I was very impressed by Mark Walden, executive director and master of ceremonies of the West Lawn Camber of Commerce, and the distinguished group of people at the Chamber’s Awards and Board Installation Luncheon held at Palermo’s on 63rd Street.
I was lucky enough to enjoy conversations with those seated at my table: Duane Watts, Forrest Harris, Sandy Schade, Barbara Ziegler, Donna Osypka, Edie Cavanaugh (a hardworking veteran), Martha Guerrero, Bernie Baran and her charming husband, Don.
Nadia Miranda, VP for Strategy, made a welcome announcement that the Chamber’s project is forming an Archer Heights Chamber of Commerce to serve businesses in neighborhoods north of the existing chamber.
Dr. Loretta Visomirskis, Dean of Daley College, presented the Community Service Awards to CPD Officers Phillip Hayman Jr., Mark Trost and John Lepkowski, who went far beyond the “call of duty.” The special Tony Kara Positive Influence Award was presented to Frank Lazarz, president.
St. Mary Star of the Sea school will present its WPW Wrestling Spectacular at 8 p.m. Saturday, April 12. World Champions Billy Gunn/Kipp James and Doink the Clown will be two of the many wrestlers in the five matches.
They will be wrestling the way it used to be — with good role models, no vulgarity and family-friendly entertainment. Tickets for the Meet and Greet (full dinner included) start at 6 p.m, and are $40. Reserved seating is $15 and general admission is $12 per person. Seating is limited, so call ASAP (773) 767-1246 or (773) 767-6160.
We congratulate Marlo Elizondo, a parishioner of Queen of the Universe church who made the De La Salle High School Honor Roll. We hope that God continues to bless him so he keeps up the good work and is a good role model for other students.
We send our Happy Birthday good wishes to the Rev. George Velloorattil, pastor at Queen of the Universe Church as he celebrated at the 11 a.m. Mass on Sunday, April 6. We wish him “Sto lat.”
We had a marvelous time seeing and hearing the Department for the Visual and Creative Arts students of Curie High School perform “Into the Woods,” with words and lyrics by Steven Sondheim, under the direction of “Ms. E.,” who seemed to be loved by all.
I thank Susan Kroll, learning coach, because I would not have known about this remarkable performance held March 26-29. The scenery was unbelievably professional, as was the cast. On the way in, I met Mary Martinez, the mother of the narrator and “Mysterious Man,” Jon Martinez; and on my way out, I stopped to tell her that he gave an amazing performance.
We thank Ald. Frank Olivo (13th) for his interesting meeting last Friday morning at which we could air our complaints, and to Sandy Schade for her social graces and providing us with a morning “coffee and” to get us on our way during our busy days.
It is great that the Alderman meets with his constituents in his local offices and provides information and aid in our daily neighborhood struggles. Thanks also to Marty Quinn, who helps us efficiently solve problems.