A customer stopped in the other day and brought me a column published in The Regional News, a newspaper published in Palos and Orland. The column was titled: Whither all our local mom-and-pop stores? and it was written by Amy Wiest, president of Wildflowers Inc. in Palos Heights. I was thrilled to see it! I am not a voice in the wilderness!
I called Amy immediately, she gave me permission to quote her in my article, and now I’m so excited, I don’t know where to begin. Maybe I should start with her very first sentence: “I am surprised and saddened every time I see another independent business close its doors.” How many times have I thought that, said that, and written about it? “The recent closure of longtime local businesses in Palos Heights such as Rini’s, Flowers of Palos, and Quiznos have left me wondering what responsibility my shopping choices played in their failure.” By this time I was doing handsprings.
I have recently heard about the imminent closing of yet another business in Blue Island, and also was surprised to see that An Seanachai on 127th had closed and the building is for sale. To quote Amy one more time: “It is hypocritical for us to be sad when another little neighborhood gem disappears or gossip about their downfall while on our way to the giant retailers.” Amen, sister! Or to paraphrase Smokey the Bear “Only you can prevent the collapse of your downtown.”
Amy even confronted head-on an issue that has bothered me for a long time, one that I have been too timid to confront, and so now I will hide behind her words: “Even if you don’t work for a small business, if we all go away, where will the community groups go for their donations? Who will sell the tickets for Woman’s Club functions; make donations for the PFA fundraisers; place ads in your group’s ad books; hang your event signage; donate silent auction items and sponsor the civic events? If you think the big retail chains will, you are very wrong.”
In the last month I have received several requests for donations, ads, and auction items from some very upstanding and outstanding community groups. Requests will only increase as the holidays draw near. When I look at the signatures at the bottoms of the letters, I don’t recognize the names. I should know them. If these people have the chutzpah to ask me for money, I would think they would have the common sense to at least make a token purchase at my business and introduce themselves. Imagine the talk around Blue Island if I openly refused to put up signs for Spaghetti Dinners, Vegas Nights, Boy Scout Troops, etc. Worse yet, imagine the outcry if I demanded $5.00 a piece to put up the signs. Community support is a two way street.
Amy asked the question: “When we choose to shop in the big chain stores, can we follow the money trail back into our community?” Let me tell you, I was recently at Target in Crestwood. At the cash register there is a list of the schools they donate to. Guess what? There is not one Blue Island school on that list. Not one.
So once again I ask every man, woman, and child to spend their $5.00 a day in Blue Island. If you are a current customer of mine, let me know what civic groups you belong to, or which local charities you would like us to support, and when those donation request letters come in, I guarantee you that checks will go out.
Candace Carr
CARR home-garden-holiday
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Monday, September 22, 2008
What I've learned
It’s been an interesting month, trying to spend all our money in Blue Island. It’s not often easy and sometimes it’s impossible, so let me start with our failures. My sister invited us over one night (she doesn’t live in Blue Island) and we ended up ordering pizza $22.00. There was an errand with our grandson and we bought ice cream on the way back $5.00. Now here’s the part that disturbs me. We needed a video game our grandson wanted for his birthday and I called around. No one had it, and even a national chain electronics company right here in Blue Island that had it on their website did not offer to order it for us. Chalk up $29.35 for Amazon.com. The end of the month got a little sketchy as we were called out of town for a funeral for two days. So Indiana got two tanks of gas out of us, and uncounted stops for food.
On the positive side, I found out that the Family Dollar Store on Vermont sells Hanes-Her-Way, Rodarte’s does excellent jewelry repair, and we had a great experience at Spice of Life on Western. I must say that Spice of Life surprised me. I had heard a lot of terrible things about them when they first opened. Steve needed a pair gym shoes, and other than George Allen Shoes, there’s not a shoe store in Blue Island, until now that is.
Early on a Sunday morning, I was driving past Spice of Life and decided to stop and peek in their windows. Much to my surprise it is no longer a hodge-podge of general merchandise. One side is clothes for the younger crowd, and the other side has SHOES! So later that day, we returned, and Steve bought his gym shoes. The owners were quite friendly and helpful, and they assured me that soon they would have stylish clothes for the (ahem) older working woman.
So here are the big winners for August. Jewel $325.00 Thornton’s $189.00 Tenochtitlán $89.00 Stefanelli’s $89.00 Korbakes $62.00 Spice of Life $55.00. Once again most of our money was spent on food, gas, and alcohol, and I imagine that is true for most people. We spent a total of $1042.00 in Blue Island.
Let me share with you some of the great finds: Shoes at Spice of Life. The best tilapia in town at Joe’s Fruit Market (he also has the best peaches and tomatoes). For avocados I have to recommend Imelda’s. They always have perfectly ripe ones right by the checkout. The best shrimp is at El Ranchito, and let me mention again the jewelry repair at Rodarte’s.
Candace Carr
CARR home-garden-holiday
On the positive side, I found out that the Family Dollar Store on Vermont sells Hanes-Her-Way, Rodarte’s does excellent jewelry repair, and we had a great experience at Spice of Life on Western. I must say that Spice of Life surprised me. I had heard a lot of terrible things about them when they first opened. Steve needed a pair gym shoes, and other than George Allen Shoes, there’s not a shoe store in Blue Island, until now that is.
Early on a Sunday morning, I was driving past Spice of Life and decided to stop and peek in their windows. Much to my surprise it is no longer a hodge-podge of general merchandise. One side is clothes for the younger crowd, and the other side has SHOES! So later that day, we returned, and Steve bought his gym shoes. The owners were quite friendly and helpful, and they assured me that soon they would have stylish clothes for the (ahem) older working woman.
So here are the big winners for August. Jewel $325.00 Thornton’s $189.00 Tenochtitlán $89.00 Stefanelli’s $89.00 Korbakes $62.00 Spice of Life $55.00. Once again most of our money was spent on food, gas, and alcohol, and I imagine that is true for most people. We spent a total of $1042.00 in Blue Island.
Let me share with you some of the great finds: Shoes at Spice of Life. The best tilapia in town at Joe’s Fruit Market (he also has the best peaches and tomatoes). For avocados I have to recommend Imelda’s. They always have perfectly ripe ones right by the checkout. The best shrimp is at El Ranchito, and let me mention again the jewelry repair at Rodarte’s.
Candace Carr
CARR home-garden-holiday
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Aren't we worth it?
A customer came in the other day, looking for a gift for a bridal shower. She told me that on the invitation to the shower it said that the bride was registered at Target and Kohl’s, but she wanted to buy “something nice.” This got me thinking. Maybe I’m just from another generation, but remember when we use to register for fine china and real silverware? My family was not wealthy, and there were eight children, but we all expected, or at least hoped for, a better life. As we married, we registered for quality items that would last us our lifetime, not melamine dishes and stainless steel utensils. Each aunt or grandparent or friend would buy one or two place settings, and in the end our homes would be stocked with a few of the finer things of life.
When did we, as a country, start to sell ourselves short? At what point did we decide that sub par mass-produced goods made of plastic were good enough? We, as a country, and as individuals we are still one of the most well to do people on earth. Aren’t we worth it? Aren’t you worth it? Go buy yourself “something nice.”
Now, let’s discuss the Spend All Your Money in Blue Island Project. As of this writing, my husband and I have only been working on this for a week. I have learned a few amazing things. 1) We spend very little money anywhere. This worries me, because it is probably true for most Blue Islanders. No wonder so many places close up. 2) Everything we’ve spent so far falls into one of four categories: food, gasoline, videos, and alcohol. Again, no wonder so many places close up.
Here’s the score so far. Thornton’s $57.00, Jewel $43.00, Mario’s Tacos $27.00, Korbakes $25.00, Stefanelli’s $23.25, Joe’s Fruit Market $15.50, DeMar’s $8.00, Dunkin’ Donuts $7.75, Harry’s Long Bar $6.00, Subway $5.50, Blue Island Video $5.00, and El Ranchito $3.00. A total of $226.00.
We did run into a two small dilemmas. We had planned a day trip before we started this, and didn’t want to cancel it, so we spent $29.00 in another town for lunch; and one day Steve found himself outside the city limits by a good 45 minutes, was starving, and had to stay where he was. He spent $7.00 at Arby’s. A lack of planning on our part.
We haven’t needed to spend much so far, but as they say in the casino commercials “Things are about to get interesting.” Necessary items are beginning to appear on the horizon that we will need to purchase very soon, and we’ll have to find places to buy them.
Check us out next issue and see how we’ve done. Meanwhile, let me ask you this: Have you spent your $5.00 in Blue Island today?
Candace Carr
CARR home-garden-holiday
When did we, as a country, start to sell ourselves short? At what point did we decide that sub par mass-produced goods made of plastic were good enough? We, as a country, and as individuals we are still one of the most well to do people on earth. Aren’t we worth it? Aren’t you worth it? Go buy yourself “something nice.”
Now, let’s discuss the Spend All Your Money in Blue Island Project. As of this writing, my husband and I have only been working on this for a week. I have learned a few amazing things. 1) We spend very little money anywhere. This worries me, because it is probably true for most Blue Islanders. No wonder so many places close up. 2) Everything we’ve spent so far falls into one of four categories: food, gasoline, videos, and alcohol. Again, no wonder so many places close up.
Here’s the score so far. Thornton’s $57.00, Jewel $43.00, Mario’s Tacos $27.00, Korbakes $25.00, Stefanelli’s $23.25, Joe’s Fruit Market $15.50, DeMar’s $8.00, Dunkin’ Donuts $7.75, Harry’s Long Bar $6.00, Subway $5.50, Blue Island Video $5.00, and El Ranchito $3.00. A total of $226.00.
We did run into a two small dilemmas. We had planned a day trip before we started this, and didn’t want to cancel it, so we spent $29.00 in another town for lunch; and one day Steve found himself outside the city limits by a good 45 minutes, was starving, and had to stay where he was. He spent $7.00 at Arby’s. A lack of planning on our part.
We haven’t needed to spend much so far, but as they say in the casino commercials “Things are about to get interesting.” Necessary items are beginning to appear on the horizon that we will need to purchase very soon, and we’ll have to find places to buy them.
Check us out next issue and see how we’ve done. Meanwhile, let me ask you this: Have you spent your $5.00 in Blue Island today?
Candace Carr
CARR home-garden-holiday
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Walk down Western!
First, I would like to say thank you to the people who wrote in and were published in the July 16th issue of the FORUM in response to the letter from Concerned American Citizen published in the June 18th issue. They addressed the issue of anti-Hispanic sentiment in a way that I could not.
Second, I would like to address Concerned American Citizen regarding their assertion that other than Walgreens, Jewel, Stefanelli’s, or Iverson’s everything else is geared toward the Hispanic population. I say, take a walk down Western Avenue! Calumet Paint & Hardware, Beverly Blind, Flowers by Bartle, Flowers by Cathe, Ridge Auto, Zak’s High Tec Auto Rebuilders, Islands Café, T&G Gyros, Richie’s Too, DeMar’s, White Castle, Pizza Hut, Popeye’s Chicken, Beggar’s Pizza, Michael’s Hair Care, Danny’s Hair Salon, Three Sisters Antiques, Vermont Antiques, Lillian’s Antiques, Blue Island Antiques, and of course, my own store, CARR home-garden-holiday, are all the types of businesses that you are looking for. I’m sure there are several businesses I left out, and I apologize in advance for that. Look for a business that will cater your needs and you will find it.
I also agree with the writer who encouraged Concerned American Citizen to open their own business, whatever it may be. If you want the City to change, then you must be the change you wish to see. It is a tough road in this city to open a business and make it successful. The landscape of retail is changing rapidly. Bookstores and record shops are all but obsolete. The big box mentality is pervasive and seems to have affected shoppers everywhere. Many believe the statement that if you want to go shopping, you have to go to Crestwood, and that belief is hurting the businesses that choose to remain here. I dare say that many people have not bothered to come uptown in a long time. We still get Blue Island residents who say that they didn’t know we are here.
It is only individual citizens that can make the difference. If each of us made the effort to spend our money in Blue Island, the face of the city would change. If people opened the businesses they would like to see here, the city would change.
In the interests of proving that you can get what you need here in Blue Island, my husband and I have committed ourselves to spending ALL our money here for the entire month of August. We will keep track of what we spend and where and I’ll include an update of our success or failure in my next column.
Look for me walking down Western, with a fiver in my hand.
Candace Carr
CARR home-garden-holiday
Second, I would like to address Concerned American Citizen regarding their assertion that other than Walgreens, Jewel, Stefanelli’s, or Iverson’s everything else is geared toward the Hispanic population. I say, take a walk down Western Avenue! Calumet Paint & Hardware, Beverly Blind, Flowers by Bartle, Flowers by Cathe, Ridge Auto, Zak’s High Tec Auto Rebuilders, Islands Café, T&G Gyros, Richie’s Too, DeMar’s, White Castle, Pizza Hut, Popeye’s Chicken, Beggar’s Pizza, Michael’s Hair Care, Danny’s Hair Salon, Three Sisters Antiques, Vermont Antiques, Lillian’s Antiques, Blue Island Antiques, and of course, my own store, CARR home-garden-holiday, are all the types of businesses that you are looking for. I’m sure there are several businesses I left out, and I apologize in advance for that. Look for a business that will cater your needs and you will find it.
I also agree with the writer who encouraged Concerned American Citizen to open their own business, whatever it may be. If you want the City to change, then you must be the change you wish to see. It is a tough road in this city to open a business and make it successful. The landscape of retail is changing rapidly. Bookstores and record shops are all but obsolete. The big box mentality is pervasive and seems to have affected shoppers everywhere. Many believe the statement that if you want to go shopping, you have to go to Crestwood, and that belief is hurting the businesses that choose to remain here. I dare say that many people have not bothered to come uptown in a long time. We still get Blue Island residents who say that they didn’t know we are here.
It is only individual citizens that can make the difference. If each of us made the effort to spend our money in Blue Island, the face of the city would change. If people opened the businesses they would like to see here, the city would change.
In the interests of proving that you can get what you need here in Blue Island, my husband and I have committed ourselves to spending ALL our money here for the entire month of August. We will keep track of what we spend and where and I’ll include an update of our success or failure in my next column.
Look for me walking down Western, with a fiver in my hand.
Candace Carr
CARR home-garden-holiday
Friday, June 27, 2008
What can gas prices do for Blue Island?
We all know that gas is going up, up, and away, but have you ever thought about how many times you are affected by this each time you go shopping? First of all, each step of the production process of every item we purchase requires fuel of some type, usually a form of oil. Farmers need fuel to run their machinery when they plant, as do miners when they dig for raw materials. The price of that fuel is passed on (1). Then the various products need to get to a processing plant. The price of that fuel is passed on (2). Then the finished product is shipped to a warehouse or distribution point. The price of that fuel is passed on (3). Then the product is shipped to a retail location. The price of that fuel is passed on (4). So the price increase in gasoline or diesel is multiplied by four times before you even get in your car and spend more money on gas by driving to some shopping center to buy the product. What can we do? Shop Blue Island! Save your gas money.
A woman was in the store and said to her friend, “I could probably buy this at Michael’s for a few dollars cheaper.” “Yes, but you’ll spend $5.00 more in gas and don’t forget the time involved, and they may not even have it.” her friend replied. This woman knows what she’s talking about. Why spend an extra gallon of gas and your time to save a few dollars? Shop local, you’ll save money and time.
The increased price of gas may just do what none of us have been able to do; convince local citizens to patronize Blue Island businesses and reinvigorate the Uptown area. It will also open up a lot of business opportunities for Blue Island that have not existed in the recent past. At one point there was a Blue Island taxi company. I don’t know exactly when they closed up, but I’m sure that people in general had learned to rely on their own car to get them places. With gas prices the way they are, it may not be worth it for many of us, including myself, to own a car anymore; but there will be times when we need transport around the city and a taxi would work.
Another business that might do well is a bike shop. As more and more people start biking instead of driving on those short trips they will need a convenient place to buy, repair, and pick up parts for their bikes. We were recently in Madison, Wisconsin, and people were biking everywhere. There’s a bike shop anywhere you look. These people have already figured out how to save gas.
Last idea: a regular shoe store. With all these people walking instead of driving, we’re going to be wearing out a lot more shoes.
Okay, so now we’re all saving money on gas by shopping in Blue Island, and you may wonder where to spend all that hard saved gas money. How about having dinner at Richie’s Too, 12454 Western, 708-385-8900? I haven’t been there yet, but will be visiting soon. I’ll see you there!
Candace Carr
CARR home-garden-holiday
A woman was in the store and said to her friend, “I could probably buy this at Michael’s for a few dollars cheaper.” “Yes, but you’ll spend $5.00 more in gas and don’t forget the time involved, and they may not even have it.” her friend replied. This woman knows what she’s talking about. Why spend an extra gallon of gas and your time to save a few dollars? Shop local, you’ll save money and time.
The increased price of gas may just do what none of us have been able to do; convince local citizens to patronize Blue Island businesses and reinvigorate the Uptown area. It will also open up a lot of business opportunities for Blue Island that have not existed in the recent past. At one point there was a Blue Island taxi company. I don’t know exactly when they closed up, but I’m sure that people in general had learned to rely on their own car to get them places. With gas prices the way they are, it may not be worth it for many of us, including myself, to own a car anymore; but there will be times when we need transport around the city and a taxi would work.
Another business that might do well is a bike shop. As more and more people start biking instead of driving on those short trips they will need a convenient place to buy, repair, and pick up parts for their bikes. We were recently in Madison, Wisconsin, and people were biking everywhere. There’s a bike shop anywhere you look. These people have already figured out how to save gas.
Last idea: a regular shoe store. With all these people walking instead of driving, we’re going to be wearing out a lot more shoes.
Okay, so now we’re all saving money on gas by shopping in Blue Island, and you may wonder where to spend all that hard saved gas money. How about having dinner at Richie’s Too, 12454 Western, 708-385-8900? I haven’t been there yet, but will be visiting soon. I’ll see you there!
Candace Carr
CARR home-garden-holiday
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Take a Breath
Now that the St. Francis Hospital emotional rollercoaster ride is coming to an end, I think it’s safe to say that we all were affected. Not knowing what would happen put a lot of stress on the community. Who would end up unemployed? What would happen to the building? Just as people held their breath waiting to see what would happen, they also held their wallets, and many of the small businesses suffered. Curiously, we all have this illusion that things will remain the same, especially when we are not paying attention or keeping in touch, but things change whether we pay attention or not. And even though the closing was not related to the turmoil surrounding St. Francis Hospital, I have to report that we have lost another business on Western Avenue.
We can all breathe a little easier now. Things will return to normal. Hopefully, we will appreciate and pay attention to all the businesses that remain in Blue Island more than ever. Let me ask you this; What is your favorite store? Where do you go out to eat all the time? Who has that thing you want? Why not splurge this week? Go ahead, spend $10.00 in Blue Island.
On a lighter note, I have to tell you how great Stefanelli’s is. My husband and I are cheese lovers, and we have developed a fondness for English Stilton. We were buying it at Trader Joe’s since good Stilton was not available in Blue Island. We promised Stefanelli’s that if they brought in Stilton we would buy it, not the whole wheel at once, but eventually we would take it all. I’m happy to say that for six weeks we have been buying and enjoying our private stash of Stilton, and now I hear reports that someone else is starting to buy it too. All I have to say is; HANDS OFF OUR STILTON! Luckily, Joe Stefanelli has assured me that he will keep the supply coming.
Last but not least, if you missed the Cinco de Mayo festival in the park at York & Western, you missed some great music and equally great food. On behalf of the merchants and restaurants that set up, I would like to thank Ruth Sheahan and the Chamber of Commerce for their help, the City of Blue Island for their support, and the FORUM newspaper for the ad.
Candace Carr
CARR home-garden-holiday
We can all breathe a little easier now. Things will return to normal. Hopefully, we will appreciate and pay attention to all the businesses that remain in Blue Island more than ever. Let me ask you this; What is your favorite store? Where do you go out to eat all the time? Who has that thing you want? Why not splurge this week? Go ahead, spend $10.00 in Blue Island.
On a lighter note, I have to tell you how great Stefanelli’s is. My husband and I are cheese lovers, and we have developed a fondness for English Stilton. We were buying it at Trader Joe’s since good Stilton was not available in Blue Island. We promised Stefanelli’s that if they brought in Stilton we would buy it, not the whole wheel at once, but eventually we would take it all. I’m happy to say that for six weeks we have been buying and enjoying our private stash of Stilton, and now I hear reports that someone else is starting to buy it too. All I have to say is; HANDS OFF OUR STILTON! Luckily, Joe Stefanelli has assured me that he will keep the supply coming.
Last but not least, if you missed the Cinco de Mayo festival in the park at York & Western, you missed some great music and equally great food. On behalf of the merchants and restaurants that set up, I would like to thank Ruth Sheahan and the Chamber of Commerce for their help, the City of Blue Island for their support, and the FORUM newspaper for the ad.
Candace Carr
CARR home-garden-holiday
Thursday, May 1, 2008
St.Francis Hospital
I have lived in Blue Island, IL for most of my adult life. Blue Island is a beautiful city reminiscent of small town communities across the country. It was built on a very human scale, meaning that most residents can walk to the business district and indeed to almost any part of the city within twenty minutes. Groceries, medical services, restaurants, and other everyday needs are always just a few blocks away.
Twenty eight years ago, when we first moved here, the city was a thriving community with an active business district. Over the years we have witnessed the fall and rebirth and faltering again of the uptown business district, the increasing decay of our infrastructure, and the slow degeneration of our industrial base.
The announced closing of St. Francis Hospital has come as a huge blow to the residents of Blue Island. Some argue that it will make no difference to the city since St. Francis Hospital is a not-for-profit organization and does not pay real estate tax. Some say that the impact of losing over 1400 jobs will be minimal because there is a great demand for medical professionals of all kinds, and these people will easily find other employment. There are other hospitals in the area, although it’s clear that none are as convenient not only to our residents, but also to many of the surrounding cities and towns. However, the psychological impact of the closing and the effect on other local business is immeasurable. In a struggling city, the closing of yet another major employer is disheartening, and the uptown restaurants and stores will be losing a profitable source of business. As a business owner I realize that none of the above is a sound financial reason to keep an unprofitable hospital open.
Residents are concerned that many doctors who have offices in our city will close these offices in order to move closer to another hospital. The closing of the hospital will no doubt result in an increased strain on other nearby hospitals, and a general decrease in the quality of healthcare in the south suburban area. The increased travel time and expense to the next closest hospital will no doubt result in an increased loss of life. The ultimate cost of the closing of the hospital will be much greater than the $20 million a year that the hospital is said to be losing.
The long term solution will be difficult. However, if a long term solution is not found, St. Francis Hospital will be another casualty in the ongoing national health care crisis, as will the people who have depended on St. Francis to provide quality medical care.
The fact that everyone, from the janitors at St. Francis, to the doctors, to myself, to my neighbors and neighboring businesses, to the mayor of Blue Island, and the local Representatives and Congressmen, was blind sided by this announcement is a testament to our lack of community. How was it that no one knew what was about to happen?
People have mocked me when I mourned the closing of some mom and pop business on Western Avenue, but it’s not funny anymore. It’s no longer just one family needing to find another source of income. For the 1400 employees facing the possible loss of their jobs, and for the city of Blue Island as a whole, the closing of the hospital borders on catastrophe.
I will not suggest that we each donate $5.00 to St. Francis. That would be ridiculous. I ask that we each do what we are able to do. Call, write, and e-mail your local officials, your Representatives and Congressmen, St. Francis Hospital, the Sisters of Saint Mary, and the Archdiocese of Chicago. We must all fight not only for the hospital, but for our city as well.
Let me ask you this: What are you prepared to do?
Candace Carr
CARR home-garden-holiday
Twenty eight years ago, when we first moved here, the city was a thriving community with an active business district. Over the years we have witnessed the fall and rebirth and faltering again of the uptown business district, the increasing decay of our infrastructure, and the slow degeneration of our industrial base.
The announced closing of St. Francis Hospital has come as a huge blow to the residents of Blue Island. Some argue that it will make no difference to the city since St. Francis Hospital is a not-for-profit organization and does not pay real estate tax. Some say that the impact of losing over 1400 jobs will be minimal because there is a great demand for medical professionals of all kinds, and these people will easily find other employment. There are other hospitals in the area, although it’s clear that none are as convenient not only to our residents, but also to many of the surrounding cities and towns. However, the psychological impact of the closing and the effect on other local business is immeasurable. In a struggling city, the closing of yet another major employer is disheartening, and the uptown restaurants and stores will be losing a profitable source of business. As a business owner I realize that none of the above is a sound financial reason to keep an unprofitable hospital open.
Residents are concerned that many doctors who have offices in our city will close these offices in order to move closer to another hospital. The closing of the hospital will no doubt result in an increased strain on other nearby hospitals, and a general decrease in the quality of healthcare in the south suburban area. The increased travel time and expense to the next closest hospital will no doubt result in an increased loss of life. The ultimate cost of the closing of the hospital will be much greater than the $20 million a year that the hospital is said to be losing.
The long term solution will be difficult. However, if a long term solution is not found, St. Francis Hospital will be another casualty in the ongoing national health care crisis, as will the people who have depended on St. Francis to provide quality medical care.
The fact that everyone, from the janitors at St. Francis, to the doctors, to myself, to my neighbors and neighboring businesses, to the mayor of Blue Island, and the local Representatives and Congressmen, was blind sided by this announcement is a testament to our lack of community. How was it that no one knew what was about to happen?
People have mocked me when I mourned the closing of some mom and pop business on Western Avenue, but it’s not funny anymore. It’s no longer just one family needing to find another source of income. For the 1400 employees facing the possible loss of their jobs, and for the city of Blue Island as a whole, the closing of the hospital borders on catastrophe.
I will not suggest that we each donate $5.00 to St. Francis. That would be ridiculous. I ask that we each do what we are able to do. Call, write, and e-mail your local officials, your Representatives and Congressmen, St. Francis Hospital, the Sisters of Saint Mary, and the Archdiocese of Chicago. We must all fight not only for the hospital, but for our city as well.
Let me ask you this: What are you prepared to do?
Candace Carr
CARR home-garden-holiday
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