. Thursday, May 22. The victim told police that a man came up from behind, held an unknown object against his back and demanded money. After taking $60 cash from the victim, the robber fled. He is described as a black man age 18-21, 5’8 to 5’10 and 150-160 pounds, medium complexion, wearing a black hoody and black jeans.

* * *

   A 66-year-old Chicago Lawn woman was robbed as she walked down a sidewalk near 68th and Hamlin at 9:45 a.m. Wednesday, May 21. The woman told police that a thug with a handgun approached from behind, pushed her to the ground and said, “I will kill you” before snatching her purse and fleeing into a waiting vehicle with an accomplice. The purse contained $125 cash. A witness, a 19-year-old West Lawn man, described the robber as a white Hispanic man age 18, 6’1 and 160 pounds, medium complexion, short hair, wearing a black baseball cap, black shirt and dark blue jeans.

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Want to work directly with Chicago Police to prevent crime in your neighborhood? If you live in Beat 813 or 833 (see map), come to West Lawn Park at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 27. Hear updates on crime in your neighborhood and learn how you can work with neighbors and police to make the community safer and better for all.



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   Burglars forced open the back door of a home near 81st and Tripp and stole a .38 caliber revolver with ammunition, as well as assorted jewelry, a coin collection and $180 cash. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 65-year-old man, when he came home at 2:48 p.m. Saturday, May 24.

* * *

   Burglars entered a home near 50th and La Crosse and stole a laptop computer and a cell phone. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 35-year-old man, at 9 p.m. Friday, May 23. Police said they saw no sign of forced entry.

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   Burglars forced their way through a side window of an apartment near 53rd and Kilbourn and stole a computer, a GIS unit, a keyboard, a passport and $650 cash. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 59 year-old man, at 4 p.m. Thursday, May 22, four hours after he had left home.


http://wiofa.org/

   Burglars pried open the back door of a home near 60th and Karlov and stole a laptop computer, as well as two jewelry boxes with jewelry inside. The victim, a 54-year-old man, was alerted to the crime by a home security company at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 21.

* * *

   Burglars forced open the basement window of a home near 72nd and Springfield and stole a clothes washer and dryer, a refrigerator and a stove. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 31-year-old Oak Lawn man, at 8 a.m. Wednesday, May 21.

* * *


   Burglars entered an open garage near 52nd and Leclaire and stole a lawn mower. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 71-year-old man, at 2:37 p.m. Tuesday, May 20. The victim told police that he had left the garage open while he was standing in front of his house.


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Friday, May 23, 2014

Services St. Dan's for Fr. John Cassidy

Just sharing some news released at 2:26 p.m. today by the Chicago Archdiocese.



Rev. John M. Cassidy
ARCHDIOCESAN PRIEST, REV. JOHN M. CASSIDY, DIES
Pastor Emeritus of St. Ambrose Parish in Chicago 
Served in the Illinois National Guard 

Chicago, IL (May 23, 2014) – Rev. John M. Cassidy, died on Wednesday, May 21, 2014, at Buckingham Pavilion in Chicago.  He was 82 years old. 

Fr. Cassidy was born in Chicago, Illinois, and attended St. Agnes School in Chicago Heights.  He graduated from Quigley Preparatory Seminary and from the University of St. Mary of the Lake / Mundelein Seminary.  Samuel Cardinal Stritch, then Archbishop of Chicago, ordained Fr. Cassidy on April 13, 1958.  He received his Bachelor of Arts, and
M.A. degrees from St. Mary of the Lake. 

His first assignment was at St. Raphael Parish in Chicago where he served as assistant pastor from 1958 to 1966.  He also served as assistant pastor at Our Lady of the Snows in Chicago from 1966 to 1968 and St. Thaddeus Parish from 1968 to 1973.  Fr. Cassidy was assigned Pastor of St. Ambrose Parish from 1973 to 1985. He was then named Associate Pastor at St. Margaret of Scotland from 1985 to 1987 and St. Daniel the Prophet Parish from 1987 to 2003. In 2003, Fr. Cassidy returned to St. Ambrose where he was named Pastor Emeritus.

Fr. Cassidy also served as a chaplain in the Illinois National Guard with a rank of First Lieutenant. 

When asked about his long-time friendship with Fr. Cassidy, Deacon Richard Voytas from St. Daniel the Prophet Parish, he instantly described him as “not only a wonderful man but a priest 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”  A family friend for over 20 years, Deacon Voytas said that Fr. Cassidy was not only a great inspiration and a mentor to him in his formation as a Deacon, but was devoted to the people of his parish.  “When you look up the definition of ‘priest’ in a dictionary, you will find a picture of Fr. John Cassidy!” said Voytas.  Fr. Cassidy was also well known throughout his lifetime for his athletic abilities.  “He was a marvelous athlete who loved golf but was simply great at basketball, racquetball and handball. He was a natural,” remarked Voytas.    .  

Visitation for Fr. Cassidy will take place from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., on Monday, May 26, at St. Daniel the Prophet Parish, 5300 South Natoma Avenue in Chicago.  Bishop Francis Kane will be the main celebrant at a funeral Mass for Fr. Cassidy at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 27, at St. Daniel the Prophet Parish.  Deacon Richard Vojtas of St. Daniel the Prophet will be the homilist. Interment will be at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Alsip.

Father John Cassidy is the brother of the late Rev. Francis Cassidy, Mundelein Seminary Class of 1957. Fr. Cassidy is survived by his older brother James and James’ wife, Donna.  


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Monday, May 19, 2014

Crime News Update

Editor's note: The crime news reported by the Southwest Chicago Post---taken directly from Chicago Police Department incident reports---is not by any means an exhaustive catalogue of all crime reported in the Chicago Lawn (8th) District. For example, it typically does not include news of crimes committed in the eastern and southern sectors of the district---because the Southwest Chicago Post's coverage area is primarily the neighborhoods that border Midway Airport and secondarily because including the relatively large volume of crime news from elsewhere in the district would be a logistical challenge. We make this note to offer a little helpful perspective and remind everyone that while crime is definitely a concern in all parts of the district (as it always has been), crime remains relatively low overall in Sector 1. May all of us work together diligently to keep it that way. May all of us also remember that a person charged with a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. 

* * *

A quartet of thugs hit the EZ Pawn shop at 4338 S. Pulaski, making off with an estimated
4338 South Pulaski
$50,000 worth of jewelry and $5,000 cash. Two employees (a 33-year-old Cicero man and a 26-year-old Brighton Park woman) told police that the men walked in at 10:29 a.m. Wednesday, May 14. Three of the four brandished handguns, and the woman was initially ordered to lie on the floor, but then ordered to get up and open a safe, which she did. At the same time, one of the robbers jumped up and down on a glass display case, breaking it and scooping up the jewelry inside. The male sales clerk was roughed up slightly. The four then fled out a side door and ran west through a yard at 4349 S. Komensky, the employees told police. The four are described as white Hispanic men age 18-20, 5’4 to 5’8 and 140-160 pounds, all wearing masks or bandannas.

* * *

A 40-year-old Little Village woman taking a walk on her lunch break from work told police she was robbed at gunpoint on a path in Archer Park, near 48th and Kilbourn. A man approached, displayed a pistol and said, “Stop, lady. Give me your purse.” She complied, and the robber fled on foot. The purse contained a child-support check she had just received. The robber is described as a white Hispanic man age 23-25, 6’0.

* * *

Want to work directly with Chicago Police to prevent crime in your neighborhood? If you live in Beat 811 (see map), come to Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 20. Hear updates on crime in your neighborhood and learn how you can work with neighbors and police to make the community safer and better for all.


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An 18-year-old West Elsdon man told police he was robbed at knifepoint as he walked down a sidewalk in front of 3954 W. 57th St. at 12:10 a.m. Sunday, May 18. He said he was walking home from work at the time and was approached by a man who stole his wallet, cell phone and $8 cash before fleeing east on 57th Street. The robber is described as a white Hispanic man about 5’7 and 120 pounds, brown eyes, short black hair, light complexion.

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A 22-year-old West Lawn woman told police she was robbed at knifepoint as she walked down a sidewalk in front of 6332 S. Hamlin at 1:10 a.m. Sunday, May 18. She said she was walking home from work at the time and was approached by two men who stole her cell phone, wallet and book bag before fleeing on foot north towards 63rd Street. Police searching the area later recovered her book bag, although a debit card was missing. The robbers are described as white Hispanic men age 18, 5’6 and 120 pounds, black hair, light complexion, wearing gray hoodies.

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A 50-year-old Archer Heights man told police that he was robbed as he walked down a sidewalk in front of 5010 S. Tripp at 2:01 a.m. Sunday, May 18. He said that three men approached on foot and threatened him before taking $15 cash from him. The robbers are described as white Hispanic men age 18-19, 5’6 and 160 pounds.

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A 42-year-old Archer Heights man told police he was robbed at knifepoint as he walked down a sidewalk in front of 5200 S. Kildare at 2:04 a.m. Sunday, May 18. He said that three men approached him on foot and, in Spanish, demanded his money. The victim surrendered his wallet with $103 cash inside, as well as a cell phone. The trio fled east on 52nd Street when a woman came out of her house and hollered at them. The robbers are described as white Hispanic men age 18-20, 5’8 and 150 pounds, wearing black hoodies.

* * *

Want to work directly with Chicago Police to prevent crime in your neighborhood? If you live in Beat 813 or 833 (see map), come to West Lawn Park at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 27. Hear updates on crime in your neighborhood and learn how you can work with neighbors and police to make the community safer and better for all.

* * *

A 20-year-old West Lawn man told police he was robbed in an alley behind 6235 S. Kostner at 4:40 p.m. Friday, May 16. He said a man walked up, snatched his cell phone, pushed him and ran away. The offender is described only as a black man.

* * *

Burglars entered the unlocked back door of a home near 52nd and Austin and stole a TV. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 48-year-old woman, when she came home from work at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 15.

* * *

Burglars entered a garage near 48th and Kolin and stole two bicycles and three toolboxes with tools. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 47-year-old man, at 7 p.m. Monday, May 12.

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Burglars entered the service door of a garage near 63rd and Keating and stole a bicycle, an air compressor and two power drills. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 22-year-old man, when he came home from work at 5 a.m. Saturday, May 3—although he did not report the crime until 11 days later. There was no sign of forced entry, police said.


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